Hi Folks,
It's been a while since I posted on this thread, way back in March this year. I told you that the DVLA had decided to review my case and they would be sending me for another type of visual fields test.
Well it's been a slow process, mainly waiting for them to get around to replying to me. I eventually got a letter back from them at the end of May, telling me to book an appointment at the hospital for a Goldman Perimiter Test, this I went for on 21st June. I found this test a better experience than the Esterman test. It took longer and the operator gave me a break half way through. Also, should you miss pressing the button you could just tell the operator that you had seen the light. Although the operator of the machine couldn't say whether or not I'd passed the test to DVLA standards she did say that she didn't think it looked bad and that it would be sent to the DVLA that day. I then waited………
At the end of July I called the DVLA to see if they had received the results of the test. I was told it was passed to the medical department on 1st July, but they were only dealing with cases from the middle of May. More waiting!
On Tuesday, 30th August, I called again. The waiting was by now getting me down. I needed to know what was happening. I answered the usual security questions they ask to make sure of your identity and the first thing he said after that was "Your licence was sent out today". I had to ask him to repeat that. He also told me it was on a three year renewal.
He told me they had written to me on 26th, informing me that my licence would be reissued, but I hadn't received that letter, probably delayed because of the bank holiday. I wasn't over bothered about that by now, I was told I could drive immediately even though I hadn't physically received my licence. I of course couldn't as my car needed to be back on the road, but I can wait a few more days until that is all sorted out.
Today, Thursday 1st September, a letter from the DVLA arrive through my door. I presumed it would be the letter telling me that my licence was being reissued. It wasn't, it was my driving licence. Up to the point of writing this, I still haven't received a letter telling me that I am getting it back. Good old DVLA.
Although this has been a long process, I'm glad I persevered with it. I hope this will also give hope to those of you who also feel you have lost your licence unjustly. There have been some changes to the rules which means that people with stabilised retinopathy may be able to get their licence back under the "Exceptional Cases" rules, which hitherto we had been excluded from. I don't think I have had mine returned under these rules, it would appear that the Goldman Perimeter test showed that my vision was up to the required standard. There are other options out there, it's just being able to access them that can be the problem. Also, for all those who are fighting their cases, be prepared to wait.
And on a final note, don't let us forget that the risk of damage to our eyes, and other complications that diabetes can cause, can be greatly reduced by keeping good control of our glucose levels. Our medical professionals can only do so much for us, the rest is up to us to manage our diabetes with the medications and advice given to us by our health professionals.
Good luck to all of you out there. I'd be interested to hear your comments on this matter.
John