eye sight

[a_berusko]

i currently have a 1st class faa medical licence iam short sighted and wear glasses.my eye sight can be corrected to 20/20 with specs....is this good enough to qualify for a uk 1st class med?...is eye surgery a good idea? yours faithfully....

[mazzy1026]

The CAA tend to favour those who already have a medical (or so I am aware of).

The initial standard for the CAA is no greater than -5d with the renewal being -8, not sure where you would stand on this - hopefully someone will clarify.

If you have laser surgery the initial limits still apply, so it really makes no difference, plus if the treatment goes wrong in any way - you may never fly again !

Best of luck

Lee

[nickphuk]

Just for info.

I took and passed my class 1 in December

I have 6/9 Left, and 6/6 Right ( 6/6 Both ).

I was told at the time, that the CAA generally frowns upon Laser surgery, and would preffer that you just wear glasses if they are needed.

Hope that helps
Nick Partridge

[Pilot16]

I took and passed my class 1 in December

I have 6/9 Left, and 6/6 Right ( 6/6 Both ).

Then why was I failed my Class one last Tuesday? My vision is 6/9 on my right eye and 6/5 on left eye.

[Global Pilot]

If you are on the margins or pass/fail the timing or your medical and the fitness of your eyes just might be the difference. Your optician can assist in teaching you to exercise the eye that is marginally below standard. A colleague of mine (who has since had PRK treatment and has been flying on a class 1 now for over 8 years) had difficulties before treatment but used to take his medical in the afternoon and after exercising the unfit eye for a number of weeks in the lead up to the renewal. It worked and got him through. The CAA may frown upon surgery but a number of other authorities do not, namely CASA (Australia). I believe the CAA does accept the procedure after a number of years of postoperative monitoring and a visit to their ophthalmic specialist.

Good luck!

[LondonPaul]

Global Pilot

Your optician can assist in teaching you to exercise the eye that is marginally below standard.

Are you referring to the Bates method for exercising the eyes?

If not, I would be interested in knowing what type of exercises, etc.

Rgds

London Paul

[Pilot16]

The Bates method does not involve eye exercises. It aims to teach you to use again the 'good habits' of vision, the lack of which that lead to your eye-sight deteriorating.