Recently we have noticed more and more comments regarding your experiences at certain Specsaver branches, and your disappointment on how the tests were done.
Rather than responding to individual posts I have pinned this information for you all.
We have been told directly from the DVLA, that any concerns you have regarding your appointment at Specsavers, need to be conveyed to them. They will then contact the branch involved and review their training.
You can do this by contacting them on glaucomaqueries@dvla.gov.uk
Specsavers also have information at what to expect at the appointment in their website
I've not had personal experience of dealing with the DVLA re: a visual field test. However, I have dealt with the DVLA on other issues; the automated service appears to work reasonably well e.g. car tax, SORN and change of ownership, but anything involving a DVLA employee can be hard work.
I'm astonished to read that you can't walk out of Specsavers with the test results after a DVLA eye test. This means trusting Specsavers and the DVLA with the test results and no means to check if Specsavers or the DVLA have made an error e.g. used someone else's test results.
I have just read this - and it would have applied to me - my Consultant volunteered it all - but was ignored as far as I can tell...telephone interviews were not being offered inJul 2021.
"To be honest I don't know. During the phone interview, they basically wanted me to confirm that my glaucoma had remained stable since the last renewal and that I hadn't had any change to my medication. No mention was made of distance vision. However, when filling the online form in, it did say something about being able to read a number plate at the specified distance (with specs if you normally wear them) so if you're able to say yes when filling in the form I suspect they won't raise that in the telephone interview. I think the critical thing is confirmation that your glaucoma has remained stable. I was able to say that I had been having regular checks and there had been no change so I guess it would be best if you're able to say something along those lines. Incidentally I mentioned that my medication had changed but only to replace the existing mediation with the preservative-free version of that particular medication. They were happy with that. I'm not sure what would have happened if I had been switched from one medication to a different one since the last licence renewal."
There are so many complaints about the DVLA test and the lack of training/knowledge of the staff carrying them out - unless everyone writes to DVLA this will never be investigated.
I was asked today if it had been reported to the Health Ombudsman - as so widespread. I do not know the answer but certainly sounds a route to follow as the situation has not improved at all to date. I will quote some information I received with the addresses to use :
"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 glaucomaqueries@dvla.gov.uk."
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Visual field test for DVLA
DVLA Visual Field Test
DVLA Field Test Machines
DVLA Help
DVLA & Specsavers
