VFT for glaucoma when renewing Driving Licence at 70

[JoanyVG]

I have normal pressure glaucoma and see a consultant who is a specialist in glaucoma (at a private hospital) twice a year and have two visual field tests a year. Can the test results from these consultations be sent to the DVLA instead of having yet another VFT at Specsavers. I get very anxious during these tests and knowing my ability to drive is at stake will just make me even worse. I am able to relax more with my regular optician who does his best to make me relaxed.

[Tigdad]

absolutely correct! Often tests at Specsavers are held in corridors supervised by shop assistants!

[Islandhome]

unfortunately not. I have the same stress issues but Specsavers have the DVLA contract and I was told I had no other option than to do the test there. Someone suggested paying for a FOV test a couple of weeks before DVLA one so you can check out machine and premises first and see if you are likely to pass. Something I may try next time to reduce stress. Good luck.

[VerdiG]

No you have to use Specsavers. They do send a choice of ones to use. So it’s best to maybe visit them before making an appointment and as suggested, even pay for a practise test. The dvla test is actually easier than the VFT done by eye hospital. You use both eyes and you can have 3 goes at it. You can keep glasses on or off. Try to find ways to work on your anxiety and it will be fine..

[Dumyat26]

Just to add to the other comments. I have being doing these tests for 15 years now (age 80). Agree they are always stressful and you worry "is this time I fail". However I have learned that you can do multiple tests, with and without glasses. I also learned a few years ago that you can ask for printouts of each test, which they are required to give you. But ask before you start the tests. I don't understand why this isn't offered as standard. It is interesting to compare results year on year. So far I've been lucky and only miss one spot which is in the same position each time. You should also be aware that the DVLA test is only interested in a field of vision which is "envelope" shaped, so misses above and below this area do not count. So I know that my loss of FoV is 30% in top left of left eye and 10% in right eye. Both of these are, so far, outwith the critical area.

[Vladiii]

it’s worth knowing there are at least two types of machine. One has red lights as well as yellow. The reds have an audible beep which I can’t hear very well as I have hearing loss. You only press the button for yellow lights. The other type of machine with yellow lights only is much easier.

[Dorsetjohn]

I agree with all the above. I have posted before about an incorrectly done test at a Specsavers I hadn't been to before and the subsequent struggle to get my licence back. Definitely pay to have the test done at at least two branches and get the printouts, be aware that not all Specsavers are on the DVLA list, so check first, you may have to travel to get to two nearest to you. I think I would avoid the one with red and white lights, I haven't encountered them but sounds more difficult, so research what the name of the two types of machine first

[Crunchielady in reply to Dorsetjohn]

Your advice to pay to have the test done and 2 other Specsavers I presume is to practice for the actual test and sus out their machines, then depending on the outcome you book with the Specsavers that gave you the better results? Just wanted to clarify before I embark on the process

[jerseygirl49]

Hi Jonny,

Like many others who have commented here, I can understand your stress and anxiety as I feel just like you. There are some very helpful comments and if you can take these on board, I hope they will help. I think they are going to help me. Good luck and all the best. Thank you everyone who has offered advice.