rob_ste97

That does seem to be the case. I believe that my eyesight is ok for now but in time I have a feeling I might get a VDL on top of a possible OML (not a good combo).

I wonder if many wannabes my age begin developing vision issues and whether they manage to have a relatively successful career despite this.

Specaircrew

Yep, been there done that. Don't faff about get two decent pairs of varifocals, I got them after realising once too often that I was wearing the wrong glasses as I looked up at DH! Varifocal contacts are even better( I still teach in the sim) but now I'm retired I have no idea if they're allowed on the flight deck yet.

dns

Hi,

Can someone confirm that I do NOT need perfect (6/6) vision in order to get an initial Class 1 medical in the UK?

I've been looking through the CAA guidance notes and it seems that 6/9 in one eye is good enough on initial examination, as long as it's 6/6 with both.

Am I misreading the guidance notes? (they're clearly intended for AMEs so aren't exactly in plain English for everyday muppets like me to understand!)

Devilspoint

hi folks,
if i wanna bs initial easa class 1 after having lasik a few years ago, can i do it?

dns

Yes, that shouldn't be an issue at all. Just mention it on your initial form and maybe include the report you got from the clinic showing that all had gone as planned.

You will be referred to an opthamologist to give you a once over to make sure your eyes are in good shape, but that's pretty normal.

I've recently had an opthamologist assessment for my class 1 as I have astigmatism. The consultant I saw was a laser specialist and told me that if I ever wanted LASIK then I could have it done during a short break (6-8 weeks) from flying and shouldn't cause any problems.

RatherBeFlying

I've been prescribed prisms by optometrists on my glasses since my teens. Your optometrist can likely do the same and recommend exercises.

My ophthalmologist sent me to an orthoptist a few years ago and I came out with a diagnosis of an ocular nerve palsy for which there's nothing to do beyond what the optometrist is already doing. Two medicals later a new regional medical officer had a panic attack over stability of a condition I've had since my teens

Your prism prescription is correct when you are looking straight ahead without tilting your head when driving on a straight road in the countryside.

You may qualify for a lower category medical and use that to get a private license. Once an experienced pilot, you might qualify for category 1.

Proper fusion is only important in your flare to land. Without you will be either flaring late or early and it will be a long time before you will solo.

Oh yes, some optometrists are more conscientious than others on getting your prisms right.

dns

It is my understanding (not a pro, but had vision problems myself and know the CAA guidance material rather well) that diplopia is an automatic disqualification.

BUT, do not give up hope. Look into your options with private opthamologists and see what can be corrected. It may not be good news, but you never know until you try.

I've spent the last 16 years without a medical because I gave up when I didn't think I could meet the requirements. Turns out I was wrong, I just needed the right optometrist and spend a few months of patience whilst getting used to contact lenses!

RatherBeFlying

If the CAA won't accept prisms, move to Canada.

Herbie65

I had cataract surgery last week and i am now waiting for my class 1 Medical (EASA) According our company doctor, besides visus at the medical they also check for HALO's, starburst, glare, dislopie, and loss of contrast,
As for now i don't have any of these, But what kinds of tests are they using to check this?

toptobottom

I'd contact Adrian Chorley at aviationvisionservices.com - he conducted my post-op (multi-focal IOL) tests and can explain all

what next

I've had catarct surgery this summer and they just performed all the usual checks at the aeromedical center where I have been going since 15 years (also EASA). All these halo, starburst, glare and whatever else effects are subjective, you either see it or you don't, but I wouldn't know how anyone could detect that with an instrument.

richard.long

The current implementing rules for vision for the UK CAA Class 1 medical state that applicants with hypermetropia exceeding +5D may be assessed as fit after referral to the medical assessor.

Does anyone have any experience of such a referral and what the process is provided that everything is otherwise healthy and normal?

aspiringpilot1511

I’m 24 and have wanted to be an airline pilot since I was 5 years old. I have been diagnosed with amblyopia in my left eye due to refractive error. I see 6/6 in the right eye and 6/12 in the left with correction. And 6/6 binocularly. Will I have any luck getting an initial class 1 with the CAA or EASA or should I just give up on my dream and consider moving abroad to fly? Thanks

rfl500500

Hi,

I cannot see any rules preventing you obtaining a class1 medical with amblyopia. What is the refractive error in each eye?

The problem will be visual acuity in your left eye. If your refractive errors are within range then you may be subject to the limit of 6/9 in your left eye. Can your left eye be improved to 6/9?

aspiringpilot1511

+5 in the left and +0.25 in the right. I don’t think the left can see 6/9 unfortunately. Surely one line doesn’t matter?

rfl500500

When you say you 'don't think' you can get 6/9 out of your left eye how certain of this are you? Since the RE does not exceed +5D then 6/9 is the limit you need to get to. It is worth spending the time and effort with an opthalmologist to determine the best you can expect to achieve. If your acuity is neurologically limited then the best acuity can be quickly determined. Best to be absolutely certain about the best acuity to you could possibly get before exploring next ptions.

aspiringpilot1511

I’ve spent lots of money and time on ophthalmologists and it hasn’t been that successful. 6/12 is the best I’ve been able to see my whole life and it can’t be corrected to 6/9 due to amblyopia. I’ve often had the problem of having the refractive error scanned on a computer and the optician deciding I need strong lenses when all this time it was the other way round I went from +5/+6 lenses to +3.5 varifocals which help me see 6/12 now. Will I be ok with the CAA? Some have said that it’s not up for discussion and 6/9 is the absolute minimum but there must be airline pilots out there that see 6/12 in one eye like myself?

PPLHing

Hi,
after reading the latest CAA guidelines about refractory eye surgery, I was wondering whether anyone experienced some hardships to get a Class 1 Medical after the refractory eye surgery ?
Thanks

geordie_flyer

Hi all,
I have some eyesight questions (yes I know there's many on here but I want more "Tailored" opinions).

To put it bluntly - the eyesight in my left eye is rubbish due to Ambloypia. My prescription is weak (O.D Sph +0.25, Cyl -0.5 Axis 0. O.S Sph +0.75, Cyl -0.25 Axis 20) so I will pass this. My issue is Visual Acuity. At home, when I test myself I am 6/6 together but very very borderline 6/9 in my left eye depending on the day, however whenever I go to the opticians at home they have recently been putting 6/9 or even 6/6 (6/6 is absolutely 100% incorrect). So obviously this leaves me very nervous if I were ever to do a Class 1.

So my first question is, when you do the visual acuity test - is it identical to doing it at an opticians (in that they don't mind you taking it slow) or do they want you to read the lines quickly with confidence.

Secondly, I already hold a UK (EASA) Class 2 Medical from 2018 which needs renewed next year. I take it that if I go for a Class 1 medical it will be done under the Initial guidance rather than a renewal as it will be my first Class 1.

Finally, If I was to do a Class 1 I would do a combined CAA/EASA examination to get both licences. If I completed a MED 162/EASA equivalent by the regular eye specialists I have been using and showed the examiner on my initial, would they take this and pass me based on this or is this just a waste of time?

Thanks in advance for any answers you may be able to give.