[Drivingforfun]

Not really sure what advice I’m looking for but just wondering what people have to say and thought it might make an interesting discussion!

I seem to have on-off double vision; a handful of times over the last year it’s made me not drive

I’m tempted to see what a professional has to say but during some quick research noted that if diagnosed with double vision, you must inform the DVLA and stop driving

Clearly this puts me off seeing someone; I am able to drive 99% of the time and am capable of and trustworthy enough to “ban” myself from driving on the rare occasion that my vision is bad. I don’t think being handed a total driving ban makes any sense?

I have a distant relative who, after a lot of persuasion, reluctantly got help for alcoholism. On their 2nd session they were told that if they continued with the sessions the DVLA would be informed and they must stop driving, so of course they stopped going and started drinking (and driving while drunk) again

Obviously in my relative’s case the issue could be seen as self-inflicted and less deserving of sympathy, but it’s kind of similar in that it's an example of the system in place causing more harm than good?

I guess my question is: is the idea of self-incriminating by getting help for medical issues counterproductive, in that it makes the roads more dangerous (i.e. by causing people like my relative to carry on drink-driving), or is there not really a better alternative?

[TC1474]

There are a number of issues you need to consider.

Firstly, does your double vision come on suddenly or do you get something like an advanced warning that it is about to occur?

How long does it usually last for?

Who else knows of your condition?

By not reporting it, you potentially are making your insurance null and void (and you know the risks that runs?)

You are right that double vision is a reportable condition. Failure to do so can open open up all sorts of cans or worms, especially if you are involved in a crash and the subsequent implications with your insurance company.

You have a pre existing medical condition. If this was found out be the other side in the event of a crash, even though it may not have been your fault you can guarantee that condition will be used against you to prove contributory negligence.

You need to speak to a proper Optician and get his/her guidance if for no other reason than peace of mind and the safety of your passengers and other road users.

I have lost count of the number of crashes caused by some issues with eye sight which could have been quite easily rectified had they sought professional advice or treatment.

A good example is depth perception issues. I have conducted many an advanced test where I thought that the driver/rider's judgement was a bit suspect, and sure enough the Optician has confirmed that there was a depth perception problem which is easily rectified without surgery or anything like that.

There maybe a similar simple solution to your problem.

Whether you decide to seek proper advice is down to you, but there are potentially many implications that you may not be aware of in the event that you choose to hide the condition, the question is? Is it worth it?

[Rolebama]

I would get your eyes checked asap. Very few problems with eyes are self-healing, and it could be a symptom of something treatable now.