Oliver - other airlines offer sponsorships other than BA: Aer Lingus, BM, A2K and many others often mentioned on this forum. BA have their own limits which are more stringent than the CAA/JAA for selection purposes, most other airlines just need to see a Class 1 medical and the're happy.
Don't despair! Try the Medical & Health forum for more info, if you haven't yet.
PS Is it me, or eyesight concerns one of the most common queries on PPRuNe? Nothing to do with the fact that we all have computers and interent access, maybe?
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...proceeding below Decision Height WITH CAUTION...