Hello... I am new to this site and very concerned about the DVLA test. Does anybody have any advice about the choice of equipment that will be used. Zeiss Hf A3 820 Or Humphreys 720i or Humphreys 740i.
It seems different spec savers use different equipment...... which is the best... I find the Hospital ones very difficult/claustrophobic scary.
Any advice would help ... I am scared silly about losing my licence.
Thank you
I've been diagnosed with open-angle G for 10 years, with a 30% loss of FofV in one 10% in other. I can only speak for our local Specsavers. DVLA changed my licence renewal from 3 yearly to 1 yearly without explanation, which was worrying. So I get a Specsaver appointment annually.
The experience varies depending on who I deal with. At best I am offered 3 or 4 separate tests, with and without glasses. At last test, I had already done the same test at NHS eye clinic and passed with 99% score and given printout. So with Specsaver test I asked for printouts and could compare so was pretty confident that was OK.
But do ask for printout if not offered. You may need this if there is dispute with DVLA. Dealing with DVLA can be stressful as they are not good on communication, although I have heard that they are trying to improve.
Totally agree that it's the operator rather than the machine. I failed my first one due to lack of familiarity, a broken clicker and an operator who was in a rush and who gave poor instructions. I was a confident driver on all types of roads, so I was convinced I would pass. I was so tired after two attempts, I didn't use my third opportunity. Four months later my licence was revoked. I researched the procedure & practised at my opticians where it soon became obvious that my dark, thick rimmed specs obscured my vision. I bought rimless specs, but my results on this test are much better without spectacles. I passed on the subsequent two tests at another branch of Specsavers and I'm on a 5 year medical licence. I passed using a machine in a corridor operated by a friendly person, who allowed me to have copies of my results, unlike the first one when I failed. Get as much practice as possible, even if not a bilateral test. It was sheer determination to be independent that made the difference between borderline (as the first operator put it) and passing on subsequent attempts. Good luck to 120480.
According to my documentation I think the first SpecSavers that I went to about ten years ago used a Henson 9000. The only thing that I remember now is that I didn't like it, but I passed. The next time I chose a different SpecSavers which used a Humphrey 740i and although I have to use a strange head position, (chin and forehead each pressed against a ridge (it is really designed for testing each eye separately)), I much preferred it and have used this one each time since. I recently arranged a private DVLA eye test to reassure myself that my visual fields were still okay. It cost £35 at SpecSavers and they gave me all the paperwork to send off to the DVLA if I wished. As I saw all 120 points with no fails (twice) I didn't bother, but I have reassurance that my fields are currently okay. This time they didn't give me ear protectors to cut out extraneous distracting noise, but they did the prior time - I think they are good to use if available.
The Zeiss and Humphrey machines are very similar. Humphrey Visual field test machines tend to be the ones used at the eye clinic.
The only difference with the DVLA machine is that the brightness is constant, rather than changing from bright to dim.
Although the chin rest has a ridge, these can be moved left or right so that you shouldn't have to rest on the ridge which, I would imagine is very uncomfortable and off-putting.
You can have up to 3 tests at the same appointment if the operator thinks it necessary.
If your glasses have thick frames, you may be asked to do the test without the glasses, as they may obscure the flashing lights. Otherwise, you will need to do the test while wearing the glasses you use for driving.
If at anytime, during the test you don't feel comfortable, you can ask them to pause the test and once settled you can continue.
Always ask for copies of the VFT results at the time of the appointment.
You are entitled to these, although some Specsaver's decline. We have checked with the DVLA in the past, who have advised everyone is entitled to copies.
If there is a problem obtaining them, you can email the DVLA on glaucomaqueries@dvla.gov.uk and ask them to send you copies.
So we have to rely on the Operator using the right programme - ie static light..knowing the correct positions ...even had to remind mine to raise the chin rest - she admitted she had never done the test before and no-one around to help her! Neither did they offer me a printout - but did tell me I had to sign the screen to confirm I would buy new glasses if I needed them! I had only recently renews specs via Boots - whIch I prefer.
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