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Specsavers visual field test

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Tigsy100

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Hi
I'm curious about the difference in the specsavers visual field test. Are the machine settings different for car drivers and HGV. I know the 'postbox' size is different but are the size of the lights different and not as bright? My partner passed the ones at hospital and our own opticians but not the specsavers one for HGV. This happened 3 years ago. Hes now due for renewal (not HGV as that was revoked) and were unsure what the settings will be? Thanks
 
Hello @Tigsy100 . Welcome to the forum. Sorry I can’t help, just wanted to say hi and to give your post a bump up.
 
Hello @Tigsy100

I'm afraid I don't know either, sorry!

Might it be worth contacting the DVLA to ask whether there are different machines/standards, or whether the machines are supposed to be the same? Perhaps the Specsavers machine needed a bit of a set-up/repair?
 
The Specsavers test is what it is. You can’t adjust the light levels because the level of light is fixed. Otherwise, there would be zero concordance between any two machines, rendering any test useless.
 
Well there are definitely different settings as I've got them at home. Ones a binocular and the other 2 were a screening test. First one has brighter dots (120). The second one were smaller lights/dots (124). The optician did the first one then asked if we wished it repeated as you get 3 go's. They were different tests and no mention was made.
 
I do not know if the settings are different but a friend was unhappy with Specsavers lack of professionalism. The test was carried out by a junior and an uncomfortable environment. He was already understandable nervous and said this all made it worse.

It seems wrong it is contracted to one organisation only. My optician had all the kit but cannot carry out the test for the DVLA. A Google will bring up quite a few negative comments about this - many in the Macular Society forum
 
I also had a nightmare experience at Specsavers - first they did not know how to work the machine and four different staff members tried to set it up eventually they were ready to go and the machine stopped working halfway through the test. Then they made another attempt but were unsure how to read the results but told me not to worry because the result would be read by the DVLA - 2 weeks later my licence was revoked in July and was not reissued (following an appeal and a retest by a decent optician) until the following January - DONT USE SPECSAVERS IF YOU VALUE YOUR LICENCE
 
11 days ago I attended my First diabetes eye screening test (my eye test also being due so got booked in for both) following receipt of a series of reminder NHS Retinal Screening letters!
My appointment had to be booked in at the sister branch of my usual local optician's - it being the only one on the list of local screening sites that came with the NHS Retinal Screening letters; and taxi's booked as warned not to drive after.
The Optician branch - cited within a busy retail shopping centre - was rather worryingly not taking Coronavirus seriously at this point (17th March) and despite a big footfall and an ASDA indoor entrance immediately opposite nor was anyone else (except me).

Results of the Ophthalmologist Eye Screening Test & of the photograph taken at the end by the Receptionist/Manager/Owner appeared to be 'OK' as far as I could ascertain and recall.
Only slight adjustment on my eye test.
There was confusion and delay about this local screening site branch registering my Diabetes Eye Screening Test Results onto the NHS Retinal Screening database and they failed to provide me with the proper paperwork after.

There was the usual reluctance and delay in providing me with my own copy of the GOS2 form (Patients optical prescription or statement) then on later examination I found the GO2S had not been properly or clearly signed; nor was it actually dated and the "Comments Box" had been left empty and without the as promised Opthalmologist's detailed additional guidance advice notes despite her assurances they would be.
I now struggle to remember anything of what Ophthalmologist 'strongly urged' me as "best daily routine practice" rather than "as required" regards my various prescribed eye treatment medications that appear further aggravated by the T2D.
I had explained my Fibro-fog brain and poor concentration and anxiety so am frustrated and disappointed about this.
[Fibromyalgia sufferers often struggle with related constant rhinitis affecting eyes and nasal soft tissue & difficult to control]

I had the Receptionist at their other branch ring them on my behalf and was told that the Ophthalmologist had signed herself off as "Coronavirus self isolating" the very next day and now being unavailable there was nothing they could do (er, right?!!).
They also appeared incapable of discerning the difference between 'need to isolate' or 'need to self distance' and the implied ramifications of my having had an appointment with them.

NHS England and Retinal Screening Letter says 'my local NHS diabetic eye screening service is with EMIS Care & will be known as NPS Care from October 2019' so clearly this service is contracted out but there should be better monitoring and regular checks with these Diabetic Eye Screening Programme services.
Customers must be given the proper paperwork and clear feedback as a duty of care and without hesitation or hindrance; or face hefty fines and contract for services being immediately withdrawn (and published).
I value my eyesight greatly and suffer a lot with discomfort & inflammation but my experience doesn't make me want to go through it again.
Its taken me all day to get this written down and I expect it's too boring for anyone to actually want to read but I feel better getting the experience off my chest! Just venting & 'Eye-Sore'.
 
Sorry to read of your problems with the eye test results.
I hope that you get things sorted @Chief LightoFeet
 
Sorry you had such a poor experience and difficult time @Chief LightoFeet. Perhaps it would be worth sending some feedback to the opticians in question to explain what it was like for you, and what would have helped?
 
I think it is appalling that the DVLA awarded this contract to Specsavers. A friend had issues with a) the test being carried by a junior and b) the test being carried out in an inappropriate environment.

Does anybody know how long the contract runs. It would be good to get an online petition going so it is discussed in Parliament! People's lives are being affected by poor delivery of the service!
 
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