Fair enough, Joe-Alex: you sound genuine, although I reserve the right to suppress anyone else who appears to be jumping on the bandwagon.
I get the impression that you're already wearing glasses.
Is there no chance of getting this done on the NHS? Elective surgery is starting up again I believe.
I appreciate that very much, thank you.
The NHS are restarting electives?! Where did you hear this?
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Fair enough, Joe-Alex: you sound genuine, although I reserve the right to suppress anyone else who appears to be jumping on the bandwagon.
I get the impression that you're already wearing glasses.
Is there no chance of getting this done on the NHS? Elective surgery is starting up again I believe.
I've done some more research and it does appear that hospitals are been encouraged to restart non-emergency surgeries. That said, it seems laser eye surgery isn't covered by the NHS as it is considered cosmetic (I don't know how the heck they came to that conclusion).
I would appreciate if you guys would at least give my fundraiser a look via the link in my first post. Like I said, the site doesn't use advertisements so there is no chance of clicking on anything dodgy or popups appearing.
Edited by Joe-Alex on 30/05/2020 at 21:28
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That said, it seems laser eye surgery isn't covered by the NHS as it is considered cosmetic (I don't know how the heck they came to that conclusion).
It's considered cosmetic as generally there is no reason to have it as glasses will help most people. I am still unsure how the laser surgery will help you as you say you already wear glasses. Have you had an assessment that has told you it would improve your sight enough to pass the driving test eye checks?
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That said, it seems laser eye surgery isn't covered by the NHS as it is considered cosmetic (I don't know how the heck they came to that conclusion).
It's considered cosmetic as generally there is no reason to have it as glasses will help most people. I am still unsure how the laser surgery will help you as you say you already wear glasses. Have you had an assessment that has told you it would improve your sight enough to pass the driving test eye checks?
I'm not looking to ditch the glasses, just to increase my visual acuity overall.
And no I have not had an assessment as they are not able to see anyone at the moment. Thank you for mentioning it though, it has reminded me to contact them and see what the situation is like currently or in the very near future.
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
I have mixed feelings regarding laser eye surgery. Friends have paid for this in the past with varying degrees of success, especially long term. I suppose if it is the only option to restore your eyesight then the risk may be worth it. Obviously they correct one eye first and assess the results. Good luck with your quest and I hope you find a satisfactory solution to your problem.
Cheers Concrete
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It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
How on earth can they examine your eyes and determine your suitability from a phone consultation? Just over 2 weeks ago I rang 111 after having a fall, they said it was just a sprain. A week later I was still swollen and in pain so went to A & E, I had broken the end of my Fibula.
You are wasting your phone call.
I have mixed feelings regarding laser eye surgery. Friends have paid for this in the past with varying degrees of success, especially long term. I suppose if it is the only option to restore your eyesight then the risk may be worth it. Obviously they correct one eye first and assess the results. Good luck with your quest and I hope you find a satisfactory solution to your problem.
Cheers Concrete
My boss had eye surgery to avoid wearing specs, First eye went fine, the second was a disaster, he was far worse off after paying for the surgery. They tried again and still no better. Even with specs he had worse vision than he had with specs before.
I have been wearing specs since I was 7 or 8, that is 57 years approx. Not an issue for me providing I can see. At £45 a pair from Asda for varifocals (£95 with photochromic add on) they are hardly expensive and are excellent specs.
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It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
How on earth can they examine your eyes and determine your suitability from a phone consultation? Just over 2 weeks ago I rang 111 after having a fall, they said it was just a sprain. A week later I was still swollen and in pain so went to A & E, I had broken the end of my Fibula.
You are wasting your phone call.
I have mixed feelings regarding laser eye surgery. Friends have paid for this in the past with varying degrees of success, especially long term. I suppose if it is the only option to restore your eyesight then the risk may be worth it. Obviously they correct one eye first and assess the results. Good luck with your quest and I hope you find a satisfactory solution to your problem.
Cheers Concrete
My boss had eye surgery to avoid wearing specs, First eye went fine, the second was a disaster, he was far worse off after paying for the surgery. They tried again and still no better. Even with specs he had worse vision than he had with specs before.
I have been wearing specs since I was 7 or 8, that is 57 years approx. Not an issue for me providing I can see. At £45 a pair from Asda for varifocals (£95 with photochromic add on) they are hardly expensive and are excellent specs.
The phone call wont be to assess the eyes - just to talk about his condition and what they may be able to do for him.
Have you ever compared the cheap varifocals to the more expensive ones? My wife wears them and would never go back to the cheaper ones - the more expensive ones give a much clearer/sharper view especially anything outside your dead ahead view.
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Have you ever compared the cheap varifocals to the more expensive ones? My wife wears them and would never go back to the cheaper ones - the more expensive ones give a much clearer/sharper view especially anything outside your dead ahead view.
Been wearing varifocals since the late 90's and have encountered that issue.
When I was first told I needed varifocals I listened to people at work and family and the general opinion was they take some getting used to but after a few weeks all will be fine.
First pair were Hoya lenses, about a 1.6 index from the local optician I had used since being a kid. After a week I hated them but after 2 weeks things improved and I got along with them pretty well except for driving. After a couple of months spotted specsavers had a deal on for free photochromic lenses so went along and bought a pair of single vision 1.5 index lenses which got around the driving issue although its fair to say that after several months it became less of an issue.
The following year my reading prescription had got worse so needed new specs again. The local optician suggested a new 1.72 Hoya lens since it was far less distorting off centre so went ahead and paid £400 for one pair (over 20 years ago). Total disaster. Off centre could not see a thing, driving in them was dangerous but the optician would not accept they were unsuitable or give me a refund. Luckily I still had the Specsavers single vision ones to drive in (that part of my prescription had not changed) and after 12 months I decided I must get things sorted elsewhere. Had changed jobs and was closer to Specsavers but the independent optician 2 shops away was doing a two for one offer and after speaking to them could offer the Hoya 1.6 lens I had found OK previously. So went ahead with one pair of Hoya varifocals and a pair of singe vision tints for driving and all was perfect. A couple of years later same again at the same shop.
Then I moved jobs again and the Specsavers in town was the most convenient and after speaking to them they offered Hoya 1.6 lenses at their standard two for one prices. By now I needed the varifocals to read the speedo etc easily so had 2 pairs and as before with the 1.6 Hoyas no issues, so good in fact they lasted me 6 years.
They I had some vision issues but by then Specsavers had stopped offering Hoya, only their Pentax lenses were on the menu. So had 2 pairs of these but when they arrived I simply could not focus, they were dreadful. After 2 weeks the dispensing optician checked them and found that the lenses did not match my prescription so they were returned and fitted with new lenses which were perfect for a couple of years. Then it was back to Specsavers and exactly the same thing happened, replacement lenses cured the problem but how good was their quality control and checking?
Last year I needed new specs again but did not need a test since it had been done at the hospital. Took it to Specsavers who told me that the Pentax lens was no longer available thus had to have their own version. Had 2 pairs of varifocals (one clear one tint) for £320 and imagine my surprise when they were fine,first time in 9 years I had not needed to return. When summer arrived I found the tints not dark enough so back to Specsavers who wanted over £200 for a pair of specs, said forget it. So I decided to try Asda's £45 all in tinted/varifocal specs with low expectations. Took a week to arrive, put them on, walked to the car, drove to the woods, walked round the wood with the dog, drove home, they were excellent.
When I was retested earlier this year despite finding the current specs fine the new prescription was quite different to the old one and spending over £300 again did not appeal. So taking into consideration the results I had with the Asda specs I went along and ordered a pair of clear ones initially which as before came after a week and were instantly perfect. Went back a week later and ordered a pair of photochromics, came after a week and were fine, in fact I am typing this wearing the photochromics, don't wear the clear ones much at all to be honest.
One point of interest, the clear ones came with 1.7 index lenses and as I said above were fine, still focus away from strait ahead. When I went a ordered the photochromics saw a different assistant who told me an error had been made previously and my prescription should use a 1.6 lens. Since I had always found these fine just said OK. To be totally honest there is no noticeable difference between the 2 pairs, the photochromics are possibly slightly thicker but you would need a micrometer to measure it.
I have since read some on line reviews and Asda opticians came out pretty good. The experts rated their frames as being sturdy but a limited choice and they found their lenses closely matched the prescription. Some of their more expensive competition failed on both counts.
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Thanks for the detailed post Thunderbird - might have to give Asda a try myself when I need some glasses next time - just standard lenses - as have never been 100% with the last few times I have been to Specsavers. My wife was not happy with her Specsavers varifocals last time even though they were expensive ones so last time went to Vision Express who were very, very good but on the dearer side.
It does surprise me just how variable places can be.
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It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
How on earth can they examine your eyes and determine your suitability from a phone consultation? Just over 2 weeks ago I rang 111 after having a fall, they said it was just a sprain. A week later I was still swollen and in pain so went to A & E, I had broken the end of my Fibula.
You are wasting your phone call.
It is to discuss my eyesight, my nystagmus, and when they can get me in. I am not wasting my time at all.
I have mixed feelings regarding laser eye surgery. Friends have paid for this in the past with varying degrees of success, especially long term. I suppose if it is the only option to restore your eyesight then the risk may be worth it. Obviously they correct one eye first and assess the results. Good luck with your quest and I hope you find a satisfactory solution to your problem.
Cheers Concrete
My boss had eye surgery to avoid wearing specs, First eye went fine, the second was a disaster, he was far worse off after paying for the surgery. They tried again and still no better. Even with specs he had worse vision than he had with specs before.
I have been wearing specs since I was 7 or 8, that is 57 years approx. Not an issue for me providing I can see. At £45 a pair from Asda for varifocals (£95 with photochromic add on) they are hardly expensive and are excellent specs.
Regarding your boss' eye surgery: results very much depend on the clinic you use and the experience of the surgeon. I'm not saying he went the cheap route, but companies such as Optimax and Vision Express don't have the most stellar record. At the London Vision Clinic, during the initial assessment of your eyes, they carry out a wide range of tests including (but not limited to (because my memory is awful)):
3D measurement of the geometry of the cornea as well as its thickness
Measurement of the imperfections in the way the eye focuses light
A low-light conditions test
Test pressure of the eyes
Pupil measurement
Tear film testing
Measurement of ability to discern objects under low contrast conditions
Ophthalmic Exam
This takes at least 2 hours. These people don't mess about.
And they do the surgery on both eyes, one after the other, in a single appointment. Also the lead surgeon's qualifications in this field are impeccable (and I Googled him to make sure). I'm telling you all this because I want people to understand why I've chosen them. Believe me, I've done my research.
I have one goal and that is to be able to drive and I will achieve it. If I still have to wear glasses afterwards, so be it.
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It is to discuss my eyesight, my nystagmus, and when they can get me in. I am not wasting my time at all.
Many years ago I worked with a chap with nystagmus, not a pleasant condition.
Having done a quick Google every site I have looked at says the same
1. Nystagmus cannot be cured (no change from 40 or so years ago there)
2. Laser treat cannot cure Nystagmus but it can improve vision if a specialist tracking laser is used for the surgery (but the same improvement can be achieved with spectacles)
3. Its very rare for people with Nystagmus to be given a driving license.
I suggest that before you spend a large sum of money you contact the DVSA and if necessary undergo tests at their approved optometrists (they are free) to ascertain if you meet the requirements. With spectacles you should pass the vision requirements (they are not that stringent - which is a worry), its the peripheral vision and eye movement that causes issues and its that part that was and as far as Mr Google is aware still is incurable
Edited by thunderbird on 03/06/2020 at 10:55
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3. Its very rare for people with Nystagmus to be given a driving license.
I'd have though that too but it's not one of the conditions DVLA need to be notified of provided the usual test (ie numberplate) is met.
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3. Its very rare for people with Nystagmus to be given a driving license.
I'd have though that too but it's not one of the conditions DVLA need to be notified of provided the usual test (ie numberplate) is met.
Every site I researched said its rare for people to be given a licence but I agree that the DVLA site is clear enough.
But when you apply for a licence you have to answer questions about your vision but its does say that "You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye" I would expect the DVLA to follow up on anyone who says they have problems, I know they did with me. I have Glaucoma in one eye only and was told (and had it confirmed in writing) that I did not need to inform them since it was only in one eye. Later I was diagnosed with ocular hypertension in the other eye and when I enquired the DVLA told me and confirmed in writing it was not a notifiable condition. But when we moved house and I finally applied for a photo licence the DVLA referred me for tests before they would issue a new licence. I passed them with a 100% result but it shows how a web site and reality are different. Not an issue now, the hospital decided last year it was not ocular hypertension and took me off the drops.
Having seen that I could pass the number plate test with no spectacles it horrifies me that people are driving with what I consider inadequate vision. I would never dream of driving without spectacles, probably habit after 58 or so years but I consider I would be a hazard. To think that a person with a lack of eye control is driving with no need for a test other than a stationary numberplate seems crazy.
So why should we contribute money to the OP in his quest to be a possible danger on the road?
I have had to pay my own way for the past 64+ years, so should he.
Edited by thunderbird on 03/06/2020 at 12:30
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Having seen that I could pass the number plate test with no spectacles it horrifies me that people are driving with what I consider inadequate vision. I would never dream of driving without spectacles, probably habit after 58 or so years but I consider I would be a hazard. To think that a person with a lack of eye control is driving with no need for a test other than a stationary numberplate seems crazy.
Understand the point about your own experience. In a previous professional role I dealt with quite a few people who'd had life changing brain injuries and had to jump through hoops to obtain/retain a licence.
Some couldn't do it. And of that group there were a subset of whom, based on their relatives etc, one thought they'd struggle before they got injured.
The current vision test, substantially unchanged in best part of 100 years, is utterly inadequate. Like you I can just, albeit with a bit of squinting, meet that test unaided. I couldn't though read signs at a safe distance and I think my hazard perception based on blurred stuff would be sub optimal too.
From age 11 until relatively recently (I'm now 60) I wore glasses all day everyday. Latterly, with reading and VDU use requiring varifocals. At least on pair of those were troublesome and I got in habit of taking them off at start of my working shift and leaving them on my desk even if I go to meetings etc.
Having been working at home for last 10 weeks I'm now at the point where I've more pr less stopped wearing them except to drive or cycle. Would wear them on public transport too so I can see departure boards etc.
So far as I am concerned, whilst I've not (yet) contributed to the Go Fund Me, I've no objection to the principle. All power to the OP's elbow.
Edited by Bromptonaut on 03/06/2020 at 14:16
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So far as I am concerned, whilst I've not (yet) contributed to the Go Fund Me, I've no objection to the principle. All power to the OP's elbow.
*Jabs with elbow*
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<< To think that a person with a lack of eye control is driving with no need for a test other than a stationary numberplate seems crazy. >>
I am still amazed at the anachronism of this test. When I applied for a Canadian provincial driving licence in 1964 I was tested for peripheral vision among other things. I am surprised the UK test has not evolved very far since then.
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3. Its very rare for people with Nystagmus to be given a driving license.
I'd have though that too but it's not one of the conditions DVLA need to be notified of provided the usual test (ie numberplate) is met.
Every site I researched said its rare for people to be given a licence but I agree that the DVLA site is clear enough.
For nystagmus? No, it is not rare. It may be uncommon, but it isn't as if it is a 1 in 1000 thing.
But when you apply for a licence you have to answer questions about your vision but its does say that "You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye" I would expect the DVLA to follow up on anyone who says they have problems, I know they did with me. I have Glaucoma in one eye only and was told (and had it confirmed in writing) that I did not need to inform them since it was only in one eye. Later I was diagnosed with ocular hypertension in the other eye and when I enquired the DVLA told me and confirmed in writing it was not a notifiable condition. But when we moved house and I finally applied for a photo licence the DVLA referred me for tests before they would issue a new licence. I passed them with a 100% result but it shows how a web site and reality are different. Not an issue now, the hospital decided last year it was not ocular hypertension and took me off the drops.
A website and reality are different? To what are you referring?
Having seen that I could pass the number plate test with no spectacles it horrifies me that people are driving with what I consider inadequate vision. I would never dream of driving without spectacles, probably habit after 58 or so years but I consider I would be a hazard. To think that a person with a lack of eye control is driving with no need for a test other than a stationary numberplate seems crazy.
So why should we contribute money to the OP in his quest to be a possible danger on the road?
That is one hell of an assumption you have made. First, I doubt any driving instructor worth their salt would allow someone with poor vision to pass. Second, whilst I do not have any eye control insofar as the shaking, to say I have 'no eye control' is ludicrous and slightly insulting. If you had watched the video I made on my GoFundMe page (or just read it, or researched adequately) you would know that whilst my eyes move, my vision does not "shake", it doesn't vibrate and it isn't doubled (and I know what that is like as I had an operation at 5 years old to remove my squint). my peripheral vision is excellent as is my field of vision. Third, I have my provisional licence, so the DVLA obviously felt it was okay for me to learn to drive. And, finally, I would never put people at risk just to realise my dream.
I have had to pay my own way for the past 64+ years, so should he.
That is an abysmally cynical view. I pay my own way as far as I can possibly manage. I am in my second year of my Computing and IT degree, I volunteer full time with the British Polio Fellowship and I care for my mother who has mental health issue. I'm asking for some help, nothing more.
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I have had to pay my own way for the past 64+ years, so should he.
That is an abysmally cynical view. I pay my own way as far as I can possibly manage. I am in my second year of my Computing and IT degree, I volunteer full time with the British Polio Fellowship and I care for my mother who has mental health issue. I'm asking for some help, nothing more.
Why is that a cynical view. I myself have worked hard and I obtained a Higher Diploma in Engineering Surveying (a 3 year "sandwich" course - 2 terms at Poly, 2 in industry every year) back in the late 70's and having worked in Higher education back in the 90's I know for a fact that Degrees today are far easier to achieve that an HD of that period. Do you do 32 hours of lectures a week?, we did. On Tuesdays lectures started at 9.00 am and ended at 9.00 pm with no break other than lunch and tea.
So why should I (or anyone else) help pay for an operation that will not cure your issue and since it seems you have been granted a license presumably using spectacles its an operation you do not need other than for vanity.
Edited by Avant on 04/06/2020 at 14:26
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Having been given the boot at least twice for becoming abusive when basically being told to do like the rest of us and pay its seems that this poster is starting to go down to same route.
Perhaps its just a ploy to get money for his driving tuition which he seemed to feel was his god given right.
I think you're going over the top there TB. Joe-Alex bears no resemblance to the poster you mention. He's contributed thoughtfully to a number of ongoing threads on this forum and is polite and respectful.
The post of yours to which he has responded with strong rebuttals of the assertions you make was already beyond the test of 'would that be acceptable around a pub table'. This one goes way too far and I've reported it accordingly for being offensive.
(Edit - many thanks. I've deleted the offensive part of that post.)
Edited by Avant on 04/06/2020 at 14:37
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This one goes way too far and I've reported it accordingly for being offensive.
Not really bothered. I stand by what I say. All this use of the internet to beg for money is going too far.
(Edit: You should be bothered. If you have been around for "64+ years", you are quite old enough to have learnt not to be offensive in public.)
Edited by Avant on 04/06/2020 at 14:39
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Avant
You know what I wrote is true and I am afriad you have just proven what I have suspected for years. You are the most spinless moderator on the internet.
You have no respect, that is why this forum gets an ever increasing number of spam and threat links.
Bet you have not contributed to his "fake" fund have you.
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Avant
You know what I wrote is true and I am afriad you have just proven what I have suspected for years. You are the most spinless moderator on the internet.
You have no respect, that is why this forum gets an ever increasing number of spam and threat links.
Bet you have not contributed to his "fake" fund have you.
This poster is clearly not the poster you think he is - and the spam on the forum comes about because people post spam links and the forum software does not stop it - nothing to do with Avant.
Even if you don't wish to contribute to his fund it does not make it 'fake'.
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"Avant
You know what I wrote is true and I am afriad you have just proven what I have suspected for years. You are the most spinless moderator on the internet.
You have no respect, that is why this forum gets an ever increasing number of spam and threat links.
Bet you have not contributed to his "fake" fund have you."
I missed the offensive bits of the post which have now been removed, so I possibly don't have the full picture here, but TB's post quoted above is extraordinarily out of line.
Avant's removal of offensive material does not prove he is "spinless" - quite the opposite, I'd have thought.
Any respect or otherwise for the moderator has no bearing on the amount of spam on the site and I have no idea what "threat" TB is talking about.
As someone else has said, Joe-Alex's fund seems to exist and therefore is not a fake, but probably TB means to refer to the reason for the fund's existence.
The thing about TB's post is its angry tone. Having found it hard to have his post edited he has directed his bile at Avant, who most of us would say does a pretty good job here. He has also taken a very ungenerous view of Joe-Alex.
I do wonder whether the ongoing virus situation is having a stressful effect on some people's behaviour. I would not have expected such stuff from TB at all. He should be ashamed.
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I do wonder whether the ongoing virus situation is having a stressful effect on some people's behaviour. I would not have expected such stuff from TB at all. He should be ashamed.
No stress from Covid so far, doing OK
Just find it unbelievable that the OP is allowed to post his begging requests on a motoring forum.
Especially when I can clearly see some common themes with the previously banned poster who was also having issues with driving a car.
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Just find it unbelievable that the OP is allowed to post his begging requests on a motoring forum.
So far as I can see there's only one request. It links to a Go Fund Me crowdfunding page which contains a well written appeal. Crowdfunding is a new thing, there's lots of causes out there some more deserving than others. I've contributed to a couple around legal challenges to government.
This one has drawn attention to a condition I'd not heard of before and prompted some interesting contributions, particularly the link to Sophie's blog.
If the site was overwhelmed with such requests then perhaps they'd need to be edited or pre-moderated but given that 'ignore' is always an option I cannot see why any offence is caused.
Especially when I can clearly see some common themes with the previously banned poster who was also having issues with driving a car.
I recall another poster full of self righteous indignation over some issue with DVLA. Looked like a schoolboy thing to be honest. Joe-Alex's posts bear no relationship to that person's style and he's contributed thoughtfully to other threads.
I find his presence as a youngster, at least relative to most of us here, entirely welcome.
Edited by Bromptonaut on 04/06/2020 at 17:59
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Especially when I can clearly see some common themes with the previously banned poster who was also having issues with driving a car.
The poster you are referring to was complaining that the coronavirus had stopped him being able to take driving lessons - he came across as very agitated and possibly mentally ill in some way. He would antagonise people, then apologise and quickly do it all over again.
Joe Alex is nothing like that and have enjoyed the discussion on here and hope that he stays for some further posts on here and you have not put him off with your very uncalled for posts.
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Avant
You know what I wrote is true and I am afriad you have just proven what I have suspected for years. You are the most spinless moderator on the internet.
You have no respect, that is why this forum gets an ever increasing number of spam and threat links.
Bet you have not contributed to his "fake" fund have you.
Now you are just fabricating stuff and you have insulted me again without provocation. I made my intentions clear when I posted here. I thought a forum of car enthusiasts would be more understanding than a non-specific forum about me hoping to drive, and yet you have done nothing but thrown shade on me.
Having looked around this forum over the past 2 weeks, I have seen the issue with spam, and thus your inherent distrust, but your behaviour in response to me asking for help (call it begging if you wish) is uncalled for.
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Having been given the boot at least twice for becoming abusive when basically being told to do like the rest of us and pay its seems that this poster is starting to go down to same route.
I'm at a complete loss here. Are you confusing me with someone else? I have done nothing of the sort other than to provide rebuttals to your posts.
Perhaps its just a ploy to get money for his driving tuition which he seemed to feel was his god given right.
I mean it is a possibility and I respect you caution, but your basing that on nothing. I have an entire plan laid out for the fundraiser (assuming it is even remotely successful), including providing a full accounting for the funds and video updates (including, hopefully, filming on-site (at LVC)). I'm not here to scam anyone and I have even provided my full residential address so I can be held fully accountable.
Also, where did you get my 'god given right' from? I expressed what I believe is an earnest desire to drive. I do not claim a 'right' to do so.
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I have had to pay my own way for the past 64+ years, so should he.
That is an abysmally cynical view. I pay my own way as far as I can possibly manage. I am in my second year of my Computing and IT degree, I volunteer full time with the British Polio Fellowship and I care for my mother who has mental health issue. I'm asking for some help, nothing more.
Why is that a cynical view. I myself have worked hard and I obtained a Higher Diploma in Engineering Surveying (a 3 year "sandwich" course - 2 terms at Poly, 2 in industry every year) back in the late 70's and having worked in Higher education back in the 90's I know for a fact that Degrees today are far easier to achieve that an HD of that period. Do you do 32 hours of lectures a week?, we did. On Tuesdays lectures started at 9.00 am and ended at 9.00 pm with no break other than lunch and tea.
Ah, the old 'it was harder in my time' shtick. I am a distance learner (Open University) and, as such, I don't have lectures to attend,but nor do I have tutors or the social network inherent of 'brick' unis. I have to manage my time myself, teach myself from the materials and I have one, single tutor to ask for help, not a whole faculty. I am studying 120 credits which is 32 hours of study a week. It requires strict discipline and time management throughout.
So why should I (or anyone else) help pay for an operation that will not cure your issue and since it seems you have been granted a license presumably using spectacles its an operation you do not need other than for vanity.
I have no illusions that it will 'cure my issue' and being granted a provisional licence means nothing; you fill in a form, send it off and you get your card a few weeks later. It doesn't mean I can drive. Vanity?! I am trying to improve my eyesight. If I still have to wear glasses I am fine with that (I've worn them since I was old enough to keep them on my face).
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Third, I have my provisional licence, so the DVLA obviously felt it was okay for me to learn to drive. And, finally, I would never put people at risk just to realise my dream.
Do the DVLA know about your condition?
An interesting blog post from someone with the same condition with regards to driving:
https://nystagmusnetwork.org/nystagmus-and-driving-by-sophie/
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Thanks for that link Alan. She's a brave girl to make all this public in order to help others.
Two interesting points occur to me:
I suspect that there must be varying levels and severities of nystagmus - hence Moorfields not wanting to say that no-one with this condition can drive. Clearly Sophie couldn't judge distances well enough, but hopefully Joe-Alex can.
Secondly, she mentions automatics being easier to learn on than manuals. This isn't surprising: up to now the usual advice has been to learn on a manual so as to be qualified to drive both. But in the run up to 2035 with more and more cars being hybrids, EVs and PHEVs, maybe this isn't necessary any more unless the leaner is a keen driver who wants to be able to drive a manual.
Best of luck, Joe-Alex. The great majority of us on here wish you well.
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Thanks for that link Alan. She's a brave girl to make all this public in order to help others.
Two interesting points occur to me:
I suspect that there must be varying levels and severities of nystagmus - hence Moorfields not wanting to say that no-one with this condition can drive. Clearly Sophie couldn't judge distances well enough, but hopefully Joe-Alex can.
Secondly, she mentions automatics being easier to learn on than manuals. This isn't surprising: up to now the usual advice has been to learn on a manual so as to be qualified to drive both. But in the run up to 2035 with more and more cars being hybrids, EVs and PHEVs, maybe this isn't necessary any more unless the leaner is a keen driver who wants to be able to drive a manual.
Best of luck, Joe-Alex. The great majority of us on here wish you well.
I'd like to second that thanks Alan. Sophie's story is really interesting and she has definitely shared some of the same troubles and concerns I have had.
I'd prefer to learn manual, but I'm not averse to automatics either. It definitely seems to be the oncoming trend.
Thank you for the kind words Avant, I appreciate it.
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
What did they say?
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I was told by my optician that I will need cataract surgery within the next couple of years. I expressed my concerns about laser treatments and she told me that lens replacement is becoming the norm on the NHS now which has far fewer side effects than the older laser treatment.
Actually a a win-win for me as it will cure my short sightedness and astigmatism as well.
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I do not think that the forum is a place for asking for funds. People in general are well aware of all the deserving causes and charities that are around. I am fed up with the constant "heartbreak" ads? appeals for funds which are in your face on TV. The worst being "quince the guide dog saved my life" and the poor African girl carrying polluted water. The cost of the administration and inflated salaries of some of these organisations is a disgrace.
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I do not think that the forum is a place for asking for funds. People in general are well aware of all the deserving causes and charities that are around. I am fed up with the constant "heartbreak" ads? appeals for funds which are in your face on TV. The worst being "quince the guide dog saved my life" and the poor African girl carrying polluted water. The cost of the administration and inflated salaries of some of these organisations is a disgrace.
I agree with you. We are inundated with appeals on TV and, also, these companies do have a tendency to have not just inflated salaries, but bureaucracy. I can't say GoFundMe isn't like that, but as the platform doesn't take a cut of the monies raised, and only receives money from tips given by donors whilst they are donating (not mandatory), I do not see how they could afford to do so.
Out of curiosity, if you don't think a forum is a place to ask, where would you consider appropriate?
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Out of curiosity, if you don't think a forum is a place to ask, where would you consider appropriate?
Maybe it's not a question of whether a forum is the correct place to ask but which forum.
Speaking for myself, I'm of a certain age (elderly in other words!) where we were bought up to provide for ourselves. I donate quite a lot to charity but I do feel a bit uncomfortable with such a direct request, and given that many on here are of the same age maybe they feel the same. So perhaps it's a case of this not the best forum for Go-Fund-Me appeals.
Please appreciate I'm not trying to be critical or rude or condescending to you here and I wish you the best of luck with your fund raising.
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Out of curiosity, if you don't think a forum is a place to ask, where would you consider appropriate?
Maybe it's not a question of whether a forum is the correct place to ask but which forum.
Speaking for myself, I'm of a certain age (elderly in other words!) where we were bought up to provide for ourselves. I donate quite a lot to charity but I do feel a bit uncomfortable with such a direct request, and given that many on here are of the same age maybe they feel the same. So perhaps it's a case of this not the best forum for Go-Fund-Me appeals.
Please appreciate I'm not trying to be critical or rude or condescending to you here and I wish you the best of luck with your fund raising.
I take no offence from constructive criticism. Thank you. I do understand your feelings regarding charity requests, and believe me, it was not an easy thing for me to do. I do not make a habit out of asking for help.
One point I would like some clarification on though if you wouldn't mind; You said 'I do feel a bit uncomfortable with such a direct request'.
What do you mean exactly? Is the direct approach not the preferred one? I know I can't stand it if people beat around the bush (as it were) ... ...although, now that I consider it, I can see how it may come across as brash and/or arrogant (or even demanding for that matter).
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I was told by my optician that I will need cataract surgery within the next couple of years. I expressed my concerns about laser treatments and she told me that lens replacement is becoming the norm on the NHS now which has far fewer side effects than the older laser treatment.
Actually a a win-win for me as it will cure my short sightedness and astigmatism as well.
Indeed. One of the members of the peterborough branch of the BPF had lens replacement and he swears by it (he's 80). He noticed an improvement in his driving almost immediately. His only annoyance was that it took about a month between treatments (one eye at a time).
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
What did they say?
Nothing. I couldn't take the call as I had a difficult night last night with my mother. I'll be calling them myself tomorrow. I'll keep you updated.
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I'd get the assessment done first before thinking about going ahead with it and trying to raise money for it as it may not help enough. Generally the results from laser don't give better results than wearing glasses - they just mean you don't need to wear them....until your eyes change more and then you need surgery again.
It's a fair point and I have arranged a phone consultation with them for tomorrow.
What did they say?
No luck as of yet. I simply get a message saying they are extremely busy and not to bother leaving a voicemail as they are not managed. I've requested a callback via the website, but will try calling again on Monday.
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