GCAA eye examinations

[emratty]

I have been reading the info on the portal about the annual eye examination now required by the GCAA. Has anyone had this procedure performed on them before as i am concerned about the warning for us not to drive after the examination as the pupil has to be dilated and will cause blurred vision for a few hours:eek:
I have a rule that if i ever need any medical treatment i will not have it carried out in Dubai unless it is an emergency!! and that would include having my eyes fiddled with:=
I know we have bugger all chance but should we be given a day off to do this as i do not want to walk around on my day off being unable to see.

[helen-damnation]

It's ok, the company will provide transport!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Fart Master]

Whats really good is that the GCAA have given EK a 2 year dispensation for the requirement............... but the EK management have decided to implement it now............why:confused::confused::confused:

[tbaylx]

This eye test is really very simple. The drops that they use dilate the pupils in order to inspect the eye, so everything is silly bright when you go outside. Bring sunglasses and take a cab, it's really not a complicated test at all, and actually not a bad idea even if it isn't required in order to ensure a healthy eye.

It's not impossible to drive after, it's just like going out on a really bright day without sunglasses. It hurts the eyes a bit, so i'd just as soon have someone pick me up than struggle to drive myself.

[Thridle Op Des]

Thanks tbaylix, I is reassuring to hear what is involved, if only we had that kind of communication from Ed, I think there would have been less worries.

Regards

TOD

[L1011]

Had the eye exam today.
No big deal, getting the appointment was the difficult part.
Driving back is not an issue. Driving to the clinic is a real pain though. Big tailback coming off the SZR towards Healthcare City. Parking is plentiful and free.
I hand carried the report back to the clinic as EK will not issue a temporary medical without it. Another day off gone and small Salik donation to the Shakey too.

[Lord Flashhart]

I have had these tests before. I am not sure of the long term harm, if any of having to have these eye dilation examinations every year.

[Trashed Aviator]

It says on the GCaa form that it is only required for renewal of class 1 medicals, for people who have visual correction limitation and repeated every 2 years.
So if you dont wear glasses you dont need it and if you do its every 2 years.
thats how I read it anyway...
Think I would rather not do it in Dubai. If we all decide not to do it then what....

[pissedoffpilotek]

Had an appointment with an opthamologist at the CAA in gatwick last month did a full JAR medical and never had anything put in my eye. Done medicals in various places around the world and never had this test , so why is it required in the UAE? Has anyone ever had this done for a medical anywhere else? Perhaps it is not actually not necessary but someone in the GCAA has it round their necks!
Probably someones brother owns the eye specialists, and it is just a revenue collecting exercise....
It is about time that the company books meds for us well in advance they can book the opthamologist on the same day and put it on our roster as a med...this way no-one has a problem getting appointments.:ugh:

[L1011]

Should have been more specific in my earlier post.
There were NO 'drops' put in my eyes. Ophthalmologist said it was not necessary and only done when needed. :ok: Did not question him further.
Trashy - EK AvMed is unsure of the exact regulations, GCAA have been vague. Until this is clarified they will not issue a temporary medical without the eye exam. Whether this is for everybody, I did not ask. Since I am aging and need glasses anyway, it seemed like a good idea. Be careful of not getting your medical renewed - that is your responsibility.
As mentioned, it is painless and involved about a 30 minute exam plus driving time. Less than two hours total.

[max AB]

In a previous life I had this test done using the drops, no biggy, wouldn't recommend driving after it though...especially in Dubai.

[nolimitholdem]

Have had this test done by the Canadian military prior to Air Force selection, it's a standard test. Just more in-depth than the usual "read me the eye chart you've memorized"! It is not invasive. Just dilates the pupils temporarily to allow closer inspection of the cornea. Much as I hate having "new" requirements relentlessly added to our tasks, I can't regard having my eyes examined by an opthomologist as opposed to a GP as a negative thing. Early detection of things like glaucoma can save your eyesight, and in a country and profession where we are bombarded by UV...

[ODMEA]

Cheers guys

I have an eye healthcare background so will try shed some light on the exam. We all know pupils constrict when bright light is shone into them but in order for us to look inside the eye to asses the retina('film' at back of eye, which picks up light/images and sends them to the brain), the optic nerve head(where the optic nerve from the brain is attached to the eye) the blood vessles(arteries and veins) and other related areas, we need bright light....thus to avoid the pupils constricting and hindering our view to the inside of the dark eye we paralyse the muscles which constrict the pupils thereby dilating them:eek:

Some examinations are easier than others and depending on your eye history, previous exam results, family eye history etc some practioners will want to dilate the pupils for a more in depth view. The drops wear off after a few hrs and cause no harm to the eye generally. The glare from exessive light entering the eye can be a pain but dark wrap around sunglasses go a long way in alleviating any discomfort.:cool: You really should avoid driving after you have had the dilating drops administered.:=

Also there are age related factors/diseases which also need to be ruled out....glaucoma(high pressure inside the eye) which can lead to insidious peripheral vision loss if not caught in time..leading to potential 'tunnel vision' as well as other eye conditions which may affect your vision and thus yr ability to fly.:(

My strong advice is to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist as opposed to an optician/optometrist, with all due respect. A medically trained doctor who has specialised in diseases of the eye is the best person for the job.

If anyone has further questions please ask.

Oddy:)