Newly diagnosed with glaucoma

Shropshirelass

I have been going for annual eye tests for a few years already as I knew something was wrong. Now I know what changes to look out for , narrowing peripheral vision, I will take extra care. Changes I have noticed are around the house. I don't notice the dog in front of me, or knock something off a table top next to me.
Interesting though I have been told of drivers with one eye, or only half vision in left eye.

GlasweJen

Shropshirelass wrote: »

I have now seen the GP. He said I don't have to inform anyone (DVLA, insurance) unless and until I have significant visual impairment which would make it dangerous to drive. The test being, can I read a number plate as ' so many' feet. I could read the vision test on his wall, he was happy with that.
As long as I am compliant with using the daily eye drops, and attending hospital appointments, I can hope for no deterioration in present vision. So this is what I will hope and plan for at present.

50Twuncle wrote: »

They leave it up to you to decide at what point your vision has deteriorated enough to subtantially affect your driving - which is totally the wrong way to do it - how can you tell ?
Remember that if you did have an accident and kill someone, due to poor vision - you are just as guilty as someone with 100% vision - I recommend that you go for at least annual eyesight tests and state in the test - that the test is to determine your eyesight for driving and when the time comes - you will have to face-up and accept your responsibility and hand in your licence !!

At the hospital appointment extensive visual field testing will be carried out on at least an annual basis, for most people it's 6 monthly. This test is more thorough than the one that opticians will do as standard. If the field progression looks dodgy the patient is told to contact the DVLA who will arrange a visual fields test known as an estermann. This test involves wearing your driving glasses and keeping both eyes open rather than screening one at a time.

By nature of glaucoma only the most advanced cases will fail this particular test (though having worked doing this test for the DVLA they don't allow retries so if you don't pay attention and get it right first time you will lose your license).

If the consultant tells you to contact the DVLA and you decide not to then your insurance won't pay out on a claim.

The hospital can't tell the DVLA about your visual status unless you have certain surgeries, that's the law and the law is ridiculous.

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules