Dvla Medical Eye Condition

[raybush]

I have an eye condition called Glaucoma in both eyes and is a medical condition that you must report to the DVLA and your car Insurance provider .The DVLA once notified send you for sight tests with Spec Savers who then forward the results to the DVLA for assessment ,if you pass the tests you are then given a temporary licence ,which normally lasts for three years , then the process starts again .
The DVLA wrote to me to arrange my sight tests on or about the 11-03-22 ,i then booked my tests quite quickly and had them on 17-03-22 ,which i thought would give the DVLA time to receive the tests and assess them , my licence runs out on 23-04-22, i still have not heard back as of 21-04-22.
You cannot get in touch with the DVLA as all phone lines are busy at all times and an email just generates a reference number .

Any ideas ??
Thanks

[Maydup]

Feel for you as the backlog at the DVLA is still very long.

Can you wade through this to see if you can continue to drive?

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/695575/inf188x6-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.pdf

[jourdain2]

I have glaucoma - and no-one has ever said anything about any of this to me. It is well under control with eye-drops and check-ups every 3 months. My dad also had it and never had any problem or special considerations as to driving. If you meet the eye-test criteria you are OK.
I don't think the DVLA is likely to be able to get back to you in time. My advice is to go to an independent optician, have an eye test and check that your specs fit the bill and that you are OK to drive - then just carry on. You will be breaking no law if you fit the standards. Then you can afford to wait.
Funny no-one has ever said anything about this to me. I get my eyes tested, I use drops, all's well.

[barry1010]

Jourdain, if you have glaucoma in both eyes, or your only eye, you are legally required to inform the DVLA. This is clearly stated on every letter my relative gets from his consultant and I have heard the consultant tell him so at his appointments.
So far, his vision is not affected and he meets driving standards. He has eye drops to manage the condition and the DVLA is fine with him driving.
He sees the consultant once a year.

[barry1010]

https://glaucoma.uk/care-support/driving-with-glaucoma/

[Buenchico]

To support Barry's post:
https://www.gov.uk/eye-conditions-and-driving

You most definitely have to tell your insurer too, Jourdain2. There's loads of research that shows people with glaucoma are at a higher risk of having motoring accidents. e.g.
https://www.seriousreaders.com/blog/glaucoma-linked-to-increased-car-accident-risk
and
https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20120331/glaucoma-patients-more-likely-to-fall-be-involved-in-car-accidents-study-finds

If you're having trouble contacting DVLA on 0300 790 6801, Raybush, try 0300 790 6806. Alternatively try their webchat service: https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/drivers-medical

[raybush]

Thanks for the answers.
I have Glaucoma in both eyes and yes you are legally obliged to inform the DVLA ,your insurance provider will also want to know. If you only have the condition in one eye i believe that you do not have to inform the DVLA .
My problem is that i cannot at present contact the DVLA .I have emailed them ,but all you get is a reference no and a note saying that they will be in touch.I will give the phone no ending in 06 a try to see what i get .
From what i can gather if your licence have expired you are not allowed to drive until you have your new licence ,just in case you didn't pass the Spec Savers test and your licence is revoked.
I can get by using public transport etc ,but it's a pain.
Thanks Ray

[dannyk13]

Glaucoma sufferers are required by the DLA to have a fields test to determine any loss of peripheral vision.

[THECORBYLOON]

This gives guidance on driving whilst waiting on their decision.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla

One of the conditions is that a doctor has telt you that you are fit to drive.

That is important since it's not that you can drive unless telt otherwise, it must be that you CAN drive.