Field Test

[Tigdad]

Just about to have DVLA field test at Specsavers. Is the test at Specsavers different to the one carried out by my Consultant ?

[JanD236]

Yes it’s a much easier test than the one at the consultants.

You have both eyes open for the Specsavers test and the lights that flash up are at a much brighter level.

Good luck!

[Tigdad in reply to JanD236]

Thanks for that! You would not believe in over 20 years with glaucoma and seeing numerous consultants ( including privately) my last one was the first to advise me to notify the DVLA! Perhaps I should have known !

[JanD236 in reply to Tigdad]

I’d had glaucoma for a number of years but wasn’t told to advise DVLA until both eyes were affected. At that point I had a blind spot in each eye and it was possible these overlapped (I’m pleased to say they didn’t). So maybe it’s a matter of degree?

[Nexxo]

I was diagnosed last year and was told I had to inform DVLA. I was like Jan and found the test easier than the one at the consultants. I also looked up glaucoma on the DVLA. Their website says

You don’t need to tell DVLA if you’re diagnosed with glaucoma in one eye and your other eye has a normal field of vision.

You must tell DVLA if your glaucoma affects one eye and either of the following also apply:

you have a medical condition in your other eye

you can’t meet the visual standards for driving

[Tigdad in reply to Nexxo]

Thanks for that info ! Who gives you the result Specsavers or DVLA ?

[Nexxo in reply to Tigdad]

The official result comes from DVLA by letter. I did ask the Specsavers guy and he said it was policy not to divulge the results to me BUT then said that I had scored 99% and UNOFFICIALLY I had nothing to worry about, but heavily caveated with the fact that it was a DVLA decision.

[Timothy_GlaucomaUK]

Hi Tigdad,

The DVLA field test is quite different from the one you would get done by your eye specialist. But, they are done on the same piece of equipment.

The purpose of the DVLA test is to ensure you meet the minimum required standard for driving. That is good peripheral (off-centre) vision on both sides and no significant central vision problem. As mentioned in some of the other comments, it is done with both eyes open and can be done with, or without your glasses. It is the same test for everyone and has a pass or fail result. You can request a copy of your test results if you wish.

The test you do with your consultant is to give an accurate picture and representation of how the glaucoma is affecting your retina. It tests each part of your retina individually and is continually changing its settings depending on your responses. This test is done one eye at a time.

Currently, Specsavers have the contract to provide the visual field tests for the DVLA. Although done inside Specsavers, it is all processed by the DVLA.

Please ask if you have any further questions.

Many thanks,

Timothy

[Hidden]

When I had mine done at Specsavers I done it with a patch coving one eye then changed the patch to the other eye

[Charliesaid in reply to Hidden]

That probably not the Esterman test which is usually requested by the DVLA

[Hidden in reply to Charliesaid]

My apologies

[Charliesaid]

The test requested by the DVLA is the binocular Esterman, which is different to the field test carried for glaucoma, which is usually a 24-2 test