The DVLA, Specsavers and the fitness to drive

SIR – Jennie Bedford (Letters, September 21) wonders why the DVLA appears to value Specsavers’ opinion more highly than that of other eye specialists.

I am awaiting a cataract operation and, by choice, am not currently driving. On two occasions I had eye tests in Specsavers, as road signs were blurred. I was told that all was fine and sold eye drops.

I then booked an appointment with an independent optician who suspected a cataract and referred me immediately for a hospital appointment. I’ve had my pre-op already.

Jacky Staff

Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh

SIR – The answer to Jennie Bedford’s question may be that Specsavers has a contract with the DVLA. The same problem arose with a friend of mine who went to another optician. Weeks of waiting for the DVLA to complete its paperwork followed.

Jonathan Mann

Gunnislake, Cornwall