The bit I don't like is the double standard whereby all sorts of things are permitted on a RENEWAL medical (in Europe) with a Demonstrated Ability test, which are not permitted on an INITIAL medical.
Yes, like astigmatism.
"Sorry sir, you don't meet the initial JAR vision standard, but if you come to us with a foreign ICAO compliant licence we can assess you at the renewal standard."
So I turn up some months later with an FAA PPL and problem sorted.