Specsavers Lorry Driver Lawsuit: Driver Claims Faulty Eye Test Cost Him His Career
A licensed lorry driver has launched a specsavers lorry driver lawsuit, seeking more than £200,000 in damages after alleging that an inaccurate eye test led to the loss of his HGV licence and caused serious mental health problems.
Francis Hodibert, 62, from Slough in Berkshire, claims that errors made during mandatory eyesight tests at a local Specsavers branch in 2022 directly resulted in his licence being revoked and left him suffering from severe anxiety and depression.
Licence Revoked After Failed Visual Field Tests
According to court documents filed at London’s High Court, Mr Hodibert underwent two visual field and peripheral vision tests at Specsavers in 2022. He was later informed that he had failed the examinations, which are required by the DVLA for commercial vehicle drivers.
As a result of the reported failures, the DVLA revoked his HGV licence, effectively preventing him from working as a professional lorry driver.
Commercial drivers must pass both a standard distance eyesight test and a more detailed visual field assessment using specialised equipment in order to remain licensed.
Licence Reinstated After Independent Medical Test
Mr Hodibert later underwent a separate visual field examination conducted by a consultant ophthalmologist. After passing that test, he was able to appeal the DVLA’s decision.
His HGV licence was reinstated in early 2023, roughly six months after it had been revoked. However, his legal team argues that the emotional and psychological damage caused during that period had already taken a lasting toll.
Claims of Negligence Against Specsavers
Michael O’Neill, the barrister representing Mr Hodibert, told the court that the original test results provided by Specsavers were inaccurate and should never have led to the revocation of his client’s licence.
He stated that the reporting of incorrect results and their submission to the DVLA were caused by negligence on the part of Specsavers and its staff.
The claim alleges that the visual field tests were carried out in a way that produced false results and that an inaccurate report was sent to the licensing authority.
Mental Health Impact and Compensation Claim
The lawsuit states that Mr Hodibert developed a worsening mixed anxiety and depression disorder following the loss of his licence and livelihood.
According to his barrister, his condition has progressed to the point where he is currently unable to work, not only as an HGV driver but in any professional capacity.
The court was told that his personal and domestic life has been significantly disrupted and that it remains uncertain whether he will ever recover enough to return to work.
A medical report submitted to the court by a doctor is said to support Mr Hodibert’s claim for damages exceeding £200,000.
Specsavers Responds
Specsavers is expected to deny the allegations and defend the action. A formal defence was not available from the court at the time of writing.
However, when contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Specsavers confirmed that the company intends to contest the claims.
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