Lorry Driver Launches £200,000 Lawsuit Against Specsavers Over Alleged Botched Eye Test
A licensed lorry driver is taking legal action against Specsavers, seeking over £200,000 in damages. He alleges that a failed eye test at the optician chain not only cost him his job but also triggered severe depression. Francis Hodibert, a 62-year-old from Slough, Berkshire, claims the incident has left him unable to work and fearing he may never recover sufficiently to return to employment.
Details of the Alleged Negligence
In 2022, Mr Hodibert underwent mandatory HGV driver eye tests at his local Specsavers branch. Commercial vehicle operators must pass rigorous assessments, including standard distance checks and specialised visual field examinations, as required by the DVLA. According to court documents filed in London's High Court, he failed the visual field test twice at Specsavers, leading to the revocation of his HGV licence and effectively ending his career as a trucker.
Mr Hodibert successfully regained his licence six months later, in January 2023, after passing a subsequent visual field test administered by a consultant ophthalmologist. However, he argues that the earlier failures were due to mistakes by Specsavers staff, which had already caused significant emotional and professional harm.
Legal Arguments and Emotional Impact
Michael O'Neill, Mr Hodibert's barrister, stated that the Specsavers results were "inaccurate." Following separate tests on 25 January 2023, his client appealed the licence revocation, which was reinstated on 31 March 2023. Mr O'Neill accused 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 barrister explained that Mr Hodibert has "developed a worsening mixed depression and anxiety disorder as a result of the matters herein complained of." His condition has rendered him unable to work as an HGV driver or in any capacity, severely disrupting his personal and domestic life. Mr O'Neill added, "It is uncertain that he will ever make a sufficient recovery to work again."
Specsavers' Response and Ongoing Case
Specsavers has indicated it will defend against the claims, with a spokesperson confirming the action would be contested. The company's formal defence was not available from the court at the time of reporting. Mr Hodibert's legal team has submitted a medical report from a doctor supporting his claim for damages exceeding £200,000, highlighting the profound impact on his mental health and livelihood.
This case underscores the critical importance of accurate medical assessments for professional drivers and the potential consequences of alleged negligence in such sensitive procedures.
