F O V machines

[Islandhome]

I have the choice of Henson 9000 and Zeiss HFA3 830 machines for my DVLA fov test. Does anyone know what the difference between these machines is? Stress level always through the roof so want to be better prepared. Thank you.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello.

The Henson machine requires you to start looking at a central light and press a button every time you see another light appear. You then move your focus to a red light either to your right or left, and press the button when you see other lights appearing. The red light then moves to the opposite side, where you continue pressing the button, when lights appear.

The Humphrey machine requires you to look at a central light for the whole test and press the button, every time you see another light appear. This is the type normally used at the eye clinic.

[Islandhome in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you. Looks like Humphrey is the one, DVLA check is not the time to try out a new machine!

[Quissy in reply to Islandhome]

I understand your reluctance to change to a new machine. I changed to a Henson 9000 and I found I had less eye strain. More natural to move your eyes than to be looking straight ahead. The Zeiss HFA3 830 looks to be more up-to-date, first introduced in 2016, does not look like the clunky old machine use last time at my local hospital. If you had no problems last time stick to what you know.

[Islandhome in reply to Quissy]

Thank you. I think I will stay with what I know this time and maybe pay for a practice visit to the new one before next time.

[Rescobie]

From my experience of having to do the test to retain my licence, I found it helpful to use the same type of machine I had used at the Royal Eye Infirmary in Plymouth and at my local opticians. Remember you can do the test 3 times and you can request a copy of the results. Good Luck.

[Islandhome in reply to Rescobie]

Decided to go with the one I know so only have one Specsavers option on the Isle of Wight. Finally decided I must get on and book it. ‘No one available to answer your call, we will ring you back’ . Nope . Aarrgghh!!