divorcingjack, I truly empathise with your situation as I have also been failed recently due to my eye sight. I too wrote a post hear regarding appeals, but little help came about.
What I have learnt is that you CAN appeal, and sometimes the CAA do grant you the Class 1 after reviewing your case (and you are successful). If you really feel you have the grounds to appeal, call the CAA up, speak to someone and explain and ask whether there is a chance for a review.
The CAA should send you copies of the reports soon. It took ten days for mine to arrive.
I WILL be appealing as I FIRMLY believe I have been failed on no real grounds. My eyesight is WITHIN their requirements according to three different independent optometrists Ive been to recently (including Specsavers).
All the best with yours, if you need further advise
feel free to PM me anytime.
Regards.