DVLA: taking the doubt out of notifying them?

[Beecalmed]

Having read countless posts from individuals receiving a glaucoma diagnosis and not knowing whether they need to inform DVLA, I have wondered why Consultants aren’t required to shove a DVLA notification form firmly into your hand if you have a diagnosis of glaucoma in both eyes. It would take the confusion out of things.

So often at diagnosis you are in a state of shock and you grasp onto any positives. You may not mention driving at all. Or your consultant may say you are fit to drive. You are rarely so on the ball to ask the specific question: do I need to inform DVLA? I do wonder how many glaucoma patients with a diagnosis in both eyes are currently driving around untested, under the radar and thereby breaking the law?

Being handed a form at diagnosis would clarify things. Does anyone else think this would be a good idea?

[Maisie79]

On reflection it seems strange that my consultant didn’t mention it. I probably looked like I was teetering on the edge already though.. She did ask me if I drove but that was all. I didn’t have the sense about me to ask. It didn’t occur to me & I wouldn’t have known had it not been pointed out to me on here. Curious business.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

The V1 form can only be obtained from the DVLA as they need to make sure it is necessary before they send the paper form. Alternatively the driver can apply online.

Consultants can get it wrong. There have been times when someone has been told to contact the DVLA when it wasn't needed as they only have glaucoma in one eye, and the vision in the other eye is not affected by any other form of vision issues. Then the poor person has opened up a can of worms and has to go through the whole rigmarole of having to attend a Specsavers when it wasn't necessary and given a 3 year medical licence.

It can take a number of tries to get their full licence back and not need to attend Specsavers every 3 years.

The responsibility to contact the DVLA has always been on the driver. The consultant is not obliged to tell them to do so, although we are hearing from callers that more consultants are doing this. The only time this tends to happen is when they feel the person shouldn't be driving for safety reason.

Most hospitals will or should have our publications including one of driving and glaucoma.

[Beecalmed in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish! Your comments make sense. Just wanted to see if there was a solution to help us at diagnosis point and reduce the stress. Not all of us will seek out information from Glaucoma Uk website sadly, but we’re very lucky and grateful we have the forum to ask these questions about notifying DVLA . Thank you! 🙂

[RUPERT44]

My consultant told me of the need to contact DVLA but made it clear that he did not want to be involved. In fact he said that the DVLA would act as sole judge and jury in the matter !!!!

[muddledme]

Yes, I understand that it is the patient's duty to contact the DVLA if needed, but it certainly did not occur to me either until I happened to find a Glaucoma UK brochure at the eye clinic many months later.

Sadly when I went to the eye clinic at the hospital last year there were no leaflets at all on display but a note saying to ask at reception if any were wanted. If there was a big poster in the clinic or at the opticians to explain when there is a need to inform the DVLA that would be useful.

My mother was severely injured by a motorist who was recovering from an eye operation, he was a friend of hers and I always had the feeling that he just had not realised the danger. He then had to live with the knowledge of his actions, and my mother was permanently disabled.

In theory I can see Trish's reasons but unfortunately the system does not seem to work, if just one persons life or disability could be avoided then maybe a better system would help. What happens in other countries ? There are several people on the forum from all over the world, so it would be interesting to hear.

[Jaffacakejane]

Its 2 years since I was first seen at the hospital for glaucoma. Consultant confirmed glaucoma in left eye and put me on drops for both eyes which is controlling pressure.

I’ve then only been seen by the virtual glaucoma clinic ( they do tests but I don’t see consultant) and they told me that I had glaucoma in both eyes, so I informed DVLA, did the test at Specsavers. which I passed.

Last month I received a letter from the hospital…. First written report in the two years, that said I had glaucoma in left and ocular hypertension in right. Does that mean I should have told DVLA or not? It’s very confusing. I may not have needed to do so.

I guess these dvla tests will ensure I am completely ok to drive and be safe on roads but there was no information given to me at the hospital at all. Nothing. I have learnt everything from glaucoma uk

[Carnationmac]

I was diagnosed with Closed Angle Glaucoma about 3 years ago, Consultant didn’t say anything about informing DVLA, however, my GP looked at the notes and said I had to inform DVLA as both eyes affected. Passed my field test, medical license issued, insurance informed. Now I have on my records is suspect Glaucoma and didn’t need to inform DVLA. Oh well, I have and yes it’s a nuisance having to go for test etc, but I’d rather be safe, covered by insurance and DVLA, fingers x nothing happens with me driving, but a least I’m covered and insurance or DVLA can’t say they didn’t know 🤗

[Longwalks3]

Thank you for posting this. I have had my licence revoked and although this has been really difficult I accept that it us necessary for safety reasons.

[Beecalmed in reply to Longwalks3]

Longwalks thank you for sharing and so sorry to hear about your licence.

I’m up for renewal later this year and although I’ve just been checked privately, which I do so I know my status and been told I should be fit to drive, I always feel anxious doing the DVLA test every 3 yrs. I know I’m going to lose my license at some point, just always hope it’s not today. 🤞🏻 I hope I can be as pragmatic and as brave as you are when I do! Sending you my very best wishes!

[Longwalks3 in reply to Beecalmed]

Thanks for your kind words. I have actually surprised myself with how I have adapted 3 years on from losing my licence and I am fine with my situation most of the time. I am lucky enough to live in the West Midlands in a suburban setting with an adequate bus and train service and I am learning to use Ubers! I am also blessed with an accommodating husband and many very kind friends who give me lifts. I have become shameless about asking for help and people are always pleased to pick me up when I do. If you do eventually lose your licence you are entitled to a free bus /train pass. I use mine a lot and feel smugly green 😀.