Hi all just a little information that I gathered recently.... the RAF will NOT accept vision problems for pilots at all. I called them again last week to see if by chance anything had changed and I got a very blunt NO, and goodbye, not so much as can we interest you in another field. I have done a Flying Scholarship through the RAF and was told at the time that i could not do anything to do with flying, eg, Pilot, WSO, Air Load Master etc etc. (and before anyone asks no I'm not that short sighted). However keep trying, terms are "subject to change without notice" or so I've heard.
Also you probably wouldnt have a problem getting a Class 1 as far as i know, I got mine about 4 months ago without a problem. I wera contact lenses now, however even wearing of glasses is fine. As with regard to airlines, I always wear contact lenses, A: because I prefer them and B: so if they have any slight preference to a "perfectperson" you at least get a chance to show them what type of person you are before they get a chacnew to prejudge you (not saying that all airlines do....but its worth a try if they might be)
So dont give up hope, my heart sank at the age of 16 just as me and the family left South Africa, when I had to get glasses becasue I knew the SAAF wouldn't take people with eyesight probs..... but there are many other opportunities and things are looking up. For example I am trying to get hold of someone at the careers office in the Marines and Navy...try them they might be less stingy, but the last time i tried about a year ago the Navy turned me down as well. Things may have changed though...
Like a few othere people have suggested exercises may and sometimes can help, I had a friend who had a lazy eye and is now fine...but depends ont the extent etc..
Hope this has been of some help to you and anyone else.
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PS: Above all things.. NEVER GIVE UP! I f u want it bad enough you'll get it. People have conquered worse things before, so where there's a will there's a way!
[ 06 January 2002: Message edited by: RAF TopGun ]</p>