VISION THREAD (other than colour vision)
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They state the astigmatism limits is 2.00.
My eyes are +2.50 in the right and +2.75 in the left, whats the chances of still passing the medical? (I appreciate only the CAA Doc. can give an answer, but in general experiences)
I hear they relax it and pass people on occasions providing they would meat the renewal standards, which I appear to be ok on:
So...
My eyes are +2.50 in the right and +2.75 in the left, whats the chances of still passing the medical? (I appreciate only the CAA Doc. can give an answer, but in general experiences)
I hear they relax it and pass people on occasions providing they would meat the renewal standards, which I appear to be ok on:
the astigmatism (distortion) and anisometropia (difference between the eyes) initial limits are 2 dioptres, but there are no limits for revalidation/renewal.
Last edited by Mach44; 17th Sep 2007 at 17:54.
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Dr Smurf,
There is a whole, enormous, big, gigantic thread on this entitled COLOUR VISION. It is worth your time studying this thread because it contains much information from those that are in the same boat as you.
Here it is:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229604
G
There is a whole, enormous, big, gigantic thread on this entitled COLOUR VISION. It is worth your time studying this thread because it contains much information from those that are in the same boat as you.
Here it is:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=229604
G
niknak
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Daniel,
when it comes to CAA medical standards, despite what you may read here, there are no easy answers or solutions.
The CAA have a wide range of tests to diagnose any particular problem and I can assure you from personal experience that they will push the boat out to help you.
But ultimately, if you don't meet the required standard and nothing can be done, which unfortunately is sometimes the case, then that's it.
Good luck anyway.
when it comes to CAA medical standards, despite what you may read here, there are no easy answers or solutions.
The CAA have a wide range of tests to diagnose any particular problem and I can assure you from personal experience that they will push the boat out to help you.
But ultimately, if you don't meet the required standard and nothing can be done, which unfortunately is sometimes the case, then that's it.
Good luck anyway.
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Hey guys, was wondering if someone could help me. I'm currently a PPL with a class 2 and would love to bump it up to a class 1 and go professional but my eyesight is -7. This obviously makes me 1 dioptre out of the requirment. so basically my question is, Is there any way to get around this and gain a class 1? Is there any one out there with a similar story who can tell me what they did?
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Norton2005: I have -7.00, just like you and I am currently waiting for answer from the UK CAA Aero Medical, if I can get an dispensation. I wrote and asked them if it was possible on a mail. They requested my last eye perscription and I sent it by snail mail to them in the beginning of September.
I dicussed this with my optician and he told me that the differens from having -6.00 and me having -7.00 is that without glasses the difference is only 1 cm when you have to see a text clearly.
Ex. with -6.00 you would have the text 20cm from your eye and with -7.00 you will need to have it 19cm from your eyes to read the text clearly.
So I really hope for a positive answer. Does anyone know how long it will take to get an answer from them?
I dicussed this with my optician and he told me that the differens from having -6.00 and me having -7.00 is that without glasses the difference is only 1 cm when you have to see a text clearly.
Ex. with -6.00 you would have the text 20cm from your eye and with -7.00 you will need to have it 19cm from your eyes to read the text clearly.
So I really hope for a positive answer. Does anyone know how long it will take to get an answer from them?
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When you say if you could get a dispensation, what does this mean? And if the CAA were to accept this, would they be offering you a full class 1 or would they be offering you a class 1 with some kind of a restriction?
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The Bates Method...does it work?
Hi guys, I know there have been loads of threads regarding eyesight but I was just wondering how many of you have had the Bates Method work for you. Also, how far have got as a result? I've always wanted to be a RAF pilot, but currently my eyesight doesnt allow it. Flying will be part of my life somehow or another and being able to get my Class 1 would mean i could take it as far as i wanted really.
Some feedback and stories from those of you who swear by it would be interesting..thnx
Also, out of interest, how it the JAR Class 1&2 eye test carried out. Are they done with machines which can map your cornea or are they good old fashioned eye charts and coloured circles.
Much Thanks...
Some feedback and stories from those of you who swear by it would be interesting..thnx
Also, out of interest, how it the JAR Class 1&2 eye test carried out. Are they done with machines which can map your cornea or are they good old fashioned eye charts and coloured circles.
Much Thanks...
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Eye chart and coloured circles, but you read them off a computer screen at the end of a tunnel. I don't know if it was the contrast or the darkened room, but I found it a lot harder to read the letters at Gatwick than I did in my local opticians. Still passed, though.
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Hi, thanks for your replies. Yeah i realise that you dont need perfect eyesight as long as it is correctable with glasses. Although there are some min requirements. Astigmatism is my main problem. I have only 0.25D long sight in my left eye and 0.25D short sight in my right. But according to the corneal mapping i have 3.5D astigmatism is both...but a standard eye test tells me im about 2.75D.
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FltSgt88: If what I understand is correct, you astigmatism is 3.5/2.75.
I was in the same situation as you, my eyes astigmatism are 2.50 in one and 2.75 in the other.
I phoned the CAA on Wednesday to push my case but it was a no go for me and an end to obtaining a class 1 med and a dream of flying professionally
.
They treat each person on an individual basis though. I believe it all depends on your last numerous eye tests,if they are stable enough, if not then whats the change and is it suitable, all those kind of factors.
Let me know how you get on though, would be interested in hearing your end result. (Remember, an initial med fail isn't the end. Just call or visit and discuss it further and push your case. Good luck.)
I was in the same situation as you, my eyes astigmatism are 2.50 in one and 2.75 in the other.
I phoned the CAA on Wednesday to push my case but it was a no go for me and an end to obtaining a class 1 med and a dream of flying professionally
.They treat each person on an individual basis though. I believe it all depends on your last numerous eye tests,if they are stable enough, if not then whats the change and is it suitable, all those kind of factors.
Let me know how you get on though, would be interested in hearing your end result. (Remember, an initial med fail isn't the end. Just call or visit and discuss it further and push your case. Good luck.)
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Well said Matt. Another soldier that won't give up - good for you.
Pilots are now considerd for immigration to Oz for what I could (briefley) make of the rules. Also I have seen that their tower signal test is only done at 300 and 500 metres (I will stand to be corrected of course) which would allow you to go to ATP and no weight restiction and international flying. The FAA tower signal test which I did and passed was done at 1000 and 1500 yards, so the Australian one "should" be easier. Australia is a fantastic place but my family etc are in the UK. It is about time the Uk (and Europe) got off their high horses, saw sense and followed the Australian example. Lets face it the medical is only the first step to CPL/ATP you will be assesed many times through training and again after, so if you can "cut the ice" you should be allowed to fly.
Good luck with your PPL mate and keep flying.
Pilots are now considerd for immigration to Oz for what I could (briefley) make of the rules. Also I have seen that their tower signal test is only done at 300 and 500 metres (I will stand to be corrected of course) which would allow you to go to ATP and no weight restiction and international flying. The FAA tower signal test which I did and passed was done at 1000 and 1500 yards, so the Australian one "should" be easier. Australia is a fantastic place but my family etc are in the UK. It is about time the Uk (and Europe) got off their high horses, saw sense and followed the Australian example. Lets face it the medical is only the first step to CPL/ATP you will be assesed many times through training and again after, so if you can "cut the ice" you should be allowed to fly.
Good luck with your PPL mate and keep flying.
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lasik and medical again
I've been reading this thread with great interest and finally decided to post my own worries:
I had a lasik surgery done some 18 months ago and everything's been amazing, can't believe I can actually see now, as before I had -10 glasses! That said, I know it says on JAR-OPS that they can only "consider" acceptance if the correction before surgery was -6 the most with class1 or -8 the most with class2
I don't know what to do, should I try to hide it? Wouldn't they notice something peculiar as there's been such a great change? Or should I be honest and try to "push" my case (what ever that means)? 
All advice and opinions welcome, thank you!
I had a lasik surgery done some 18 months ago and everything's been amazing, can't believe I can actually see now, as before I had -10 glasses! That said, I know it says on JAR-OPS that they can only "consider" acceptance if the correction before surgery was -6 the most with class1 or -8 the most with class2
I don't know what to do, should I try to hide it? Wouldn't they notice something peculiar as there's been such a great change? Or should I be honest and try to "push" my case (what ever that means)? All advice and opinions welcome, thank you!
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Rebuild Your Vision program questions
Does the Rebuild Your Vision program actually work? If they do not work,like they got a lawsuit,i need proff that they got sued,or sites that say they tried the program but no good,and also my eyes are myopia about -8.0 each,if you tried the program,and it worked for you,do you think it will work for me? Please answer soon. and thanks =)
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same problem
well i'm facing the same problem as you mate..but i was advice to do the latern test if u not fail the latern test they can make an acception on ur class 1 medical..and u are allow to fly and night ifr and all...thats far as i know...but if u do have any other answer to our problem plsss do let me know...cheers mate
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Extended Opthalmic Test
HI.
I will be attending CAA Gatwick tomorrow morning for a EOT.
I have asked for this test as they(CAA) sent me a letter earlier this year saying they would not issue a Class 1 Licence due to my preoperative (Lasik) prescription is out of their normal scope.
Anyone tell me what I am in for during this test, the letter states 45 minutes.
Also, if I am successful in the eye test and have to book the medical at a later date would I have to sit the entire set of tests (including eye test). for an additional £53, I know in the grand scheme of things £53 isnt much but it will be money for old rope as far as the CAA are concerned, but then I hear thats there internal motto ;-)
On a less pertinant note, what shoudl I wear ? Correct impressions etc.
Thanks in advance.
MikeT
I will be attending CAA Gatwick tomorrow morning for a EOT.
I have asked for this test as they(CAA) sent me a letter earlier this year saying they would not issue a Class 1 Licence due to my preoperative (Lasik) prescription is out of their normal scope.
Anyone tell me what I am in for during this test, the letter states 45 minutes.
Also, if I am successful in the eye test and have to book the medical at a later date would I have to sit the entire set of tests (including eye test). for an additional £53, I know in the grand scheme of things £53 isnt much but it will be money for old rope as far as the CAA are concerned, but then I hear thats there internal motto ;-)
On a less pertinant note, what shoudl I wear ? Correct impressions etc.
Thanks in advance.
MikeT
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If they get a bit sniffy - which I doubt - might be worth showing them this:
: Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007 Jun;78(6):547-53.
Visual and flight performance recovery after PRK or LASIK in helicopter pilots.
Van de Pol C, Greig JL, Estrada A, Bissette GM, Bower KS.
U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, USA.
INTRODUCTION: Refractive surgery, specifically photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), is becoming more accepted in the military environment. Determination of the impact on visual performance in the more demanding aviation environment was the impetus for this study. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of 20 Black Hawk pilots pre-surgically and at 1 wk, 1 mo, and 6 mo postsurgery was conducted to assess both PRK and LASIK visual and flight performance outcomes on the return of aviators to duty. RESULTS: Of 20 pilots, 19 returned to flight status at 1 mo after surgery; 1 PRK subject was delayed due to corneal haze and subjective visual symptoms. Improvements were seen under simulator night and night vision goggle flight after LASIK; no significant changes in flight performance were measured in the aircraft. Results indicated a significantly faster recovery of all visual performance outcomes 1 wk after LASIK vs. PRK, with no difference between procedures at 1 and 6 mo. Low contrast acuity and contrast sensitivity only weakly correlated to flight performance in the early post-operative period. DISCUSSION: Overall flight performance assessed in this study after PRK and LASIK was stable or improved from baseline, indicating a resilience of performance despite measured decrements in visual performance, especially in PRK. More visually demanding flight tasks may be impacted by subtle changes in visual performance. Contrast tests are more sensitive to the effects of refractive surgical intervention and may prove to be a better indicator of visual recovery for return to flight status.
: Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007 Jun;78(6):547-53.
Visual and flight performance recovery after PRK or LASIK in helicopter pilots.
Van de Pol C, Greig JL, Estrada A, Bissette GM, Bower KS.
U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, USA.
INTRODUCTION: Refractive surgery, specifically photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), is becoming more accepted in the military environment. Determination of the impact on visual performance in the more demanding aviation environment was the impetus for this study. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of 20 Black Hawk pilots pre-surgically and at 1 wk, 1 mo, and 6 mo postsurgery was conducted to assess both PRK and LASIK visual and flight performance outcomes on the return of aviators to duty. RESULTS: Of 20 pilots, 19 returned to flight status at 1 mo after surgery; 1 PRK subject was delayed due to corneal haze and subjective visual symptoms. Improvements were seen under simulator night and night vision goggle flight after LASIK; no significant changes in flight performance were measured in the aircraft. Results indicated a significantly faster recovery of all visual performance outcomes 1 wk after LASIK vs. PRK, with no difference between procedures at 1 and 6 mo. Low contrast acuity and contrast sensitivity only weakly correlated to flight performance in the early post-operative period. DISCUSSION: Overall flight performance assessed in this study after PRK and LASIK was stable or improved from baseline, indicating a resilience of performance despite measured decrements in visual performance, especially in PRK. More visually demanding flight tasks may be impacted by subtle changes in visual performance. Contrast tests are more sensitive to the effects of refractive surgical intervention and may prove to be a better indicator of visual recovery for return to flight status.
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Result !!!
Just got back from Gatwick.
I have passed my Extended Eyesight test (not the correct name but I cant remember it).
My preoperative refraction was -6.5 but after Lasik it is now .25.
After taking the test and being told I had passed I was over the moon.
They are rethinking the whole LASIK thing (internally if not out in the open). So if you have had it then get down there for an exam.
As long as each eye is at least 6/9 now and 20/20 together then you have a shot.
Just got to go back for the rest of the test as they were so busy they couldnt fit me in.
Many thanks for all the helpful answers.
Mike
I have passed my Extended Eyesight test (not the correct name but I cant remember it).
My preoperative refraction was -6.5 but after Lasik it is now .25.
After taking the test and being told I had passed I was over the moon.
They are rethinking the whole LASIK thing (internally if not out in the open). So if you have had it then get down there for an exam.
As long as each eye is at least 6/9 now and 20/20 together then you have a shot.
Just got to go back for the rest of the test as they were so busy they couldnt fit me in.
Many thanks for all the helpful answers.
Mike
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thank you so much for sharing the info Mike! 
my heart just bounced when reading your post! i think i'll book one of those tests and hope for the best! was the required vision with or without correction?
my heart just bounced when reading your post! i think i'll book one of those tests and hope for the best! was the required vision with or without correction?
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Whats the chances of the CAA relaxing the astigmatism requirements in the next.... say 5 years?
initial limit: 2.00
renewal: no limit/requirement!
Anyone know/have an opinion/like to offer input.
Mach44
(question was very much speculation, I'm 2.75 in astigmatism so kind of hoping they will relax them sometime before I get to old... Although not being able to get the class 1 med right now I'm still saving funds towards training, well for now at least, I guess if when I get to old and I still cant get the med then nothing is lost and I'll have some nice savings)
initial limit: 2.00
renewal: no limit/requirement!
Anyone know/have an opinion/like to offer input.
Mach44
(question was very much speculation, I'm 2.75 in astigmatism so kind of hoping they will relax them sometime before I get to old... Although not being able to get the class 1 med right now I'm still saving funds towards training, well for now at least, I guess if when I get to old and I still cant get the med then nothing is lost and I'll have some nice savings)