DVLA Field Test Machines

[Eahldt]

I have to book a DVLA eye test because of glaucoma in both eyes. I've been offered a choice of 4 branches of Specsavers - Huddersfield, Keighley, Bradford and Batley. Does anyone have recent experience of doing the test at any of these branches and using the machines there or at any other branch? The machines are: Humphrey 740i / Zeiss HFA3 830 / Henson 6000. Thanks for your help.

[bobbybeech]

My experience of a Humphrey is that you have to fix your eyes on a light in the centre of the screen which does not move, whereas with Henson 9000 (don't know if it's the same with a 6000) you have to follow a red light which moves around and stops in various areas of the screen. Hope that helps.

[Eahldt in reply to bobbybeech]

Thanks. The Humphrey sounds like the one I'm used to at the eye clinic.

[Crazycatlady27]

I had mine done in September in Middlesbrough. Can’t remember which machine, maybe Zeiss or Humphrey. Was fine, just like a normal vf test but with both eyes and glasses on. They don’t tell you any results on the day. You have to wait for letter from dvla. Good luck

[Eahldt in reply to Crazycatlady27]

Thanks. I hope you passed.

[Crazycatlady27 in reply to Eahldt]

Thanks I did. Hope you do ok too. It is a worry though

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Good afternoon. Yes this is correct. Zeiss actually make the Humphrey machines, so Zeiss HFA stands for Humphrey Field analyser it's just a different model but has the same test. The Humphrey machines are usually the ones used in the hospitals, where you fixate on a central light. With the Henson machine you start off looking at a central light and then need to look to your right at a red light and then left while pressing a button every time you see another light appear.

[Eahldt in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks that's very helpful. I think I'll go for somewhere with the Humphrey or Zeiss model as that's what I'm used to.

[Hidden]

I found this post very informative.

[Hidden]

Hi, just had my Specsavers field test today …..the DVLA gave me 3 branch options each branch with a different type of test equipment = Zeiss, Henson 600 and Henson 900, I used the web/ YouTube to investigate the different machines and which was the best\easiest. I have always used the Zeiss at my glaucoma clinic appointments, however after reading up on them I decided to go with the Henson900, I actually went to the branch to make the appointment and discuss the equipment, the assistant was brilliant and actually showed me the equipment in action - I was immediately impressed with how easy it was compared to the Zeiss. I felt at ease doing the test and I passed on the first attempt 100%. If you are nervous or unsure which test equipment to select, go on the web and do some research or even better as I did go to the branch explain you are nervous and ask to see it before your test. It certainly worked for me ….. GOOD LUCK!