DVLA field tests

[Ninja124]

I have had glaucoma for over 30 years and my licence has had to be renewed every 3 year when I have to have a DVLA field test to renew my licence. I had my latest field test 16 months ago which I failed due to having 4 dots missing on the chart. My acuity is better than 20/20 vision and my pressures are 11 in both eyes. I attend hospital every 9 months for tests and a consultation. I have had cataract procedures and yag treatment in both eyes. I consider my eyesight to be excellent apart from having dry eyes which I take drops for. After my cataract treatment I started to have itchy eyes which I found I was having to rub to alleviate the itching. My question is could this rubbing of eyes have affected my field test results.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Rubbing your eyes will not affect the results, but the dry eyes could. Many people forget to blink during the visual field test or think they shouldn't because they may miss a light. This isn't the case, and a person must remember to blink. If you suffer from dry eyes it is even more important to do so. We recommend you use your dry eye drops at least 1/2 an hour before the eye test. This is so your eyes are well hydrated and lubricated and can help especially if you feel your vision is blurred due the dry eye and as mentioned you dont blink during the test. If you haven't done so already, you can make an informal appeal against their decision. Around 65% of people who appeal get their driving licence back.

[Ninja124 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Hi, thank you very much for your reply. I have already appealed but did not mention my dry eye problem.

[mrswaffle]

My multi-tasking ability is much reduced these days, however I find co-ordinating blinks with clicks, helps. I have now had field tests at several different hospitals & optometrists & I think I cope better by concentrating on clicking & blinking at the same time. Sounds tricky, but also helps prevent incipient panic as you’re too busy clicking, blinking & breathing to have time to worry. I do hope they offer you another test, as it seems the one you failed, didn’t properly reflect your ability. I wish you the best of luck.

[Gilbert1908]

I agree the test and delay system, is not fit dor purpose

[Sorshup]

Very frustrating ! Those missed points are nost likely to have been close to the middle to have explained your fail. Appeals can take an age. Try contacting DVLA and ask if they will review if you provide another result, for which you will have to pay; if yes, check if it must be from the same Specsavers or if you can choose to go elsewhere .

[Tmrcflyer]

go back to the Specsavers and book a private repeat DVLA test which costs about £25. Specsavers should discuss and explain the results and if ok send to DVLA.

[Runnergal3]

I'd really try to avoid rubbing your eyes as it can cause a big spike in pressure and potentially damage them. I use a damp cloth for itchy eyes to try to avoid a big pressure increase. About the field test - my ophthalmologist says it like a round of golf as you can have a different performance on different days, so if it's near to the cut off it sounds worthwhile booking a private repeat test. Best wishes.

[Ninja124]

will do, thank you very much

[ODTAA]

I have had my licence refused due to failure of field test. I have done the test in past years on Zeiss equipment, and this year also on Zeiss, which I failed. I am about to take another test, for which I shall have to pay, this time on Henson 9000 equipment, also at a DVLA-approved Specsaver establishment. I will then send the result to DVLA with a letter of appeal - fingers crossed! I find the test quite stressful. Having to concentrate on one spot for about 5 minutes is difficult and very tiring, and bears no relationship to the needs when driving. If you concentrate on one spot for 5 minutes when driving, you will almost certainly crash!

[Ninja124 in reply to ODTAA]

I have paid Specsavers a number of times and sent the results off to the DVLA but every time I get the same reply that I have failed. As I stated earlier my pressures are 11 in both eyes and my acuity results are better that 20/20 vision. I feel that my eyesight is perfect as I don’t have any areas of site that miss but no one in DVLA are prepared to listen, even my hospital consultant wrote confirming my eyesight was perfect and had not changed in the past 20 years but still the DVLA were not prepared to accept his response. Unfortunately I’ve given up trying to get my license back having the feeling that the DVLA are not prepared to listen to my appeal.