Thank you for the lovely comments,
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Applying for my driving license after 16 years without it
- Thread starter Big Matt
- Start date
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Hi all
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it really does mean a lot to me
Just a little update for you
This morning Specsavers have contacted me to cancel my appointment, they are telling me that I can not have an eye test and visual field test off my own back, I tried to explain that I just wanted to check that my vision and visual fields were good enough to meet the driving standards, this is not possible I was told, the visual field machine is commissioned by the DVLA and they will send me a letter with a code on to make an appointment, this code will then make the machine work, I Find this really hard to believe, I may be wrong but it sounds ludicrous. What do people do with glaucoma who have to check their field of vision on a regular basis, 70 year olds who have to re apply for their licence, I even offered to pay for the service, but they are not moving, no reassurance for me
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it really does mean a lot to me
Just a little update for you
This morning Specsavers have contacted me to cancel my appointment, they are telling me that I can not have an eye test and visual field test off my own back, I tried to explain that I just wanted to check that my vision and visual fields were good enough to meet the driving standards, this is not possible I was told, the visual field machine is commissioned by the DVLA and they will send me a letter with a code on to make an appointment, this code will then make the machine work, I Find this really hard to believe, I may be wrong but it sounds ludicrous. What do people do with glaucoma who have to check their field of vision on a regular basis, 70 year olds who have to re apply for their licence, I even offered to pay for the service, but they are not moving, no reassurance for me
Ally beetle
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Specsavers are renowned for there lies, deceits and unhelpfulness when it comes to this stuff.
I know someone who is taking them to court over their handling of a visual field test report and they have been reported to the governing body and DVLA.
They are the company the DVLA has chosen as the provider of field tests, if you need a test it will be them that will organise it. I will never go to Specsavers unless it is for a field test organised by the DVLA. but that is just me and you need to make up your own mind.
I know someone who is taking them to court over their handling of a visual field test report and they have been reported to the governing body and DVLA.
They are the company the DVLA has chosen as the provider of field tests, if you need a test it will be them that will organise it. I will never go to Specsavers unless it is for a field test organised by the DVLA. but that is just me and you need to make up your own mind.
Hi there
Just got to hope it goes well on the day.
Very lucky to have driven some of the nicest cars ever made ( and the worst lol)
Yes from what I can see I’m not very impressed!!
DVLA have confirmed that anyone can request a visual field test as long as it is paid for ( happy to do that) and if I have requested the test off my own back and paid for it they are allowed to tell me the result,
If the DVLA request the test then the results will be sent directly to the DVLA and bypass myself which I think is fair enough. To be told you cannot even book and pay for a test is just incorrect!!
Copepod
Much missed Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Glad you persisted and got proper reply and explanation, @Bigg Matt. It sounds like you were unlucky to encounter a Specsaver staff member who gave answer without knowing the full story. Admittedly your situation is pretty rare, but they should have said they didn't known but would find someone who did and get back to you, instead of guessing and giving WRONG info.
Hope all goes well with your test, when you get it scheduled.
Hope all goes well with your test, when you get it scheduled.
Wirrallass
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
With respect I am very surprised to read your harsh comments about Specsavers.
My local Specsavers have been my Opticians for as long as I can recall ~ I've never had any problems with them nor have had cause to complain about the kind helpful & professional service I receive. I implicitly trust them so far as my eye care is concerned.
So sorry to hear that someone you know hasn't been given the same service which I have had and continue to receive from my local branch of SpecSavers. Perhaps the person you mentioned should have gone to a different branch where the staff are more helpful. It pays to shop around IMO.
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Ally beetle
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
It ran much more deeply than one branch but, I am glad you get a good service from them. I am sorry this happened but it was quite a serious issue. I do think it depends on staff and managers in the shops for the quality of service you get for your eye tests.
the blue wildebeest
Active Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
I too have been fortunate with the service at the local branch in Hull, after years with an independent optician. Th examination was thorough and informative, so perhaps it is worth making specific comments on a particular branch. The person I saw was well informed about diabetes, DVLA standards and was not trying to promote unnecessary sales. After my experience with DSN "T", and Doctor "All diabetics should be taking statins for life", it was a pleasure to be regarded as an individual.
Was that before Brexit
Wirrallass
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi all
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the lovely messages you have posted, it really does make a difference.
An update on my driving licence
The DVLA have sent me a form to book in at my local Specsavers for a DVLA class 1 eye examination/test, this has now been and gone and I can confirm that apart from the first member of Specsavers staff that had no idea in what they could and could not do, all the other staff I have met and had to deal with have been excellent, first impressions, professionalism, care, help it was all there a big pat on the back to them
I turned up for my test, I have some new specs and I can read the required letters on the chart up to and above the standard for driving ( amazing) next was the visual fields test, I took this test 3 times, once with glasses and twice without glasses, I was told the first test with my specs on I had missed a few flashes of light but it was obvious that it was my glasses frame that had stopped me seeing them, so I was asked to perform the test again twice with no specs, after the test was complete although the lady had told me at the beginning of the tests she would not be able to give me any information or results from the test she did give me a little info, I think she felt sorry for me. What she told me was I had scored 108 out of 120 and the ones I had missed were right down to the bottom right corner right out on the periphery, central vision was perfect, she said “ I can’t see any issues at all” even though it’s the DVLA who will make the decision, I was buzzing!!!!!!!
Today Friday 13th Oct I have received some forms from the DVLA asking for permission to speak with any of the professionals who look after me Diabetes specialist, Opthamologist & GP, no issues there all details filled in, form signed. The other form was asking about my Diabetes, yet again easily filled in, the main questions seem to revolve around hypos and if I’m aware I’m having one and can I treat it myself with no help, again nice and easy, yes I know if I’m having a hypo and yes a quick sip of Lucozade and a chocolate bar and I’m away again, so both forms signed and returned on the same day I received them.
Now I think it’s a waiting game again, I can’t stop looking at cars, silly really incase it doesn’t happen but so hard not to
I hope your all keeping well and living your own dreams
Matt
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the lovely messages you have posted, it really does make a difference.
An update on my driving licence
The DVLA have sent me a form to book in at my local Specsavers for a DVLA class 1 eye examination/test, this has now been and gone and I can confirm that apart from the first member of Specsavers staff that had no idea in what they could and could not do, all the other staff I have met and had to deal with have been excellent, first impressions, professionalism, care, help it was all there a big pat on the back to them
I turned up for my test, I have some new specs and I can read the required letters on the chart up to and above the standard for driving ( amazing) next was the visual fields test, I took this test 3 times, once with glasses and twice without glasses, I was told the first test with my specs on I had missed a few flashes of light but it was obvious that it was my glasses frame that had stopped me seeing them, so I was asked to perform the test again twice with no specs, after the test was complete although the lady had told me at the beginning of the tests she would not be able to give me any information or results from the test she did give me a little info, I think she felt sorry for me. What she told me was I had scored 108 out of 120 and the ones I had missed were right down to the bottom right corner right out on the periphery, central vision was perfect, she said “ I can’t see any issues at all” even though it’s the DVLA who will make the decision, I was buzzing!!!!!!!
Today Friday 13th Oct I have received some forms from the DVLA asking for permission to speak with any of the professionals who look after me Diabetes specialist, Opthamologist & GP, no issues there all details filled in, form signed. The other form was asking about my Diabetes, yet again easily filled in, the main questions seem to revolve around hypos and if I’m aware I’m having one and can I treat it myself with no help, again nice and easy, yes I know if I’m having a hypo and yes a quick sip of Lucozade and a chocolate bar and I’m away again, so both forms signed and returned on the same day I received them.
Now I think it’s a waiting game again, I can’t stop looking at cars, silly really incase it doesn’t happen but so hard not to
I hope your all keeping well and living your own dreams
Matt
Thank you so much
Hi there
Just posted an update on the thread, I think things are going well, I’m just very impatient
Thanks for asking
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