Glaucoma and not driving

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

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.

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.,

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

Have you got cataracts as well?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Another eye test

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

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.