Mr G complained that his GP stopped him from driving while awaiting a consultation with a specialist ophthalmologist. Mr G said that he had to pay for a private consultation and this left him out of pocket.
What happened
Mr G complained about the Practice's recommendation that he stop driving because his GP felt that he did not meet the vision requirements of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Mr G attended a routine eye test where it was recommended that he be referred to an ophthalmologist through his GP. Due to the remote location of where Mr G lived and because he was dependant on driving for his livelihood, the GP upgraded the referral request from routine to urgent. Unfortunately even with an urgent referral, an appointment was not available for several weeks. The GP and Mr G had a discussion regarding the arrangement of a private ophthalmology appointment, to minimise the amount of time Mr G could not drive. Consequently an appointment was made for Mr G to see a consultant ophthalmologist privately. When Mr G saw the private consultant he was advised that he was able to drive and that his eye sight met the DVLA requirements.
Mr G complained that the GP wrongly advised him to stop driving and he also believed it was unreasonable to suggest he pay for a private consultation to establish whether or not he met the DVLA guidelines for driving.
Mr G said that as a result, he had suffered distress and had to pay out money for the services of a private ophthalmologist.
What we found
We did not uphold this complaint. DVLA's guidance is clear that a person with a visual field defect should not drive until it is confirmed that they meet the national requirements for field of vision. The GP gave appropriate advice about Mr G continuing to drive.
The GP made the correct decision and the appropriate referral to a specialist who could give a final decision about whether or not Mr G should continue to drive.
A GP practice
Cumbria
Not applicable
Not applicable