Telephone number given by Specsavers HQ in order to ring the DVLA direct - as the difficulties with the Visual Field Tests need reporting.

[Safehaven23]

0345 4501828

We need to ensure each Branch is following the correct criteria for the Test and when contacting branches direct find they are unable to confirm as telephone reception has no knowledge of it and cannot help. She advised we ring this number so they can take it up with any branch in question. Unless everyone does this they will be unaware of the problem - and more people will be failed as a result.

[PeterRabbit62]

Thank you will save for future use

[Shefflass]

Thank you. I was looking for this as I'm about to book my first DVLA test. I took advice given on here and rang the 3 nearest Specsavers listed to ask if they give copies of the field test results as this is, I think, important in case of problems down the line. They were all surprised to be asked and I explained that I understood that they had a duty to provide one if asked for it and the reasons why. The first one has only just started doing the testing and is ringing me back. The second was rather rude and very dismissive whilst assuring me that they are not allowed to give out copies and have no way of doing so. When I asked further questions they eventually reluctantly and rudely said if I wanted a copy I would have to ask Specsavers central office for it afterwards. The third one was very helpful, said they don't normally give a copy but asked why I wanted one. When I explained that Glaucoma UK advised it was sensible in case of any future need to appeal the DVLA decision they readily agreed with me and said it was no problem to provide the copy. I wasn't surprised given other people's experiences on here with Specsavers but it just makes a stressful situation even worse. I'll definitely be raising it with them.

[Safehaven23]

Anyone who has experienced problems with the test...for example the flashing light not set at static brightness throughout - or a refusal to supply a copy of it before leaving the store..or anything else relevant and contrary to what is spcificed by the DVLA - please let them know or nothing will be done about it. It has to come from them. Or as someone suggested to me we should approach the Health Ombudsman ourselves - as this is so important to our lives.

[swanlady123]

I so agree!! its a disgrace how Specsavers treat such an important and possibly very life changing procedure and decision so lightly! They get paid for it but clearly alot of staff either not trained enough or just blase attitude!!!!! Thanks for tel number.

[NewCardinal]

I always ask for a copy of results and have always been given one. Are you aware that although Specsavers is a brand business; they are all individually owned businesses (like a franchise)? That's why it's so difficult to get consistency.

[Dorsetjohn]

This is my experience of varied Specsavers branches, my licence was revoked after an unsatisfactory FVT test at a designated branch of Specsavers. I had the same problems as others, test done in a busy corridor, curtain not drawn and most importantly the chin rest was not moved and I was told to rest my chin on the pointy bit between the two monocular positions, and not copy offered.

I lost my licence for two months and appealed had two more tests at other branches (completely different experiences) and both ok and copy offered automatically . Had to contact [e-mail] for help as DVLA were useless.

So I'm glad that Specsavers HQ have noted that several of it's franchisees haven't got a scooby of the correct procedure, and I'm sure the DVLA are also aware of the variable nature of the test

[Safehaven23]

Lost my Licence July 2022 - then with aid of Consultant sent in Challenge and re-Application in March 2023. Last Monday I received letters from both Specsavers and DVLA in together. The first said to make an appointment witin 7 days - but DVLA letter said asap but within 8 weeks or Licence would be revoked permanently. Felt I had time to make an appointment for eye vision check up first - also to book a Community Car to get to nearest approved Specsavers - bit difficulty obtaining latter as no-one available due to illness etc and took a bit of back and forth. Decided not to worry as had 8 weeks but to my surprise after 5 days another letter from Specsavers saying I had not yet booked and unless heard from me within the 7 days it would all be cancelled! So it seems it does not matter what DVLA letter says! Started ringing again and finally got an appointment someone can take me to this morning...no time for eye check up first of course! When I rang the Specsavers branch it was answered by another one some distance away who say they offer the booking service as the other branch is too small and too busy to do it themselves...the lady was kind and helpful but had to make notes for someone else to pick up. Confirmation email came later but it never mentioned DVLA test - confirmed my appointment made as if a normal check up and new glasses may be required.. along with Health Questionnaire...asking if I had any other eye problems! Tick box yes or no - no option to write in Glaucoma and DVLA test so responded to email confirming these facts and hope that has been recorded when I get there today! It does not offer confidence...increased my stress levels this weekend - and left me thinking the DVLA have just left all this to Specsavers HQ - who never responded to my original mail to them - and they can effectifely do and say what they please. I hope this will be pased on to DVLA via Health Unlocked team - as they say they do have discussions with them!