Appealing DVLA test results

[Ritatali]

Hi all, I have only recently become aware of this forum, and I'm looking for some advice. I was diagnosed with glaucoma 8 years ago at age 46. I've now had trabeculectomy in both eyes, last one 18 months ago. I've been doing the yearly DVLA test for 3 years. Late December last year I did the annual test and my license was revoked in January. I have been suffering from acute anxiety and depression, so at the time of getting the results I didn't appeal, but am wondering if I can do so now. The Specsavers I went to was miles away, and they only tested twice, once with glasses on and once with glasses off, previously they always tested 3 times. I didn't receive the test results. I spoke to my eye clinic liaison officer yesterday and she said that my visual acuity is great and was surprised I had my licence revoked. I live in a semi rural area, and as the only driver in the house, this has had a huge impact on me. Any advice gratefully received.

[Iona57]

Hi Ritatali, Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry you lost your license.

There is very good information about the DVLA eye test appeals etc on the Glaucoma UK website, so I'd strongly suggest looking at that. If I remember rightly, you could arrange to do a DVLA test privately with your own optician, or any other which does it ( you would pay ) If that result is a Pass, you could send that off to the DVLA, who may then invite you to get checked out again at specsavers.

Unfortunately visual acuity doesn't necessarily mean you won't fail the visual fields test. Following a cataract operation in Dec 2022 I now have 20/20 vision on the eye chart test. However, on the visual fields test I show a significant blind spot in the upper left side, as well as some missed points just off centre, So sadly I lost my license this February.

Good luck with trying to sort this out.

[Ritatali in reply to Iona57]

Thank you, will check out the website 🙂

[Hidden]

Hi Ritatali, sorry to hear your circumstances. I have experience of my licence being revoked due to failing DVLA test at SPECSAVERS, but not trabeculectomy. The whole process caused me to become depressed and having a feeling that there was little help out there, besides my friends on this site and my colleagues, family & friends to take me places. I can understand why you delayed appealing. I paid out a considerable amount of money to meet the stated deadlines on practising the test, buying frameless glasses, paying for recorded deliveries, phone calls to DVLA. The two suggestions I would advise are try a different SPECSAVERS and enlist the help of your MP. Although my MP was well aware that he did not get my vote, his secretary was extremely supportive. She spoke to the DVLA on my behalf. At the time, I was travelling 30 miles after work, to care for my elderly mother in a very rural area with no buses, when she had a crisis. There is also a facebook group for those suffering a range of medical issues, which will support you with current names to contact. Try the email address which GLAUCOMA UK recommend first. It is my opinion that the DVLA documentation is confusing as it is not targeted at individuals and does not explain the reasoning behind the time limit. Good luck with this daunting process.

[Ritatali in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your detailed reply, I am significantly daunted by the process, but am going to give it a go 🙂

[swanlady123]

Im so sorry to hear of your experience and all others who have lost licences - terrible impact on living !!. Trouble is we all all just "faceless numbers" in someone elses workday & noone cares about what their decisions cause to us- ......next....then its my lunch!......

Just wish the same attention & severity was given to the many cycle users on roads who have no training no age limit no lights & hands free on mobile phones! Far greater danger I am certain than most glaucoma people!!

Sorry to rant but such injustices really make me cross!!!!

Really feel for you.

[Ritatali in reply to swanlady123]

Totally agree with you, the amount of dangerous road users out there, makes me cross too. Thank you for responding, I've really felt like I'm going through this alone 😔

[swanlady123]

Bless you - trust me I understand that feeling about being alone with stuff & i hope a way forward with present itself. Good luck.

[Christian636]

Go to Facebook and join this "UK medical driving holder" A lot of dvla doctors are there to tell you what to do.

[Ritatali in reply to Christian636]

Thank you 😊