Ophthalmology Referral

[dns]

I'm looking to get my first CAA Class 1, but my glasses prescription is above the "automatically accepted" level that the AeMC can wave through, so I'll need to have a referral for an opthamologists examination.

Has anyone here had one of those?

Is it something I can organise myself, or will the AeMC tell me where to get it done?

I'm absolutely bewildered by all of this and the AeMC I contacted to ask about it (Heathrow Medical Services) have absolutely ZERO interest in helping me, they won't even answer simple questions!

[wiggy]

I routinely had my Class Ones done at HMS until about a year ago and whilst I can't fault the AME, (or AMEs) they have been very very good the front office staff can sometimes a bit, well I shall I put it..backwards in coming forwards?

I suspect you might need an expanded opthalmology report done (CAA form 162)..being an old git I needed one of these every couple of years and certainly the likes of Boots and I think Specsavers used to be able to do the exam. Might be worth ringing your local branch up and checking (certainly Boots in Hounslow used to be "au fait" with what was required..)

Good Luck.

https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/MED162.pdf

[dns]

Thanks for getting back to me Wiggy.

I'd heard a few complaints about the reception staff at HMS, unfortunately they refused to put me through to an AME when I asked!

I've had another read of the CAA guidance notes and it now seems a lot less daunting thanks to your input! I was under the impression that I'd have to be sent to a specific CAA opthamologist who would interogate me under a bright light and charge me a fortune for the privilege.

I've been in touch with a laser surgery specialist fairly recently who did all the tests mentioned in the CAA guidance material. I didn't go down the surgery route anyway, but I'll approach them and see if they can do another full examination and fill in the forms for the CAA.

[olivermitch99]

Hi dns,

I was in exactly the same position as you back in summer. It is absolutely nothing to worry about.

I had high myopia (nearly -8 in both eyes plus very slight astigmatism). I attended Aeromedical Consulting at Birmingham in August where they conducted the routine eye examination for an initial Class One. Nothing was abnormal, as expected, apart from the high myopia (exceeding the limit of -6).

They referred me to an opthalmologist in Solihull (near Birmingham) - I believe at Aeromedical Consulting there is a set opthalmologist they send you to. It resulted in an extra charge, as it was of course private, but I expected that. I wasn't given the option of 'shopping around', but firstly I didn't expect that, and secondly my local Specsavers couldn't have done all of the in-depth testing that is required.

I attended the opthalmologist appointment a week or so later. I was there for a couple of hours - they performed a multitude of tests. At the end, I was informed my eyes are completely healthy and that there is no underlying pathology which would prevent me attaining class one certification (this is all you need for high myopia). We also discussed the possibility of LASIK.

The bottom line is don't worry. If you're eyes are healthy (which they most likely are, otherwise you would have been informed by your local optician by now), you'll be fine. I remember how worried I was for months, even years, about my eyes, and in a matter of hours it was all over.

If you're looking for a place where the staff are extremely helpful, I wholeheartedly recommend Birmingham Aeromedical. There is also a Luton clinic, if that's closer to home. I felt so relieved after seeing them, and both before and after the appointment they couldn't have been more helpful answering my concerns and following up on me.

​​​​​​Feel free to PM me with any other queries. I remember just how terrifying the whole process was for me, but once you get the ball rolling it'll all settle down.

Cheers, and best of luck!

[dns]

Thanks Oliver!

I really appreciate the input from someone who has been in the exact position I'm in!

I know realistically that I shouldn't be stressing as I've had umpteen eye examinations over the years, including two very detailed laser surgery consultations, so the chances of the referral finding anything wrong is very slim.

​​​​​I think my biggest stress is actually being able to read the 6/9 line on the chart with my weak eye, as it's the make or break issue. Last time I had a test at my local Boots I couldn't read it with their fancy "lens swapping" machine which has made me really nervous, even though I'm fine with the eyechart I've got at home and my own glasses...

Thanks for the advice about Aeromedical in Birmingham, that's where I have my appointment on Tuesday.
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Out of interest, how do they check the distance vision? Do they just put you in a chair in front of a chart with your own glasses on or is it something sophisticated?!

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[olivermitch99]

At Birmingham Aeromedical if I remember correctly they test your vision uncorrected (to which started laughing after they asked me to read the top line of the Snellen Chart (think that's the name). I can't even see the board, nevermind the letters :/). After that they test your vision with their lenses. That is, they put the funky glasses on you and swap the lenses until they find your current prescription (bring your most recent with you). Then they check your vision at that current prescription. I remember being worried about them checking my vision with my own glasses on since they're not up to date. Also, my contact lenses aren't as powerful as my glasses so I thought that could cause an issue, but in the end it didn't because they give you your correct prescription with their glasses device thingy. As I say, you'll be fine if your eyes are healthy and you can see up to the necessary requirement with correction (mine was 6/6 due to myopia).

At the opthalmology review, they do the same thing.

[dns]

Thanks mate.

Do you happen to remember which clinic they referred you to for the detailed checks?

[olivermitch99]

AccuVision The Eye Clinic, Solihull. The consultant was Mr Ayoub.

I was contacted by his secretary days after my initial medical at Birmingham. They couldn't have been more helpful :)

[dns]

That is incredibly helpful as I'm already on their books at their clinic in London! Had a full examination two months ago by them!
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