MadGilbert

[MadGilbert]

Diagnosed at very early stage of glaucoma in both eyes a very observant optician spotted a minute abnormality in right eye. He revered through my local surgery to have tests in the optomology dept in hospital. Diagnosed with mild Glaucoma in both eyes. Religiously go back for tests every six months. Last check was this year. Have 20/20 vision with glasses. I reported this straight away to the DVLA in 2024. Had to renew licence all details again sent off in good time now I have the sword of Damocles hanging over me as now driving adhering to section 88. I really feel as though I am being treated like a leper by the DVLA.

[Astilbe]

I have to have a DVLA fields test at a branch of Specsavers every 3 years after notifying them of my glaucoma. My sympathy is with you, it can be worrying for sure. I have had 2 so far and still have my driving licence.

[JustAmanda in reply to Astilbe]

You have my sympathy. I’m 79, very active, and live in a village, so rely on my car. I’m half way through my 3 years now and feel that my vision is excellent, but it does feel like that Sword of Damocles lingers over me! I’m sure you’ll be fine for now, but know the “feeling”!

[mrswaffle]

Your last sentence sums it up; & yet, the ones, like us, that are communicating with DVLA, are the ones they should be nice to! I am convinced there are plenty of people out there, who are driving & shouldn’t be. There are probably people who won’t go for a routine eye test (for whatever reason) & may have undiagnosed eye conditions. Anyway, I plan to give up driving when I’m 80 (if I last that long!) so I won’t be tormented by the DVLA after that. I had my third DVLA eye test in 2023, so next one due next year. I am now (being very experienced) extremely bolshy & demand the correct conditions for the test. If they expect me to drive 25 miles for it, the least they can do is look after me! Best of luck to you!

[Beecalmed]

Hang in there you’re not alone!

Yup! I’m waiting too hear from DVLA too with the Sword of D hanging over me. DVLA, like the tax office, have the knack of making you feel guilty until proven innocent. It’s quite a skill! Just what we all need when we are dealing with the thief of sight too.

The guiding principle in all this, of making sure we’re safe to drive, is a good one and I applaud it, it’s just the process that is totally crap and needs sorting out.