Francis Hodibert faced a devastating blow when a routine eye test cost him his livelihood. The HGV driver from Slough, Berkshire, lost his license for months after Specsavers reported visual field defects, triggering a revocation by the DVLA.
The ordeal began with tests conducted in April and May of 2022. These tests, according to Hodibert’s legal team, produced inaccurate results, falsely indicating limitations in his peripheral vision – a critical requirement for operating heavy goods vehicles.
The consequences were swift and severe. In September 2022, the DVLA revoked Hodibert’s HGV license, effectively grounding his career and plunging him into a period of intense hardship. His ability to provide for himself and his family was abruptly taken away.
Though his license was eventually reinstated in January 2023 following a successful appeal and a new eyesight certificate, the damage was already done. Hodibert maintains the initial failure stemmed directly from errors made during the Specsavers examination.
Now, Hodibert is seeking over £200,000 in damages, arguing the inaccurate test results and subsequent license revocation caused significant professional and personal distress. He claims the experience triggered debilitating anxiety and depression.
His barrister, Michael O’Neill, detailed the case, asserting Specsavers failed to administer the visual field test correctly, leading to the flawed report submitted to the DVLA. The claim centers on negligence in providing professional optical services.
Medical records submitted alongside the claim paint a grim picture of Hodibert’s current state. A doctor’s examination confirms the severity of his depression, raising serious doubts about his ability to return to work – not just as an HGV driver, but in any capacity.
The disruption extends beyond his career, profoundly impacting his personal and domestic life. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery leaves him facing an indefinite period of instability and hardship.
Specsavers has signaled its intention to vigorously defend against Hodibert’s claim, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy and complex legal battle. The case highlights the profound impact inaccurate medical assessments can have on individuals’ lives.
The core of the dispute rests on the accuracy of the initial eye test and whether Specsavers adhered to the necessary standards in assessing Hodibert’s fitness to drive. The outcome will likely have significant implications for both parties involved.
