Now U C me.....
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Now U C me.....
Anyone know what the minimum eyesight requirements are (without correction) for an ATCO's medical, and does it vary depending on whether you join NATS as a cadet or as a somewhat older ex-Military controller?
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As far as I know, the limits are -5 for each eye (with restrictions to wear glasses or contacts when in an operational position).
They also allow PRK treatment (laser surgery), althugh they will require you to attend at Gatwick for appointments with the ophthalmologist there for 3 years following your initial isue of a class 1 certificate. After those 3 years, then you get signed off and everything is as normal.
I was -3 each eye, had the surgery done, haven't looked back (pardon the pun)
They also allow PRK treatment (laser surgery), althugh they will require you to attend at Gatwick for appointments with the ophthalmologist there for 3 years following your initial isue of a class 1 certificate. After those 3 years, then you get signed off and everything is as normal.
I was -3 each eye, had the surgery done, haven't looked back (pardon the pun)
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Rec. Spacing
Thanks for that - I know this is an ATC Forum but who performed your surgery and can I ask the cost? This is something I,ve thought about doing but never looked in too! Grateful for a reply.
Thanks for that - I know this is an ATC Forum but who performed your surgery and can I ask the cost? This is something I,ve thought about doing but never looked in too! Grateful for a reply.
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Calcutta,
It was done 7 years ago by the Corneal Laser centre in Leeds (St James "Jimmy's" hospial)
The cost then was just short of £500 for each eye (they have to be done about 6 months apart)
The costs have come down now, the procedure was relatively new then.
At my final consultation with the CAA chap, he said he couldn't tell I'd had it done, they done such a good job!!
My eyesight has remainebetter than 20/20 ever since.
I reckon the cost now would be about half it was then as it's a mmore common procedure. You could give them a ring, they'll be able to give you more of an idea abot what it costs and if it's for you (they won't do it if your eyes aren't suitable, you pay for an initial consultation, cost me £50, they hook your eyes up to a laser and it maps your cornea and determines if your eyes ar suitable for the surgery!)
Hope this helps, and if you really want to do it I would certainy do it, best money I ever spent!
It was done 7 years ago by the Corneal Laser centre in Leeds (St James "Jimmy's" hospial)
The cost then was just short of £500 for each eye (they have to be done about 6 months apart)
The costs have come down now, the procedure was relatively new then.
At my final consultation with the CAA chap, he said he couldn't tell I'd had it done, they done such a good job!!
My eyesight has remainebetter than 20/20 ever since.
I reckon the cost now would be about half it was then as it's a mmore common procedure. You could give them a ring, they'll be able to give you more of an idea abot what it costs and if it's for you (they won't do it if your eyes aren't suitable, you pay for an initial consultation, cost me £50, they hook your eyes up to a laser and it maps your cornea and determines if your eyes ar suitable for the surgery!)
Hope this helps, and if you really want to do it I would certainy do it, best money I ever spent!
