Glaucoma and not driving

Hmmmm. You may feel safe and comfortable driving but an objective outside professional does not think you are. I think you should just get used to finding alternative forms of transport. It's something that comes to us all in time.

“I’m having an independent test next week”……….do you mean you’re seeing an independent ophthalmic specialist or having a driving test?

Another eye test

It’s certainly worth a try Gingster
Mistakes can be made after all, and the new optician may come up with a different treatment plan for your glaucoma.
I would certainly seek a second opinion in your situation.
Good luck.

Gingster - it’s not all that bad. I have given up night-driving. I found that I was struggling with the lights from oncoming traffic. I used to just jump in the car and drive to my daughter’s house or son’s, on a whim. Not any more.
My neighbour was stopped from driving, after a diagnosis of severe depression. Although she did love her car and was a good driver, she is quite used to not having a car, and instead, uses taxis. It’s not really that expensive, if you consider the cost of running a car.
So don’t be too despondent - you will get used to it.
Good luck with your next eye test.

You could consider using an Uber. It's fast and reliable.

I stopped driving last year after my optician told me I was no longer safe on the road. Like you I thought I was okay to drive. After cataract surgery and some laser treatment I realise how bad my eyes were. Eyesight deteriorates so slowly, I was not fully aware of the true state of my eyes.
I am allowed to drive again now but I no longer want to. I have adapted and, at 75, I probably shouldn’t be driving for too much longer. I am lucky with bus routes, local shops, GP and family nearby, and I know your circumstances are probably different.
But really? You have been told by a professional not to drive but you are determined to carry on anyway? Put your pride away and consider the possible consequences of that choice.

If you've been told you cannot drive it's your responsibility to inform the DVLA.
You can have a second opinion but cannot drive in the meantime.
Your insurance will be invalid so if you drive now you will be breaking the law.
Sorry it's not what you want to hear.

We had a tragedy in Edinburgh a few years back when a lady in her 90s veered off the road and on to the pavement for no apparent reason and crashed into a little boy in a push chair. He was killed. It was devastating for his family and deeply traumatising for everyone nearby. Indeed, people in the whole area were distressed and upset about it. I'll never forget it so when I'm told not to drive I'll give up at once.

Everyone has different reasons for wanting and/or needing to drive and I don't blame Gingster for appealing. I'm sure she will abide by the outcome of any further assessments.

Gingster

Another eye test

A glaucoma visual field test measures peripheral vision, identifying early blind spots caused by damage to the optic nerve. It typically detects loss in side vision first, progressing to "tunnel vision" if untreated.

Because glaucoma often impacts peripheral vision, the brain may "fill in" blind spots, making you unaware of missing dangerous information, particularly when damage in both eyes overlaps.

A second test will reveal the same blind spots as the first.

Have you got cataracts as well?

My mother-in-law was SO disappointed to be told not to drive. She was, however prepared to accept the loss of the car and she said she felt "bereft" for many months.

She walked, she took taxis and managed perfectly well.
No need for busses as less than a mile from the town.
She said she saved money in the end too as her insurance at 90+ was sky high.
You can take a lot of taxis and buses for the insurance money and don't need to worry about repairs etc.

I confess I'm not looking forward to that day - but hope I'll be as sensible as she was.

Thinking of my lovely mother-in-law, - and you, Gingster

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
I have no intention of dismissing the decision made by the opticians and their findings.
I just wanted to have a second opinion to ensure the first examination was correct.
I’m looking into bus times, different ways to carry on with my life. I’m lucky to having trains, busses and cabs nearby. I will have to plan journeys

It will take time to remember I can’t just jump into the car at a moments notice.,

fancyflowers

You could consider using an Uber. It's fast and reliable.

They don't operate in all areas. I'd much rather use a reliable local taxi firm anyway.

what’s the difference between an Uber and a Taxi ?

It is the loss of spontaneity and convenience that impacts at first when you can’t drive but honestly you do get used to it.
I just use taxis, public transport is not convenient for me as I also have mobility issues.
The cost of taxis balances out by comparing the cost of buying and running a car.
I do know how upsetting it is at first but common sense takes over and you will get used to it.
Best wishes to you and your H.

fancyflowers

You could consider using an Uber. It's fast and reliable.

That isn't true everywhere.

Our neighbour booked an Uber to take her to the train station. It appeared to be on it's way but then diverted to pick up someone else instead. Cue panic throwing on of clothes by Mr Lester to take her to the train.

Seven years ago I decided to stop driving as I wanted to live as ethically as possible. I sold my van and gave myself two years to try it out and see if it would be workable to use public transport all the time. I've loved it. I use buses and trains all the time. I love the fun of using timetables and also the people I meet en route. Yesterday on a train I met a Swedish couple and heard about their travels. The hardest bit has been convincing well-meaning friends that I really don't need a lift when there's a bus going in the same direction. My two sons who live nearby have been brilliant in respecting my decision and are used to my leaving their houses and walking past their cars to a bus stop. I hope you'll embrace it if you have to Gingster although I know it will take some getting used to when it hasn't been your choice.

My dear SIL was hit in a car park by a driver who thought he was OK to drive. She was permanently disabled as a result. It turns out that he had been registered blind a few weeks before. Sadly this accident was not reported to the police as he went on to kill another lady on a pedestrian crossing two weeks later.
You may think you can see, but what you CAN’T see is more important.

Agree with you Quizzer. So sad for you!

Thanks everyone.
This morning I caught the bus to a friends house for our Chimes group. I only waited 10 mins for the bus with another lady who was catching the same one. We chatted away and sat next to each other when the bus arrived. The time flew by and it was a joyful experience. No stress of driving, no parking dilemma, no fare to pay.
I think I might like this way of travelling.

I know things aren’t always so straight forward but this gave me hope.

Yes sell it.

Just because you feel confident driving that doesn't mean you're safe to drive. Do you want to kill someone? Are you actually happy to take that risk? And why do you think an optician would lie to you and say you have glaucoma when you don't?

Maybe think of the people you could kill and their families, and your family having to deal with you being sent to prison?