DVLA field of vision test

[Monocular]

I have done many vision field tests and have never had any problems with them being done in quiet comfortable conditions. My recent DVLA field at Specsavers was very stressful and my performance was greatly hindered because of the following:

The Zeiss HFA 3830 test machine was at the back of the shop, cramped in the corner of an area, without a door. This area had other equipment close to the test machine and I think it was being used by some members of staff during my test. They were talking quite loudly and really affected my concentration.

I am blind in my right eye so only my left eye was being tested. In the past I have always placed chin on the left chin rest but this time I was asked to place my chin on the pointy midpoint of the W shape between the left and right chin rests. This unusual procedure really stressed me but the operator insisted it was to keep my chin in the middle. If any members with monocular vision have done the DVLA test, please let me know where your chin was positioned.

The third problem was the fact you have to focus on the light on the screen. My varifocal glasses were not suited to the distance of the light so the light was blurred. In previous tests the pop up lens on the machine has provided the correct prescription to bring the light into focus but this could not be used because my chin was not on the rest.

When the test was running I could see either the mechanism or the shadow of it moving back and forth on the top of the screen. My sight was distracted to this instead of the light.

My advice to any anyone due the test is to visit the Specsavers before booking and if not satisfied with the set-up try a different branch. My test three years ago was perfectly satisfactory.

[Jennymary]

That is absolutely disgusting, the staff there should have known a member of the public was using the machine and acted accordingly. A few years ago at a hospital appt I was taken to the machine, the orange bulb wasn't working, consequently no light in the centre to look at, I told the staff this, but they didn't listen, can't remember the outcome though

[mrswaffle]

Good advice. I think I would have been inclined to stop the test and explained why it was impractical, uncomfortable and the conversation going on was a distraction. Unfortunately, lack of consideration for others is not limited to situations like this - especially old people. I am a bit stern looking when in non-smiley mode, so people tend to take me seriously when I say I’m not happy.

[Monocular in reply to mrswaffle]

As suggested by MrsWaffle, I did consider walking out, but when your new licence is due shortly you get concerned about completing a test in time. I do not usually lack confidence but the insistence that I put my chin in the middle threw me more than anything. I felt obligated to follow the instructions of the DVLA-approved tester, even though it did not seem correct to me.

[Safehaven23 in reply to Monocular]

Similar experience that I had - the operator had never done the test before! Now have to go for another test - all Specsavers in area bar one use Humphreys - one uses Zeiss and I would really like to know the difference between the two before I book. I certainly did not have a steady light before - and know that is supposed to be the one for the DVLA test,

[Charliesaid]

I'm so sorry to hear about your experience at your optician.

I'm an Ophthalmic Technician for the NHS, and my trust do the occasional fields test for the DVLA.

The person doing your test should have moved the chin rest in order for your chin to rest in the dip. As for the lens, we do the test both with and without the patient wearing their glasses, as the frames can sometimes obstruct the patients peripheral vision.

If the equipment is in a shared room, then they should have waited until the other person had finished before conducting your test.

The pop up lens is a liquid lens and that's why it can adapt to your prescription as your prescription is entered into the HFA.

I would ask for the test to be repeated with someone else and in a quiet room.

[mrswaffle in reply to Charliesaid]

Very useful info. Thank you.

[Safehaven23 in reply to Charliesaid]

Zeiss or Humphrey - which do you recommend? I know the test did not use a static light on the flashes before ...and believe that was a Humphrey.

[Beecalmed]

That sounds like a truly upsetting experience! Thanks for the warning and sensible suggestion to check before the test. I’m due for my 3 year medical driving license review sometime this year. The last was my first test and was at spec savers. I also had staff talking next to me whilst the test was taking place. I also found it very distracting. I mentioned it and I think they said I could take the test again, sorry my memory is poor on what the outcome was. I’ve once experienced my variofocal glasses prescription being input wrongly prior to a field test once but that was at the hospital and I refused to take the test till they sorted it out. I dislike being perceived a psin but I will dig my heels in if I think something is unfair or not right. Consequently it was a very stressful and upsetting test and my test results were affected, but in that case, the consultant took it into consideration. If these issues happened on your test for your driving license then that is outrageous as the results may decide whether you are licensed to drive. Loss of a driving license can be life changing for many, so spec savers staff need to know who is doing one and be ultra considerate. I feel very aggrieved on your behalf and I hope you get your license. On the monocular aspect, I can’t help, but that doesn’t seem correct either. The machines are geared up to test either one eye at a time or both eyes simultaneously. It makes no sense to me to put your chin in the middle just because you have monocular vision. I would get advice from an independent optician on this. Will you write to spec savers about your experience? Thanks again for sharing.

[Legalguy]

Got my first test tomorrow. Extremely apprehensive. The loss of my driving licence would be a personal and professional catastrophe

[Jennymary in reply to Legalguy]

Good luck wishes for tomorrow

[dilwynev]

Could I ask! Have you reported your experience at Specsavers . I will await your reply before I comment further .

[dilwynev]

Sorry I should have asked if you had reported your experience to the DVLA.

[Monocular in reply to dilwynev]

I have not complained to the DVLA or Specsavers. There are long delays in every large organisation in the country and I do not want decisions on my results being held up in an investigation. If I have not demonstrated that I am medically fit to drive then my licence should be cancelled. Complaining is not going to make the DVLA pass me just because I am upset by the test procedure. The best possible result is that I pass and the worst is that I have to do more tests. I anxiously await the post every day.

[Dogtired19]

I’m afraid that long delays are to be expected. In my case I reported to the DVLA that I was diagnosed with Glaucoma in both eyes in June 2020, was requested to book a Specsavers’s appointment in December 2020 and went in December. I have recently had a letter from the DVLA to say as I hadn’t been to Specsavers, my licence would be revoked if I didn’t contact the DVLA. Fortunately I got through to the DVLA by phone and they will investigate and I can still drive (and sight ok for driving was confirmed by my consultant again in March). I have been trying to find out the progress this week but the DVLA aren’t taking calls, tried 22 times according to my phone! and webchat is not appropriate for medical license queries. I found that the Specsavers test took place in a room with other people and distractions in it. I was only given one test and the staff member seemed very inexperienced so I will be ready to appeal should my license be revoked.

Good luck all.

[Monocular in reply to Dogtired19]

Staff at the Swansea DVLA site were on strike in April in a dispute over Covid safety concerns. The strike action is being repeated for 4 more days from today, 4 May 2021.

The union is calling for a reduction in the number of staff who need to go into the office to work after concerns were raised following many coronavirus cases last year.

[Christian636]

Did you get the driving licence at the end?

[Monocular in reply to Christian636]

I did the test on the 19 April 2021 and I had no communication from the DVLA by the beginning of October. I went back to the Specsavers branch to ask if they were sure that the forms were sent to the DVLA. The lady confirmed that they had been sent and she would contact them for me. I received my new licence about a week later and was very grateful for her help.

I did not complain to Specsavers about the test procedure, but I learned to be more assertive for my next test in 2024.

[Safehaven23]

I have - just now - been in touch with Specsavers to enquire about a different Specsavers to use in my area - to ensure that this one is aware they should use a static flashing light test and be familiar with the test as a whole before making an appointment. Due to the Operator two years ago I was failed - my Consultant later confirmed to me that my visual field had not changed in the 3 years since having Cataracts removed - which improved my sight anyway of course. I went onto Specsavers website to enquire whether they ALL know the correct MO now - via their Chat with an Expert. She said she could not help as does not know my area...I quoted the letter from DVLA today saying to contact them direct with queries - surely someone at head office is au fait with the procedure of the test. Slight pause then was sent their Customer Relations email address and a telephone number to ring the DVLA! Got me absolutely nowhere - and of course have to make an appointment within time limit or DVLA revoke my Licence for good..two years I have been waiting and still they are not organised. Everyone on here - you must write to the Customer Relations dept with all the complaints and variations in the test throughout the country, they need to be deluged. The DVLA also needs to know - the number she gave me to ring them was 0345 4501828 I was led to believe a big shakeup was underway and the DVLA would be in charge of ensuring all Specsavers branches work to the same criteria and if not - why not! I am in despair.