DVLA decision

[CUFCblues]

Hi everyone,

Diagnosed with open angle glaucoma about 2 years ago, no sign of it up until then despite frequent eye checks by opthalmology clinic at hospital due to diabetic retinopathy.

Licence was due for renewal so dvla asked for binocular field vision test at Specsavers, told after test by opticians that result was borderline so would have to wait on dvla decision, got letter last week to say that test wasn't satisfactory so my licence has been revoked, eyesight was fine other than that so really feel disappointed but understand that if they feel that I'm not safe to drive then so be it.

Only 4 weeks ago asked ophthalmologist if they thought my sight was fine for driving, they said no problems as far as they were concerned as had done well on hospital field test machine and eyesight was above what you need to drive.

I'm carer for my wife so this has come as a disappointment and tbh I'm feeling really down about things, spoke with consultants secretary who has arranged another field vision test at hospital so will see what they have to say then. Just looking to ask if others have been through thus ordeal then managed to get dvla to reverse the decision.

Many thanks for reading my post.

[Jazzers]

Hi

I'm really sorry to hear that you had your licence revoked. I've been on a 1 year recall for DVLA test for past 6 years. It is extremely stressful (I had another test yesterday at Specsavers so I'm now once again in waiting mode).

Just a few points in case you aren't aware. The visual field test done by your ophthalmologist or optician to check on your glaucoma progression is very different from the DVLA test. Not just because the DVLA (Esterman) test is done using both eyes but it is done over a much wider field. Hospital tests generally concentrate on a relatively narrow central vision field and don't look beyond that, whereas DVLA covers 160 degrees and they require 120 degree vision (although it can be 70 degrees to one side and 50 to the other). The reason I say this is that if you are going to repeat another hospital visual field test then I suggest you ask them to carry out an Esterman test and review this with your ophthalmologist rather than the usual 24 degree test because that is the test result DVLA have assessed.

DVLA require you to satisfy 3 criteria from the test. 1) Visual acuity (standard eye "reading " test - it sounds from what you've written that you'll have passed this....2) visual field central 20 degree circle 3) visual field test peripheral area (the 120 degree vision I mentioned earlier). The other issue that can cause a failure is if the test isn't carried out properly - ice, with high levels of errors and if this was the case the Specsavers technician should have explained that. You are allowed 3 attempts at the test so I hope that Specsavers encouraged you to do this at the time.

The details and assessment criteria for this is all on the DVLA website and there have been lots of good discussion inputs on this forum over recent years you can review.

Although I've passed each of my tests (just) so far, my understanding is that in the event of failure you can undergo the test again. I'm guessing they will have set that out in the letter you sent to you.

I hope you are able to review an Esterman test with your consultant and gain a better understanding of any limitations you have. I also hope as you are borderline, you are able to successfully redo the test.

Best wishes

[CUFCblues in reply to Jazzers]

Many thanks indeed Jazzers for your thorough explanation.

Definitely will ask for same test to be carried out at hospital then review with Ophthalmologist.

Visual acuity plus central vision were all good, just peripheral vision is where lights were missed, score was 86/120 so missed fair few.

Will appeal if hospital tests go well so will no doubt have to go back to Specsavers at some point, really hoping your test results will be all good so you get your licence renewed. Again many thanks for your detailed reply, its much appreciated.

[Supersec]

If the DVLA revoke your licence because of the results of the test done at Specsavers, you are allowed to submit a repeat test done by an independent optometrist (at your own expense). This should be explained in the letter you receive from the DVLA asking you to return your licence. Unfortunately though following this the DVLA may then ask you to go back to Specsavers for another test! . I have had my licence revoked twice in 10 years (with successful tests in between) but have had it restored both times after submitting another test. Unfortunately this all takes time which means you could be without your licence for two or three months.