Eye Test

[Aardvark70]

Late last year I had to take the Specsavers eye test and failed, the shop where I took the test was noisy, I had expected it to take place in a quiet room but it was just an alcove of the main shop with customers clumping up and down the adjacent stairs.The letter I had from the DVLA asked me to make an appointment at a local hospital's opthalmic department for a different test. Which I did last December

The test included the fields test as per specsavers with the dots of light that randomly appear but the equipment didn't make ant mechanical noises, which I find distracting. The other test consisted of beams of light coming into the viewing area and I had to press the button

as soon as I saw it. The person who did the test said there was no point in repeating as I had spotted every single point of light in other words there was no need to. I have yet to hear anything from the DVLA informing me of the results or do they only contact people when they have failed a test?

[Thetest]

I can only say - ring DVLA and ask them ! They had no compunction about telling me I had failed ! They did not tell me to do anything or go anywhere ! I have just taken an independent test at my own opticians and passed the fields test 100 %. My opinion of Specsavers could not be lower. The person who administered the test was clearly not an optician nor did they explain the procedure in a useful way. You HAVE TO keep on the case yourself as neither Specsavers nor the DVLA have interest in you as a person. You are just their fodder so don’t let them dictate to you !

[Noste500 in reply to Thetest]

I thought the test was only acceptable by dvla if done a specsavers ?

[Aardvark70 in reply to Noste500]

Clearly not so, it was the DVLA who gave me the hospital contact number etc, so clearly this is not unusual. Thanks.

[Noste500 in reply to Aardvark70]

Was it a FOV test ?

[Aardvark70 in reply to Thetest]

I was told/asked to have another test at the afore mentioned hospital, I was told by the person who carried out the test to contact them if I had any problems with the DVLA, well I haven't they have my contact details I don't see why I should contact them. I have done exactly as they asked all along. Including passing a far more vigorous test than specsavers one who should not have the contract. Thanks for your response.

[Cyclingalong]

I was told I had glaucoma in both eyes. I had a test for DVLA and was told by Specsavers there was no point doing a second ( I think you get 3 test tries on the day?). I had issues with Specsavers ( search my replies and you will find the thread). DVLA were more helpful and they ended up chasing Specsavers themselves and keeping in touch with me.

DVLA then sent me a letter to say I was fine to continue driving. No mention of a repeat test after 3 years. I started to wonder about that so emailed them to ask. They replied to say someone would look at it. I got a phone call from the DVLA yesterday ( several weeks later) to be told as my test hadn’t missed any points at all I can continue driving without another eye test unless my consultant informs me that my glaucoma has progressed and I then need to inform the DVLA again.

So yes, they will write to you, even if you have passed the test. They have an email just for glaucoma queries [e-mail]

[ODTAA]

Can yougive me any info about the 'beams of light' test please? I have only done the two tests at Specsavers, one with a fixed focussing point and the other where the focussing point moves randomly across the screen. If I could name the test you refer to, I may be able to find a local hospital or other place where I could undertake this test, which sounds a bit more relevant to drivers' needs than either of the other two tests.

[Aardvark70 in reply to ODTAA]

The test consisted of two parts. The first wasore or less the same as the Esterman test, or whatever it's called. Focusing on a red central point when button pressing. The second was different. Again focusing ones eye on a central point and then pressing the button when what appeared to be a moving light came into view. Sorry I can't be anymore accurateThis was arranged by the DVLA, after I failed Specsavers test. Hope this all makes sence. I can only assume I had to many false positives at Specsavers, who should not be used by the DVLA for their lack of proper facilities.

[ODTAA in reply to Aardvark70]

Thanks for the info. Can you give any details of the hospital where you did the 'beams of light' test? (an email address would be ideal) Then I could ask them for details of the test, and may be able to find a local site to take the test.

[Aardvark70 in reply to ODTAA]

It wasn't actually called 'The beams of light test' test and I went as the request of the DVLA, They organised it, I had to make the appointment and then inform the DVLA with the date I had arranged it. There were two tests, one the same as the Esterman test but the equipment was silent in operation and the other test as above. It took place at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton. The DVLA payed for it.