HiI have recently done the esterman test at Specsavers. I was expecting it to be similar to the standard visual field test but with both eyes open.
However I was surprised to learn that the red light you focus on does not remain fixed in the centre but instead moves to the corners of the screen every minute or so. You are then given a couple of seconds to find it before the white lights start appearing again. What is the purpose of this?
Thanks.
well that’s interesting. I have my test in a couple of weeks. Did it feel a lot easier than the standard visual fields test?
Not really. I sometimes had problems finding the red light quickly enough when it moved.
I've doing the DVLA tests for 12 years and have never had to do that. Usually every 3 years, but had a spell where I was doing it annually. The focus light always remained static in the centre. As the DVLA test is mainly concerned with a FOV covering an "envelope" area I don't understand why this would be necessary.
Hello,
The machine you did the test on is the Henson.
During the test, a red light is moved around the visual field to detect any abnormalities in the patient’s vision. The movement of the light is used to map out the patient’s visual field and identify any areas of vision loss or defects.
The Henson is the only visual field test machine that has a moving light. Other visual field test machines such as the Ziess and Humphrey have a static light. These tend to be the ones used at hospitals but are also used at Opticians.
Ok. I didn't know that different machines worked in different ways. Surely there should be a standard test protocol that is the same for everyone.
Different branches have different VFT machines, but they all do the same job in acknowledging any abnormalities. When you received the letter from the DVLA it would have mentioned the type of VFT machine used at the branches. The Henson is the latest VFT machine. The Humphrey/ Zeiss has been around for much longer.
The majority of people do not know there is a difference. When they attend an appointment they should be told how the VFT machine works before beginning the test so there are no surprises. At your next DVLA test make sure the VFT used is the Zeiss or Humphrey if this is one you would be more familiar with.
Does the Henson track your eye movements to make sure you are actually fixated on the red light at all times?
This isnt something I can answer. It would be best to speak to the optometrist who will be able to advise you.
I call the Humphrey 'the clicker' as you click when you see the dot
Interesting, I have an Eastman test when I did mine and the red light stayed still throughout, mind you I have not done one since I was diagnosed 11 years ago I was lucky to get my licence back with no restrictions and I was able to do it in my local opticians which was also lucky because the nearest Specsavers is 60 miles round trip in either direction. Hope you get a good result
I was taken by surprise by the moving light when I did my test just before Christmas. Because of this, I was allowed an extra attempt, the 1st being classed as a practice. In fact, I actually had 5 attempts. The relief I felt when I was granted a 3 year license was the best Christmas present ever!
Had my test in early January at Specsavers and it was on the Henson machine ( moving Red light), which I found much easier than the Humphrey machine used at the Hospital eye clinic. I was fortunate did a web search on the Henson and also visited Specsavers a week before my test and they gave me a demonstration. So no surprises when I did the test … I got 100% and 6/12 on the eye chart test .. just waiting to get the formal results from DVLA.
I had the Henson last time I went. I found it much preferable to the normal static eye machine. I find I get eye strain on the normal screen. The Henson matches more the real world situation. When in a busy traffic situation your eyes are constantly looking for dangers to avoid. Coming up to a roundabout you are looking behind via your mirrors and then to the right and to the left. There are a lot of videos on YouTube on the subject, just search "esterman binocular visual field test" You will then probally know more than the Specsavers operator. youtu.be/oAiIDw4cygY?si=DHf...
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