A lorry driver has launched a High Court claim against Specsavers, seeking more than £200,000 in damages after a failed eye test allegedly left him severely depressed and potentially unable to work again. Francis Hodibert, a 62-year-old from Slough, Berkshire, asserts that errors by the optician's staff led to the loss of his HGV licence and profound personal distress.
Details of the Failed Test and Licence Revocation
In 2022, Mr Hodibert underwent a mandatory visual field test at a Specsavers branch in Slough, as required by the DVLA for heavy goods vehicle drivers. The test reportedly indicated superior field defects, resulting in the revocation of his licence in September of that year. However, the driver contends that these results were inaccurate due to negligence in how the test was conducted.
Licence Reinstatement and Legal Allegations
Following a separate examination by a consultant ophthalmologist in January 2023, Mr Hodibert successfully appealed the DVLA's decision. His licence was reinstated in March 2023 after a new eyesight certificate was provided. In legal documents, his barrister, Michael O'Neill, argued that Specsavers submitted an inaccurate report to the DVLA, causing unnecessary revocation and significant harm.
Mr O'Neill stated: 'The obtaining and reporting of the said inaccurate results and the consequent revocation of the claimant’s HGV licence were caused by the negligence of the defendant, its servants or agents.' He emphasised that Specsavers, as a provider of professional optical services, failed in its duty to ensure accurate testing for DVLA assessments.
Impact on Professional and Personal Life
The lawsuit highlights the severe consequences of the failed test on Mr Hodibert's life. Medical records submitted to the court indicate he has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, attributed to the ordeal. His barrister noted that the condition has left him unable to work as an HGV driver or in any capacity, with substantial disruption to his personal and domestic affairs.
Mr O'Neill added: 'His condition is such that he is unable to work as an HGV driver or at all and his personal and domestic life has been substantially disrupted. It is uncertain that he will ever make a sufficient recovery to work again.' The claim seeks compensation for both economic losses and emotional suffering.
Specsavers' Response and Broader Implications
Specsavers has indicated it intends to contest the case, setting the stage for a legal battle over professional standards and accountability in optical services. This incident raises questions about the reliability of mandatory eye tests for commercial drivers and the potential for errors to have life-altering impacts.
The case underscores the critical role of accurate medical assessments in maintaining public safety and individual livelihoods, particularly in regulated professions like HGV driving. As it proceeds through the High Court, it may prompt reviews of testing protocols and oversight within the optometry sector.
