When I was preparing for CPL the FAA required that a pilot flying for hire, with "corrective glasses required", needed to carry a spare pair "in case", unless he demonstrated the ability to land without his eyeglasses.
But just a week or two before my flight test the AOPA convinced the FAA that this rule contributed virtually nothing statistically to flight safety, and the pilot should be the judge of whether he should carry a second pair.
So - while out with my instructor for a final pre-check ride, I said "I wonder if I can land OK without glasses", and put them in my pocket. I'm quite nearsighted, and could see the panel pretty well, so I pointed the plane toward the airport heading and cruised along several minutes.
Finally I said - "Where's the damn airport?" My instructor pointed toward 11:30 - I squinted and said "OK I see it now!" - I entered downwind and landed uneventfully.
My conclusion is that I should never fly solo - I should always have someone along to point out the airport to me if I lose my glasses.
