DVLA VFT Clarification

[nstewart61]

Hi all, I submitted a post around 10 days ago titled, 'deteriorating glaucoma?' having just had my driving licence revoked after a Specsavers VFT.

I've now got my results of that test and can now see where I failed to meet the required standard. In fact the first attempt would likely have been a pass had I not had 4 false clicks. Tests 2 & 3 showed a line of 6 missed lights on the 20 degree line below the centre line, 3 in each lower quadrant, apart from these there were only 6 missed lights at irregular intervals around the very outside of the test area. My Optometrist will assess these results when he sees me for further tests later this month.

My question is; when I took this test I fixated my gaze on the centre light at all times as was the requirement on my previous dvla vft 5 years ago. I have now read, on the Specsavers website, and in a Youtube video linked to Glaucoma UK, that you can move your eyes but not your head. My results also state that the Fixation monitor was switched off for my test so Fixation Losses would not have been recorded had I allowed my eyes to move around the test area.

Can someone advise please, as I'm now thinking that if you can move your eyes around the test area then my results could have been so different?

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello nstewart61

I have just checked the Specsavers websites and it states: "You are not required to move your head during the test, just your eyes"

I have also viewed our Video on the Specsaver test for the DVLA.

The fixation that moves would only be for the Henson, and you would only follow that light for a very small period.

Other VFT machines such as the Humphrey or Zeiss do not have a moving light and you would concentrate on the fixation light and not move your eyes while acknowledging the lights

[Hidden]

Thank - you for bringing this to our attention again. The instructions are confusing enough without inconsistencies due to different machines. This assessment seems weighted against the driver. If only those responsible realised the misery and depression caused as a result of this less than perfect assessment. There are so many factors which affect the outcome. Don't give up and I hope you have another attempt on the optimum machine for you.