I am the current Chair of the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel for visual disorders. When a driver has low reliability for visual field testing using the binocular esterman test, they are currently sent for Goldman testing at approved centres. Due to supply and reliability issues, the Goldman is no longer the most suitable device to assess visual fields for these situations. I am working with DVLA to change the testing requirements from Goldman to Octopus 900 testing in situations where further testing is required.
There will be a payment (per assessment) to the orthoptist to perform the testing and guidelines will be provided as to the testing procedure and requirements for assessment.
I am looking to collate a database of orthoptists / departments who have access to an Octopus 900 and would be interested in joining a DVLA approved database of assessment centres. It is important we get as wide a coverage across the UK as possible to ensure driver choice if required.
If you have access to an Octopus 900 and are interested in hearing more information please complete the survey below:
https://forms.office.com/e/Qpz8ZDXa9B
Please note, until the guidance has been updated, Goldman is still the DVLA approved test and will be requested by DVLA until changes are made.
Claire Howard
Stroke Specialist Orthoptist
Clinical Research Fellow (NCA Centre for Clinical and Care Research)
Honorary Research Fellow (University of Liverpool / University of Manchester)
Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences