VISION THREAD (other than colour vision)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Newcastle
Age: 37
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey,
I had a similar problem. I have browns syndrome and have 88% of normal vision in my right eye. I was in and out of the hospital for 8 months getting test's done as I am a rare case apparantly. It was confrimed by the opthamologist from the RVI that I have had it from birth and my brain has adapted to it. I didnt even notice it untill a quick check up before I booked my class 1. The opthamologist wrote me a nice letter to take down to gatwick. At the first medical I was reffered to the CAA opthamologist. After going back down the following month to see him I got my medical cert.
Hope this helps.
PM me if you want more details about my experience.
regards
ShIfTy.
I had a similar problem. I have browns syndrome and have 88% of normal vision in my right eye. I was in and out of the hospital for 8 months getting test's done as I am a rare case apparantly. It was confrimed by the opthamologist from the RVI that I have had it from birth and my brain has adapted to it. I didnt even notice it untill a quick check up before I booked my class 1. The opthamologist wrote me a nice letter to take down to gatwick. At the first medical I was reffered to the CAA opthamologist. After going back down the following month to see him I got my medical cert.
Hope this helps.
PM me if you want more details about my experience.
regards
ShIfTy.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Age: 37
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi d3vski,
There are many different eye tests involved with the class 1 at Gatwick, and by visual field i assume you mean how much area you can view in your peripheral vision (100º or 130º etc)? For this, the examiner stood in front of me and made me look straight into his eyes, whilst at the same time waving a metal bar out to his sides. This bar was right on the edge of your peripheral whilst looking straight forward and he would ask you whether it was still or whether he was wobbling it. This was done at various points all around your peripheral vision.
I would certainly go and have the medical before any commercial training, and i think you may even be able to just have the eye test by itself (?!). But whatever you do, be completely honest with them. I was worried about one particular aspect before i went, I put it all down on the form provided, the doctor had a look at it - but was not in the slightest bit concerned about it - and i walked out with my Class 1 certificate
Good luck with your training!
Hezza
There are many different eye tests involved with the class 1 at Gatwick, and by visual field i assume you mean how much area you can view in your peripheral vision (100º or 130º etc)? For this, the examiner stood in front of me and made me look straight into his eyes, whilst at the same time waving a metal bar out to his sides. This bar was right on the edge of your peripheral whilst looking straight forward and he would ask you whether it was still or whether he was wobbling it. This was done at various points all around your peripheral vision.
I would certainly go and have the medical before any commercial training, and i think you may even be able to just have the eye test by itself (?!). But whatever you do, be completely honest with them. I was worried about one particular aspect before i went, I put it all down on the form provided, the doctor had a look at it - but was not in the slightest bit concerned about it - and i walked out with my Class 1 certificate
Good luck with your training!
Hezza
Last edited by Hezza; 17th Aug 2010 at 22:04.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: London
Age: 41
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies,
I never had any intention of conducting any training unless i had the class 1.
My problem is my peripheral vision and it has affected my right eye as well because it had to compensate for the left eye. let me try an do a diagram
ox o o o o oo o
o x xxxxxxxxx o
o x x x x x x x o
o x x x xx o
o x xx o
o o ooooooooo
if this is my left eye peripheral vision (everything i can see), xxxx is what i can see.
my right eye is:
ox o o o o oo o
oxxxxxxxxxxxxxx o
oxxxxxxx x x x o
oxxxxxxxxxx 0
o xxxxxxxxx o
o o ooooooooo
i can see far more in my right eye, with both eyes open, i can function normally in everyday tasks like driving and observation within my current job.
I never had any intention of conducting any training unless i had the class 1.
My problem is my peripheral vision and it has affected my right eye as well because it had to compensate for the left eye. let me try an do a diagram
ox o o o o oo o
o x xxxxxxxxx o
o x x x x x x x o
o x x x xx o
o x xx o
o o ooooooooo
if this is my left eye peripheral vision (everything i can see), xxxx is what i can see.
my right eye is:
ox o o o o oo o
oxxxxxxxxxxxxxx o
oxxxxxxx x x x o
oxxxxxxxxxx 0
o xxxxxxxxx o
o o ooooooooo
i can see far more in my right eye, with both eyes open, i can function normally in everyday tasks like driving and observation within my current job.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Planet no. 3
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in a similar situation as you last year. I was diagnosed to be borderline glaucoma. My eye pressure was basically too high which in time could lead to damage to the optical nerve and eventually loss of peripheral vision. This has not happened so my field tests are just fine.
I talked to the CAA about this and they said to me that if I can pass the field test (which I did), then they don't have any problem with me taking daily eye drops to keep the pressure under control. I just need to send them my field test results every year now.
Your situation is different as you say your left eye has only 60% view. That may be a problem. I would advise you to talk to the CAA directly. They are understanding and there is no point "hiding" information from them.
You will need to have an Estermann field test done. That's a particular field test they prefer which very few high street opticians actually do.
So I'd say talk to the CAA eye department. They will probably tell you to get one of those Estermann tests done. Or you could go to Gatwick for your class 1 medical of course, but you 'd better make sure the 60% vision is not an issue for them (it could well be, I'm afraid), otherwise the fee for the class 1 is a waste of money...
Good luck with it. Don't give up, I got my class 1 Medical in the end.
I talked to the CAA about this and they said to me that if I can pass the field test (which I did), then they don't have any problem with me taking daily eye drops to keep the pressure under control. I just need to send them my field test results every year now.
Your situation is different as you say your left eye has only 60% view. That may be a problem. I would advise you to talk to the CAA directly. They are understanding and there is no point "hiding" information from them.
You will need to have an Estermann field test done. That's a particular field test they prefer which very few high street opticians actually do.
So I'd say talk to the CAA eye department. They will probably tell you to get one of those Estermann tests done. Or you could go to Gatwick for your class 1 medical of course, but you 'd better make sure the 60% vision is not an issue for them (it could well be, I'm afraid), otherwise the fee for the class 1 is a waste of money...
Good luck with it. Don't give up, I got my class 1 Medical in the end.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: London
Age: 41
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if it is a Esterman test, i can wave my dreams good bye as ive had that at my optician twice and failed. Just to make sure the Opthalmalogist at the Royal Free hospital made me do it 3 x over a 2 week period and i failed every time!
Even the thought of having £35K in my bank account and a good job to ride out the credit crunch does not come close to making me feel good!
I pray my kids are not born with the same problem as i have.
Even the thought of having £35K in my bank account and a good job to ride out the credit crunch does not come close to making me feel good!
I pray my kids are not born with the same problem as i have.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Planet no. 3
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sorry to hear that you failed the Esterman field test. If I were you I'd still ring up the CAA. One can but try, though as far as I know some countries even refuse to issue you with a driving licence if you fail this test, which, again as far as I know (I may be wrong), is the least stringent of them all.
To be honest, I think you can kiss the class 1 medical goodbye, but look on the bright side: you may well be entitled to a class 2 (check with the CAA but you may want to remain anonymous --> for class 2 medicals you don't need a field test, just an acuity test, nuff said) and with 35k in the bank you can do a LOT of private flying. Get a PPL, build some hours, enjoy yourself and travel through the USA or Europe in your own plane -- you might actually have much more fun than pushing buttons in the heavy jets without the added stress of finding a job or be at risk of losing your job.
To be honest, I think you can kiss the class 1 medical goodbye, but look on the bright side: you may well be entitled to a class 2 (check with the CAA but you may want to remain anonymous --> for class 2 medicals you don't need a field test, just an acuity test, nuff said
) and with 35k in the bank you can do a LOT of private flying. Get a PPL, build some hours, enjoy yourself and travel through the USA or Europe in your own plane -- you might actually have much more fun than pushing buttons in the heavy jets without the added stress of finding a job or be at risk of losing your job.
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Socially irresponsible? Whilst I admire your persistance and advocacy of this issue, you are starting to clutch at straws.
Where have you determined that AME's will be required to re-test existing medical holders from? Even if this were to be the case it might only affect a very small number of people for all the reasons you have already stated, so it is hardly an issue. Even if it were an issue for a very small number of existing pilots, as with other deterioration and lower renewal standards, an allowance would almost certainly be made for the compensating factor of significant experience in the role.
These standards are being brought up to date partly in an effort to assist some initial applicants who might previously have failed. More importantly it seeks to bring more uniformity and updated methodology to the testing process.
The argument that the results can be guessed at, is weak, in that most forms of testing can be guessed at. However few candidates are likely to be successful in that endeavour. If AME's are required to invest in new equipment then that is an investment they will need to make, and yes they probably will pass the cost on along with the many other input costs they incur.
You want a formal investigation? Good luck!
Where have you determined that AME's will be required to re-test existing medical holders from? Even if this were to be the case it might only affect a very small number of people for all the reasons you have already stated, so it is hardly an issue. Even if it were an issue for a very small number of existing pilots, as with other deterioration and lower renewal standards, an allowance would almost certainly be made for the compensating factor of significant experience in the role.
These standards are being brought up to date partly in an effort to assist some initial applicants who might previously have failed. More importantly it seeks to bring more uniformity and updated methodology to the testing process.
The argument that the results can be guessed at, is weak, in that most forms of testing can be guessed at. However few candidates are likely to be successful in that endeavour. If AME's are required to invest in new equipment then that is an investment they will need to make, and yes they probably will pass the cost on along with the many other input costs they incur.
You want a formal investigation? Good luck!
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh dear, I fear we are never going to agree on this issue.
BTW, could you please save me some trouble and let us all know exactly how much of the public's money has been spent on this study. Save me the trouble of a FOIA Request and having to publish the information myself. Thanks.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi guys, its interesting to hear what people have been experiencing, but i have a question... i have a slight issue with astigmatism...
I wanted to know whether or not the guidlines meant that the combined correction fell into the pass or the individual parts as in...
My eyesight just tested today gave results :
Right : sphere -2.75, Cylinder -1.75, axis 180
left : sphere -2.00, cylinder -2.00, axis 170
right/left distance acuity: 6/6-1
right/left near acuity: N5
visual fields are full/ ishihara test is pass.
basically i'm borderline just making it in, in terms of astigmatism....but the combined power makes their requirements of -6 dioptres. Will i likely pass or do they really think about it and make me fail?
Im in the process of having my medical history sent off to gatwick to see what they say as i have IBS and was thinking i'll send off a copy of my prescription aswell. any help or words of comfort would be nice!
I wanted to know whether or not the guidlines meant that the combined correction fell into the pass or the individual parts as in...
My eyesight just tested today gave results :
Right : sphere -2.75, Cylinder -1.75, axis 180
left : sphere -2.00, cylinder -2.00, axis 170
right/left distance acuity: 6/6-1
right/left near acuity: N5
visual fields are full/ ishihara test is pass.
basically i'm borderline just making it in, in terms of astigmatism....but the combined power makes their requirements of -6 dioptres. Will i likely pass or do they really think about it and make me fail?
Im in the process of having my medical history sent off to gatwick to see what they say as i have IBS and was thinking i'll send off a copy of my prescription aswell. any help or words of comfort would be nice!
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: BRISTOL!
Age: 39
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unless some one can correct me i was told by the AME optician person (dont know their title at gatwick) that it was +/-2.
I was +4.75 +1.75 giving +6.5 and was still given the clear, i failed as my eyes couldnt see the 20/20 line 100%, i only got 3 letters correct.
I was +4.75 +1.75 giving +6.5 and was still given the clear, i failed as my eyes couldnt see the 20/20 line 100%, i only got 3 letters correct.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Up north
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hyperopia prescriptions
Planecrazy,
I've followed this thread for quite a while and your last post intrigues me.
Can I double check?
You have a Class 1 and a prescription that exceeds +5.00
Was this achieved via the deviation route?
Thanks
CFG
I've followed this thread for quite a while and your last post intrigues me.
Can I double check?
You have a Class 1 and a prescription that exceeds +5.00
Was this achieved via the deviation route?
Thanks
CFG
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: BRISTOL!
Age: 39
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was not aware that the CAA do deviated medicals anymore?
My perscription is not above +5, i was trying to say that they cant add sphere and cylinder as if they did mine would be +6.5.
As far as i am aware, and what was told to me by the ame, as long as your sphere is within +5 or -6 and your cylinder is no more than +/-2 then you meet the perscription requirements.
I would be interested if the deviated route is still available as i was told that it was not, and this was by the AME a few years back.
The only way i know that something like this is possible if you have out of limits vision, ie, more than +5 or -6 is to get an FAA C1 Medical and then get it converted to a CAA C1 via revalidation limits, but this is not a clear cut route, and one that there are no set yes or no's, all down the the ame and your history and all that.
My perscription is not above +5, i was trying to say that they cant add sphere and cylinder as if they did mine would be +6.5.
As far as i am aware, and what was told to me by the ame, as long as your sphere is within +5 or -6 and your cylinder is no more than +/-2 then you meet the perscription requirements.
I would be interested if the deviated route is still available as i was told that it was not, and this was by the AME a few years back.
The only way i know that something like this is possible if you have out of limits vision, ie, more than +5 or -6 is to get an FAA C1 Medical and then get it converted to a CAA C1 via revalidation limits, but this is not a clear cut route, and one that there are no set yes or no's, all down the the ame and your history and all that.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Up north
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I’m not doubting your own personal experience but according to the standards they do total sphere and astigmatism. Unless I’ve missed something?
It's astigmatism that puts me marginally (less than yours) out of the limits so I'm sure you can appreciate the impact your post had
If you need correction the refractive error (the amount of correction) must not exceed +5.00 dioptres of long sight or -6 .00 dioptres of short site. This is the most ametropic meridian (taking into account any astigmatism).
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, but maybe I have missed an oportunity!
My interest in this thread first occured about 4 years ago by virtue of a question about "ICAO licences" or some such thing. Subsequent to this and coincidentally my son fell foul of CVD restrictions in applying for a class 2 medical as part of his PPL training. He then went through the additional tests required in seeking to have the CVD4 restriction removed from his class 2, and with a view to applying for a class 1 certificate. It was really an issue that i hadn't given a great deal of thought to up until that point.
Contributions to this thread have been based on my opinions and concerns as they relate to the possibility of flying with, and to that extent relying on, the pilots with a possible CVD deficiancy. In a monochromic environment there clearly wouldn't be an issue, but with aviation and particularly with regard to airline flying, there is. To a large extent this thread clearly contains the comments, observations, reports and opinions of people directly affected by CVD as a condition relevant to themselves. My input attempts to balance some of the argument with a viewpoint from another pilot within a multi crew cockpit environment.
I am not presenting argument for its own sake, and I do support the use of new technology or methodology that seeks to improve some aspect of the whole testing regime. Agree with them or not, like them or not (and in the context of this thread I readily expect it to be not,) they are honest opinions and comment.
Beyond that, I have no involvement with the regulator, or any benefit from the promotion of one test over any other.
My interest in this thread first occured about 4 years ago by virtue of a question about "ICAO licences" or some such thing. Subsequent to this and coincidentally my son fell foul of CVD restrictions in applying for a class 2 medical as part of his PPL training. He then went through the additional tests required in seeking to have the CVD4 restriction removed from his class 2, and with a view to applying for a class 1 certificate. It was really an issue that i hadn't given a great deal of thought to up until that point.
Contributions to this thread have been based on my opinions and concerns as they relate to the possibility of flying with, and to that extent relying on, the pilots with a possible CVD deficiancy. In a monochromic environment there clearly wouldn't be an issue, but with aviation and particularly with regard to airline flying, there is. To a large extent this thread clearly contains the comments, observations, reports and opinions of people directly affected by CVD as a condition relevant to themselves. My input attempts to balance some of the argument with a viewpoint from another pilot within a multi crew cockpit environment.
I am not presenting argument for its own sake, and I do support the use of new technology or methodology that seeks to improve some aspect of the whole testing regime. Agree with them or not, like them or not (and in the context of this thread I readily expect it to be not,) they are honest opinions and comment.
Beyond that, I have no involvement with the regulator, or any benefit from the promotion of one test over any other.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 34
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eye test failed Class 3 Doctor Problem?
Hey, I just took my class 3 medical for my private pilots license today. The Aviation doctor said that based off of the test he performed I did not meet the requirement. Now here is my question/dilemma. I had an eye test about a month ago from a real optometrist and had told him I was going to be going to get an Aviation medical soon. I asked him if my eye sight was correctable to 20/20 with lenses and he said yes. So in my medical today I told the doctor about what the optometrist said and I also brought in my prescription that he gave me.
So the Aviation doctor told me I have to go back to the optometrist and get a note saying that I am correctable to 20/20. So how could the Aviation doctor say that I did not pass but the Optometrist said that I should be good.
Also the Aviation doctor made me stand really far away from the board with the letters on it. Its farther then I have ever had to stand for an eye test and there was no markings on the ground to show that was where I was supposed to stand. The doctor kind of just picked a spot and said stand there, next to a bunch of boxes.
So the Aviation doctor told me I have to go back to the optometrist and get a note saying that I am correctable to 20/20. So how could the Aviation doctor say that I did not pass but the Optometrist said that I should be good.
Also the Aviation doctor made me stand really far away from the board with the letters on it. Its farther then I have ever had to stand for an eye test and there was no markings on the ground to show that was where I was supposed to stand. The doctor kind of just picked a spot and said stand there, next to a bunch of boxes.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Age: 54
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clashes of the CAA's - advice please!
Have had similar topic in the past, however there have been changes since last time.
I will recap in brief.
In 2005 I had a laser operation on my eyes. At that time I did not believe I would be going this route in life.
However last year I decided to make the jump, and start a slow change/transition in my life.
Not knowing where I stood with my eyesight, I sent on request of CAA my pre op report, to both UK CAA and Danish CAA. (both JAA)
They responded with different answers.
UK CAA said no, Denmark said yes, so travelled there and after extensive testing of my eyes, I recieved a class 1 JAA there.
I have started ATPL distance learning in Norway - I am living in London UK.
The Danish CAA found out about the assesment from the UK, and requested full report from the UK, which they recieved, and all was ok for Denmark, as they could confirm I had not lied to them, I had not failed a class 1 UK medical, but only had an assesment rejected. The main thing the Danish CAA wanted to know was that I had been truthfull to them.
I did explain the UK situation, as I called the CAA UK, and they told me despite having a Danish JAA class 1 medical, they would not be able to issue me a UK class 1 medical, because in their opinion I was outside the pre op limits.
However the Danish CAA contacted the UK CAA, requesting them to change their desicion, and explaining in a letter to the UK CAA why, with reference to JAR regulations.
However that letter was sent from Danish CAA in February, I recieved a copy, however I have not heard from either CAA since then.
Now I had planned to travel to Norway, to take my CPL/IR and ME, as I have been flying much there before, and is easy access from London. However since all this started we have had a baby daughter 6 months ago, and to be honest I would prefer to do all in the UK, at Stapelford, as this would be easier and more practical for me and my new family.
Now I am in a predicament, what do I do, how can this be solved? I have heard people tell me of "similar stories" where UK CAA have given class 1 medical, however my conversation in Februray seemed to be a very clear no!
Please any suggestions would be welcome.
I will recap in brief.
In 2005 I had a laser operation on my eyes. At that time I did not believe I would be going this route in life.
However last year I decided to make the jump, and start a slow change/transition in my life.
Not knowing where I stood with my eyesight, I sent on request of CAA my pre op report, to both UK CAA and Danish CAA. (both JAA)
They responded with different answers.
UK CAA said no, Denmark said yes, so travelled there and after extensive testing of my eyes, I recieved a class 1 JAA there.
I have started ATPL distance learning in Norway - I am living in London UK.
The Danish CAA found out about the assesment from the UK, and requested full report from the UK, which they recieved, and all was ok for Denmark, as they could confirm I had not lied to them, I had not failed a class 1 UK medical, but only had an assesment rejected. The main thing the Danish CAA wanted to know was that I had been truthfull to them.
I did explain the UK situation, as I called the CAA UK, and they told me despite having a Danish JAA class 1 medical, they would not be able to issue me a UK class 1 medical, because in their opinion I was outside the pre op limits.
However the Danish CAA contacted the UK CAA, requesting them to change their desicion, and explaining in a letter to the UK CAA why, with reference to JAR regulations.
However that letter was sent from Danish CAA in February, I recieved a copy, however I have not heard from either CAA since then.
Now I had planned to travel to Norway, to take my CPL/IR and ME, as I have been flying much there before, and is easy access from London. However since all this started we have had a baby daughter 6 months ago, and to be honest I would prefer to do all in the UK, at Stapelford, as this would be easier and more practical for me and my new family.
Now I am in a predicament, what do I do, how can this be solved? I have heard people tell me of "similar stories" where UK CAA have given class 1 medical, however my conversation in Februray seemed to be a very clear no!
Please any suggestions would be welcome.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Age: 54
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would EASA be able revoke any UK CAA class1 with deviation?
I currently have an unrestricted class 1 medical from Denmark (JAA), however due to refractive surgery, Danish CAA and UK CAA disagree regarding my pre-op correction.
Now after some time, there seems to be a possibility of getting a UK Class 1 medical with a deviation, however in the same letter sent from the CAA, they also warn that future EASA regulations, could lead to complete loss of medical and license, in the event EASA would not accept the deviation.
So would EASA really be able to ground all pilots who have been given UK deviations?
Secondly I personally would like to avoid a restriction on my medical, as the Danish CAA have also furnished me an explaniation why I should have unrestricted class 1 medical.
The direct quote from the CAA UK is:
"when EASA implenting rules are adopted by the UK you may lose your right to exercise the priveliges of your UK CAA issued licence and medical certificate."
Now have to admit this really makes me frustrated!
Now after some time, there seems to be a possibility of getting a UK Class 1 medical with a deviation, however in the same letter sent from the CAA, they also warn that future EASA regulations, could lead to complete loss of medical and license, in the event EASA would not accept the deviation.
So would EASA really be able to ground all pilots who have been given UK deviations?
Secondly I personally would like to avoid a restriction on my medical, as the Danish CAA have also furnished me an explaniation why I should have unrestricted class 1 medical.
The direct quote from the CAA UK is:
"when EASA implenting rules are adopted by the UK you may lose your right to exercise the priveliges of your UK CAA issued licence and medical certificate."
Now have to admit this really makes me frustrated!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Im in a similar position. I have a UK issued class 1 certificate with a deviation due to LASIK surgery.
I am a couple of years into my flying career and I'm worried about the transition to EASA, and the potential to ultimately lose my employment if things goes awry.
I sent an email to the UK CAA with no response, so if anybody has any insider info please indulge us.
I am a couple of years into my flying career and I'm worried about the transition to EASA, and the potential to ultimately lose my employment if things goes awry.
I sent an email to the UK CAA with no response, so if anybody has any insider info please indulge us.