Contacting the DVLA

[Leanne Ross *]

Hi

I have KC in both eyes, with my right eye much worse than my left. I've just been fitted for Rose K lenses.

Anyway I haven't told the DVLA that I have KC and feel that I probably should. Does anyone know what happens after I've done this i.e what questions do they ask will I have to go for another eye test?

Cheers!

Leanne

[Sweet]

Leanne hello there!

Yes you should inform them along with your car insurance company as you might not be covered if you have an accident. They will probably need to know your optoms details and they might send you for an eyetest just to make sure including a visual field test. This one is quite easy, you just need to look at a bright orange light on a screen and follow it when it moves. You have a little buzzer which you then press when you can see white lights around the screen, this tests for your peripheral vision (not spelt right i don't think!) LOL!

You need to see well to drive so you are tested with this to make sure that you can see someone running out in front of you, so while all these tests are annoying all the time, they are really important and will prove that you are safe to drive.

Good luck with it! I am sure that you will pass it with no problems. It is just easier to let them know in case of any future problems

Sweet X x X

[GarethB]

Hi Leanne,

Part the questionaire asks for hospital details as well as the optomotrist and when you last had an eye test.

The DVLA medical person will decide if they need to contact you and request any of the tests Sweet mentioned.

To date I have hear nothing and that is 12 months after sending the completed form. My optomotrist felt it unnecessary due to the standard of corrected sight I had but said if I wanted to complete the form I could.

Since then I have past the Institute advance motoring test and that time I could only use one lens. The examiner did not realise until he asked why I was taking the test a second time. That is when I mentioned my sight problems.

My experience regarding insurance companies is that they couldn't care less. As far as they are concerned we wear lenses to correct sight just like people who can wear glasses that choose contact lenses. As long as you have corrected sight when driving like people who wear glasses you are fine.

[John Smith]

Hi Leanne, welcome to the forum!

Different approaches seem to be used in different parts of the country. Here in Kent, I had to fill in the form that Gareth mentioned, and then they asked me to go to my local Driving Test Centre, where they carried out their version of an eyesight test.

It went along the lines of "hmmm, that car looks about the right distance away. Can you read the registration number? No? Ok, try that one which is closer. Thankyou, you've passed ".

Good luck with your test if you have one, and do let us know how you get on.

[Andrew MacLean]

As ohn says there are constant elements and elements that seem to vary.

I filled in the form and gave my opthalmologist'd details and permission for him to disclose information about my condition.

I waited a long time.

O guess that the hospital was contacted and provided information about my eyesight etc. I got a letter saying that I was fit to drive.

I wonder whether the difference between my story and John's may be more due to my having just had a refraction in the hospital?

Andrew