I would just like to give my experience of my recent Specsavers DVLA visual field test, and the chart test. I will be 70 next month, and have advanced glaucoma in my right eye as well as glaucoma in my left eye. The vision in my right eye is definitely impaired, and I am awaiting an NHS appointment, which will determine whether I will need a trabeculectomy in my right eye. To say I was nervous about the test was an understatement. However, the lady at Specsavers who was conducting the test was a very calming influence. I took the first VFT with my varifocals on, think it lasted about 4-5 mins. She then asked me to take the second test without glasses. If it is any help to anyone about to undertake the test I made a conscious effort to stare at the central dot, and not to wander off. It was a bit difficult. I was determined to do this whatever the outcome, because apparently they are able to watch your eye movements. I was also very particular about false positives, and not to be too trigger happy. I was that nervous that I held the clicker with both hands. The eye chart test I think w ent well, and I was able to read all but the bottom line. I only took the test on Monday at Midday, and couldn’t believe it when I went to pick up the mail this morning, (Friday), and there in a brown envelope was my new licence. Valid for the full 3 years. One of the best feelings ever. No real explanation in the letter. Good luck to everyone taking the test. Hope this has been a little help to you.
New licence, following Glaucoma DVLA visual fi... - Glaucoma UK
New licence, following Glaucoma DVLA visual field test.
Thank you for sharing
I recently have a GTT on my left eye in June, my recovery took 8 weeks and I was not allowed to drive for those 8 weeks. I had an old license with no photo and I have recently applied for one with a photo on it, and I wondered whether I would have to take the DVLA test again because I took mine years ago in 2013 at my local opticians because Specsavers were not the only ones who could carry it out at that time. My consultant told me to tell them about the operation so I did and luck would have it I have my photo licence without having to do the test again until my 70 birthday, I was glad as my nearest Specsavers is about 30 to 40 miles away there and back in any direction. I did mine with my glasses on and with both eyes at once and I was only allowed to do it once. I am a very nervous person when comes to exams etc and I was glad that I was doing it in my local opticians because I knew everyone there, I would be very nervous in Specsavers because I would not know anyone, glad you're went well.
Good news. As I've said before, after taking these tests for about 15 years now, I have started asking (before I start) for print outs of the results. I also do the tests with and without glasses. To be able to see and compare my tests I find is reassuring. I have mostly had 3 year licences, which I am currently on, but did have a spell when they reduced it to one year with no explanation.
I have failed 3 visual field test my last result was missing 5 out of 40 right eye and
4 out of 40 left eye but I am still none the wiser what the pass figure is, are you able to throw any light on this for me.
Hi - I'm sorry to hear about your failed visual field tests. You can find the full details of the fitness to drive criteria on the gov.uk website (link below) but briefly - in your central vision if you are missing a cluster of 4 or more adjoining points or a cluster of 3 points plus other individual points that's "generally regarded as unacceptable". I hope that helps to explain the results of your tests.
That’sa great result bathrugby. I’ve got my second test looking soon and I’m slightly nervous about it as I’ve noticed deterioration in my eye sight this last year and haven’t heard from the eye surgery I’m over 6 months
Hello Jones 7777,
First of all I would like to wish you all the best for your upcoming test. I also have noticed a slight deterioration in my right eye, which is the one with advanced glaucoma. I have had real problems trying to get an NHS appointment. Had the last one back in January. Before that I had to wait nearly 2 years for the previous one. During that time the vision in my right eye became very blurry. I had no choice but to book a private consultation with the ophthalmologist surgeon who carried out my cataract and stent operation on my right eye. I was very relieved when he said he could fix it within 5 minutes for me, with laser treatment. Unfortunately it would cost me £600.00. I was very fortunate that I had the money, and thankfully my sight came back to normal within a couple of weeks. During my last NHS appointment the Locum decided to give me extra drops on top of the other two that I take. These ones( Brimonidine )were meant to protect the optic nerve. However, after about 7 or 8 months on these I noticed that my eyes were becoming very red and sore. I contacted the Ophalmology department at the hospital, but they couldn’t even offer me an appointment this year. Again I was forced to go private. My consultant immediately told me to stop taking Brimonidine. He further said that he did not like that particular medication. My pressures had also risen from 14 to 18 . I suspect the drops had a lot to do with it. I am now looking at possibly needing a trabeculectomy in my right eye . It sounds like my situation is very similar to your own. Hope this makes you feel more confident about next week. If I can pass the test, then why can’t you. Hope it all goes well for you.
Thanks for the reply, I also feel as if I’m being forced to go private to protect my sight, it’s only cost me one consultation so far though lol.
When I first got diagnosed, I read the NHS info about it and it made it seem so minor and nothing to worry about. A few years down the line and there’s more to this than they make outi reckon. I’m seriously thinking about going private again.
Advice and help re: DVLA eye test please?
dvla test
DVLA field of vision test
Visual field test & Visual Acuity 
How accurate is a visual field test?
