Lorry Driver Sues Specsavers for £200k over Alleged Faulty Eye Test
A licensed lorry driver named Francis Hodibert is taking legal action against Specsavers, seeking over £200,000 in damages. He claims that an improper eye test resulted in the loss of his HGV driving license and has severely affected his mental health.
Background of the Case
Francis Hodibert, aged 62, resides in Slough, Berkshire. He alleges that a “botched” eye test at a local Specsavers in 2022 led to anxiety and depression. Following two failed visual field tests at the optician, the DVLA revoked his commercial driving license, stripping him of his livelihood.
Details of the Allegations
The driver’s legal complaint filed with London’s High Court states that the optician’s negligence directly resulted in significant emotional distress. Commercial vehicle operators must pass both a standard distance vision test and a detailed assessment of their visual field, as mandated by the DVLA.
Timeline of Events
- 2022: Hodibert fails two eye tests at Specsavers, resulting in the DVLA revoking his HGV license.
- January 2023: He passes a subsequent eye test conducted by a consultant ophthalmologist.
- March 31, 2023: Hodibert’s HGV license is reinstated.
Impact on Mr. Hodibert’s Life
Mr. Hodibert’s brief absence from work drastically impacted his personal life. He claims to have developed a severe mixed depression and anxiety disorder due to the stress caused by the faulty tests. His barrister, Michael O’Neill, argues that the inaccuracies in the tests led to the wrongful revocation of his HGV license.
Legal Claims and Specsavers’ Response
The legal documents claim that Specsavers staff conducted the visual field tests improperly, leading to false results. Mr. O’Neill emphasized that the consequences of these inaccuracies have led to a substantial disruption in Mr. Hodibert’s life, making it doubtful that he will fully recover or return to work.
Specsavers plans to defend against the allegations. A company spokesperson stated they would respond to the action, though further details were not available at the time.
Conclusion
Francis Hodibert continues to fight for compensation due to the alleged negligence he experienced at Specsavers. As the case unfolds, the implications for both parties are significant, highlighting the potential consequences of inaccurate health assessments in professional driving.
