DVLA test: Henson 9000 or Humphrey 720i machine?

[sunrisesunset]

Hello,

My dad was recently diagnosed with normal/low pressure (17) glaucoma in both eyes. He's been asked to book his DVLA eye test but we don't know which specsavers to choose. They have different machines. Should we go with the Henson 9000 or Humphrey 720i machine? Does the type of machine matter?

At specsavers and the Moorfields eye hospital, he used the machine where you focus on the red dots and don't move your eyes. Thanks in advance.

Kind regards

[NewSh0e]

hi there I can’t comment on the machine type but I can share my post of a few months ago which I hope will be of some use

healthunlocked.com/glaucoma...

Best wishes

Kate

[sunrisesunset in reply to NewSh0e]

Thank you. I'll send it for him to read

[Dumyat26]

I must say, having been diagnosed with open angle G in both eyes 10 years ago, I have never experienced the difficulties described by Katie . Maybe just been lucky but here is my experience.

I am sent a letter from DVLA, previously every 3 years, but recently every year. Never have found the reason for that. I always scan and save a copy the letter.

I have always used our nearest Specsavers in Stirling, 6 miles from where we live.

I have never been asked for identification such as passport or utility bill.

In fact the DVLA letter states to take the letter with you as there is an identification number which is on the letter and is used by Specsavers in their report.

Have never found any difficulty with noise as test is done in a booth with screen. Our Specsaver branch recommends that DVLA appointments are booked in early morning soon after opening at 9am when the shop is quieter.

Have no idea what machine is used and it has never occurred to me to find out. In any case the next nearest branches are 20 to 30 miles away so don't see the point of adding the extra angst of comparing machines.

I always get a printout, usually offered, and only once have I had to ask. The only exception to that was on the only test I got over the Covid period and I assumed that was due to the restrictions.

At my most recent test, last October, I had already done the full FofV test at our hospital eye clinic and had a printout of that.

At Specsavers I was allowed numerous tests with and with distance specs, which I use for driving. In my experience there should be no need to worry about spec frames getting in the way as the DVLA FofV test is only really testing an area of vision required for driving and does not include the upper and lower areas. In fact I would guess that if frames were restricting your view in the test, then they would be unsuitable for driving, so I'm sure most if not all farames are designed with this in mind.

I stopped after three tests but was offered more if I wanted. All the printouts were good and comparible with the hospital one, I was pretty sure that I would pass, and the assistant agreed.

Having said all that there is no doubt that this is a stressful experience, both waiting for the test and especially waiting for DVLA response.

[sunrisesunset in reply to Dumyat26]

Thank you. We'll go for a quieter time. By coincidence, an optician mentioned my 9am appointment next month (glasses collection) is a quiet time.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello.

The Henson machine requires you to start looking at a central light and press a button every time you see another light appear. You then move your focus to a red light either to your right or left, and press the button when you see other lights appearing. The red light then moves to the opposite side, where you continue pressing the button, when lights appear.

The Humprey machine requires you to look at a central light for the whole test and press the button, every time you see another light appear. This is likely to be the one your father uses at the hospital.

[sunrisesunset in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Yes, he'd prefer the machine he's used to. Thank you.

[KayGeeBee]

I prefer the Humphrey. Please see my reply to another post here healthunlocked.com/glaucoma...

[sunrisesunset in reply to KayGeeBee]

Thanks. My dad said he'd like the machine similar to the ones he's used before, so Humphrey it is. The test is booked. Now all I can do is pray.

[KayGeeBee in reply to sunrisesunset]

The flashes are brighter than the ones at the hospital and they are at a slightly slower pace so it's not too stressful. The test takes about five minutes but it seems that we have to take it a minimum of twice now which came as a surprise to me, so 10 minutes in total. We can take it a third time if the optician thinks it is beneficial, but I'm not sure of the criteria they use to decide that.

[sunrisesunset in reply to KayGeeBee]

Thanks. I was wondering why it was 5 minutes long. At least you have two chances, just in case something goes wrong the first time.

I'm so nervous and I'm not even sitting the test myself! If he lost his licence, my parents would be financially screwed. He needs his car for work.

[Safehaven23 in reply to KayGeeBee]

Unfortunately they sometimes use the wrong programme and the flashes fade away to invisible - this is lack of proper training in the branch. Always report it.

"The DVLA have told us in the past that any complaints regarding branches and how the tests are done, should be reported to them. They will then look into it and approach the branch to discuss training issues.

Our professional teams have regular meetings with the DVLA and pass on any problems/ complaints directly to them at these meetings and look into ways of helping to change/improve the clients experience.

If you wish to contact the DVLA their email is [e-mail]."

[sunrisesunset]

Thank you, everyone. I pray I can update this thread with good news someday soon.🙏