A lorry driver from Berkshire is pursuing a substantial legal claim against the opticians chain Specsavers, alleging that a series of erroneous eye examinations plunged him into a profound depression and jeopardised his entire career. Francis Hodibert, aged 62 and residing in Slough, asserts that his livelihood was stripped away following what he describes as a 'botched' visual field test conducted at a local Specsavers branch.
The Crucial Test That Went Awry
In 2022, Mr Hodibert attended the Specsavers outlet in Slough on two separate occasions to undergo the mandatory visual field assessment required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for Heavy Goods Vehicle operators. This specialised test, which evaluates peripheral vision using dedicated equipment, is a critical component beyond the standard driving eyesight check. According to court documents filed at the High Court in London, the opticians reported that Mr Hodibert had failed this test, leading directly to the DVLA revoking his HGV licence in September 2022.
A Licence Regained, But Lasting Damage Inflicted
Six months after the revocation, in January 2023, Mr Hodibert consulted a consultant ophthalmologist for an independent assessment. He successfully passed the visual field test with this specialist, enabling him to appeal the DVLA's decision. His licence was formally reinstated on 31st March 2023 following the submission of a new eyesight certificate. However, the intervening period had exacted a severe emotional toll.
Mr Hodibert contends that the initial, incorrect failure result and the subsequent loss of his driving privileges triggered a significant deterioration in his mental health. He claims to have developed a worsening mixed depression and anxiety disorder, a condition so debilitating that he fears he may never regain the capacity to work, either as an HGV driver or in any other capacity.
Allegations of Professional Negligence
The legal case hinges on claims of negligence against Specsavers. In the court papers, Mr Hodibert's barrister, Michael O'Neill, outlines the allegations. He states that the opticians, in providing professional optical services including DVLA-mandated visual field testing, obtained and reported inaccurate results on the 10th of April and 21st of May 2022.
'The said results were inaccurate,' Mr O'Neill asserts in the court documents. '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.' The barrister further accuses Specsavers staff of 'carrying out their field of vision tests so as to produce false results' and 'submitting an inaccurate report to the DVLA'.
The Profound Personal and Professional Impact
The consequences of this alleged error are described as devastating. 'Because of all this the claimant has suffered personal injury, loss and damage,' Mr O'Neill's submission continues. A medical report from a doctor, submitted to the court in support of the claim, corroborates the diagnosis of a mixed depression and anxiety disorder directly linked to these events.
The legal claim seeks damages exceeding £200,000 for the personal injury, loss of earnings, and substantial disruption to Mr Hodibert's personal and domestic life. 'His condition is such that he is unable to work as an HGV driver or at all... It is uncertain that he will ever make a sufficient recovery to work again,' the barrister stated.
Specsavers' Position and the Road Ahead
While Specsavers' formal defence to the action was not available from the court at the time of the initial reports, the company has indicated its intention to contest the allegations. A representative for Specsavers informed the Daily Mail that the firm plans to defend the case vigorously, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle in the High Court.
This case highlights the critical importance of accurate medical assessments for professional drivers and the potentially life-altering repercussions when such procedures are called into question. The outcome will be closely watched by both the optical services industry and the transport sector.
