Hi,

I have an upcoming interview with Cathay, but I was wondering do they accept pilot who had eyes surgery ?
I've had lasik surgery in 2006 to correct a myopia and I am afraid this will fail my application.
Please anyone can testify about this?

Cheers

I got my first medical (class 2 whilst studying for my PPL) from Dr Fowler (CX Doc) back in 1995 and asked him whether I could get Lasik surgery, as CX at the time had a 20/20 requirement unaided. At that time he said I would be unemployable at initial application, however CX pilots who were already employed and had the op had to take 6 months off work per eye.

He also told me not to bother with any hopes of becoming a commercial pilot, as market forces dictated that anyone without 20/20 vision would not be employable. 13 years on I have my CPL and I am working for a corporate aviation company. Make what you will of this. I figure you've go nothing to lose, especially with experienced pilot shortages. Good luck!

I beleive Air France ask for 6 months out per eyes as well. But since the operation was done in 2006 the time off required by them should be done already. I have been flying in an airline ever since and there is no trace of surgery in my eyes... My vision is perfect, I don't think this should be an issue anymore.

I had LASEK surgery in 2003 and were invited for my first interview 6 months after the surgery. CX were well aware of the surgery.

I'm still working for them now and all I have to do is an extra eye exam with one of the aviation ophthalmologists in HKG.

So to answer your question, yes they will employ you after having had laser surgery.

Good luck.