Just Diagnosed

[PGLR]

Annual eye test at SpecSavers at the latter end of 2024. referred to SpaMedica for cataract in my right eye. I didn't feel my eye was any different (halo blurring) so went back to SpecSavers 6 months later for further test (blurring) and referral back to SpaMedica. It was suggested I have glasses to address the problem but I refused. SpaMedica advised Yag Laser treatment to smooth new lens. Still not happy after Yag so went back to SpaMedica again each time reporting one eye blurred.. Finally told tests indicated Glaucoma and a referral was made to hospital via GP. Complete shock on my part. All this involved 18 months-ish describing symptoms each time.. Unbelievable delays from all these eye treatment companies.

This month the hospital tests done indicating Glaumcoma with the blurry (halo) eye and the beginnings in the other eye, and now waiting a further appt in next few weeks. Opthalmologist suggested I hang on until full diagnose and treatment before reporting to DVLA. I have received a copy letter from the hospital to my GP with test results etc. I haven't a clue what all the abbreviations mean to be honest but it sounds like the treatment will be laser.

I'm now worrying about my driving licence. When is the right time to report my condition, should I take the special driving test before I report, or wait until confirmation of diagnosis and treatment.

[North-Sea]

Hi PGLR, I checked the gov website when I was in your position a couple of years ago. It’s quite clear.

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Eye conditions and driving

If you have a car or motorcycle licence

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

You must tell DVLA if you:

have a certain type of eye condition that affects both eyes (or one eye when you only have vision in one eye)

have been told you may not meet the visual standards for driving by a GP, optician or eye specialist

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the list of conditions includes glaucoma. There is more information there and tells you how to inform DVLA if you need to.

It’s worth having a look and made it very clear to me. Knowing what you have to do/don’t have to do gave me peace of mind.

All the best

[PGLR in reply to North-Sea]

Thankyou I will follow your advice. I hope it went well for you.

[Dumyat26]

The DVLA rules are quite clear regarding Glaucoma. (I have it in both eyes). If only one eye affected, no need to report to DVLA. If both eyes affected must report and then DVLA will instruct on regular mandatory tests at their designated optician. In my case this is at 3 yearly intervals, although at one point I was put on annual tests, but now back to 3 yearly. The DVLA test is quite specific and is only concerned with the Field of Vision area which affects driving. This is an "envelope" area across the mid field. So any loss of FoV outwith that area should not affect your result. In my case the loss is 30% in upper left area of one eye and 10% in other eye. I would also suggest that before you start the test, you tell them that you want a printout of your results. They are required to do this but where I go I have to ask. Also you can do the test multiple times with and without glasses. Last time I did 4 tests with printouts for each. This is useful for your own records.

[PGLR in reply to Dumyat26]

Many thanks for your helpful advice. I think both my eyes affected, one not so much. I need to clarify this when I return for a 2nd hospital visit and possible treatment. Also I'll need to decide whether to have prescription glasses made before the DVLA test or after. I think after as something may change a bit after treatment. At the present time I haven't reported to the DVLA as was advised (casually) by hospital to wait.

[Shinal_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello, you must tell the DVLA if you have Glaucoma in both eyes but you do not need to inform them if it is in one eye only. Please confirm your diagnosis with your eye doctor and let the DVLA know if it is in both eyes. Also please let your car insurance company know, they would need to know even if its in one eye. This is a link to one of our booklets about driving and glaucoma glaucoma.uk/product/driving.... Wishing you all the best.

[PGLR in reply to Shinal_GlaucomaUK]

I've received a copy of the letter the hospital sent to my GP that gives the result of the various hospital tests I had. But...it doesn't say the patient (me) has Glaucoma. Also suggested during actual appointment that I wait to inform DVLA. I was left confused as it doesn't say 'has Glaucoma' I will phone tomorrow and try to establish exactly what the situation is and the action I need to take re the DVLA and insurance.

[Shinal_GlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to PGLR]

Hello, if it does not say glaucoma then you do not need to inform the DVLA. It is best to follow their advice. Please do call the glaucoma UK helpline on 01233 64 81 70 if you need further support.

[PGLR]

I've been referred to have R + L SLT and repeat of HFT . So laser treatment. Also says probable POAG which to me suggest diagnosis not certain yet..