VISION THREAD (other than colour vision) 2
Join Date: Jan 2010
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ehhh Lasic is a complicated area, I believe you can't take an initial within something like a year of the operation, and if you already have a medical it becomes invalid for perhaps the same amount of time.
Simply,
If you meet the required standard for issue of a class 1, and can maintain that standard for as long as you want to be a pilot for, no company will care about your eyesight (as long as you wear corrective lenses and carry a spare pair, as per the restriction on your medical).
If you meet the required standard for issue of a class 1, and can maintain that standard for as long as you want to be a pilot for, no company will care about your eyesight (as long as you wear corrective lenses and carry a spare pair, as per the restriction on your medical).
Join Date: Apr 2013
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GCAA vision test
Hi everyone,
I'm wishing to apply for an Arab airline but I have an eye issue and I would appreciate your opinion. I have a retina scar on my left eye that takes me part of my central vision. (Kind of monocular central vision, but I have periferical visual field and depth perception). I'm flying with this issue for 15years with an ICAO first class's medical with a special issuance, and I once successfully applied for JAA and FAA class one medical with this special issuance too. But didn't find this possibility at the GCAA or CAAP assesment publications.
Do you have any experience about this to share? Or any useful information about it?
Best regards
I'm wishing to apply for an Arab airline but I have an eye issue and I would appreciate your opinion. I have a retina scar on my left eye that takes me part of my central vision. (Kind of monocular central vision, but I have periferical visual field and depth perception). I'm flying with this issue for 15years with an ICAO first class's medical with a special issuance, and I once successfully applied for JAA and FAA class one medical with this special issuance too. But didn't find this possibility at the GCAA or CAAP assesment publications.
Do you have any experience about this to share? Or any useful information about it?
Best regards
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Just looking at the requirements post-LASIK:
"iii) Pre-operative refraction should not have been greater than +5.00 dioptres. No refraction limits apply to myopia, astigmatism or anisometropia."
What exactly is the 'pre-operative refraction' that should not have been greater than +5.00? Is that the Sph values? As there are no limitations on astigmatism ect?
Any help would be very appreciated as this would clear it all up for me!
"iii) Pre-operative refraction should not have been greater than +5.00 dioptres. No refraction limits apply to myopia, astigmatism or anisometropia."
What exactly is the 'pre-operative refraction' that should not have been greater than +5.00? Is that the Sph values? As there are no limitations on astigmatism ect?
Any help would be very appreciated as this would clear it all up for me!
Join Date: Mar 2011
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What exactly is the 'pre-operative refraction' that should not have been greater than +5.00? Is that the Sph values? As there are no limitations on astigmatism ect?
FAA Visual Acuity
Hello all,
I currently hold an Australian (CASA) Class I medical certificate - the visual acuity requirements stipulated by CASA are better than 6/6 (20/20) vision binocular and better than 6/9 (20/30) in each eye (corrected or uncorrected).
My eyesight is 6/5 in my right eye and 6/9 in my left due to a diagnosed astigmatism in my left eye. As this meets the CASA requirements (my binocular vision is 6/5 also), I do not wear corrective lenses.
I am considering undertaking an FAA First Class examination and note that the visual acuity requirement for each eye (corrected or uncorrected) is 20/20 (6/6). At this stage I have advice that corrective lenses may not be capable of correcting the acuity in my left eye to 20/20.
I am aware of an FAA "Authorization" being granted for some medical conditions. I am also aware that the form 8500-7 allows for a ophthalmic report to be assessed by the FAA and consideration given to things such as "quality of binocular vision" etc.
This leaves me with two questions which the community may be able to assist with:
Does the FAA ever grant an "authorization" for less than 20/20 vision in one eye for a First Class medical?
Has anyone had LASIK performed for an astigmatism condition?
As I am in Australia, the options of organising a Statement of Demonstrated Ability would be difficult and expensive to organise - and I don't know if they do these for First Class Medicals for visual acuity anyway...
Any other advice would be gratefully received.
I currently hold an Australian (CASA) Class I medical certificate - the visual acuity requirements stipulated by CASA are better than 6/6 (20/20) vision binocular and better than 6/9 (20/30) in each eye (corrected or uncorrected).
My eyesight is 6/5 in my right eye and 6/9 in my left due to a diagnosed astigmatism in my left eye. As this meets the CASA requirements (my binocular vision is 6/5 also), I do not wear corrective lenses.
I am considering undertaking an FAA First Class examination and note that the visual acuity requirement for each eye (corrected or uncorrected) is 20/20 (6/6). At this stage I have advice that corrective lenses may not be capable of correcting the acuity in my left eye to 20/20.
I am aware of an FAA "Authorization" being granted for some medical conditions. I am also aware that the form 8500-7 allows for a ophthalmic report to be assessed by the FAA and consideration given to things such as "quality of binocular vision" etc.
This leaves me with two questions which the community may be able to assist with:
Does the FAA ever grant an "authorization" for less than 20/20 vision in one eye for a First Class medical?
Has anyone had LASIK performed for an astigmatism condition?
As I am in Australia, the options of organising a Statement of Demonstrated Ability would be difficult and expensive to organise - and I don't know if they do these for First Class Medicals for visual acuity anyway...
Any other advice would be gratefully received.
Last edited by josephfeatherweight; 19th Sep 2013 at 21:50.
Join Date: Jun 2010
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You should check directly with the CAA to be sure, but somewhere in the EASA medical documents, the refractive error is defined as the error in the worst median, so that means it's the sum of the sphere + astigmastism.
Join Date: Mar 2011
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Do you know if the maths rule of negatives and positives applies? Eg. negative and negative = plus. Sounds really stupid but if unsure, no worries.
If you're long-sighted, and your prescription is of the form +A.AA +B.BB, then the refractive error in the worst median is A.AA + B.BB.
If your prescription is of the form +C.CC -D.DD, then the refractive error in the worst meridian is C.CC.
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Still unclear
Hi, thanks for your explanation. It seems that you know what you are talking about so I'm going to pose another question or two to you.
I have been scouring the forums to determine whether I can pass the vision requirements for the EASA Medical 1.
We are all aware of the following requirement, but the part in bold is what is confusing.
At initial examination an applicant may be assessed as fit with:
(i) hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres;
(ii) myopia not exceeding –6.0 dioptres;
(iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
(iv) anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres
provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated.
I have astigmatism of 2.25 (my prescription is -1.25, -2.25 one eye, with a similar presciption in the other, but not quite so bad). With glasses, my vision is excellent with full 20/20 vision in both eyes. Does the bold part of the requirement above mean that my vision is acceptable as "optimal correction has been considered" (i.e. my glasses fully correct the error?)
Also, some people seem to suggest that it is possible to get the FAA medical certification in the US (which doesn't have the astigmatism requirement) and then apply for an EASA Class 1 recertification, which also allows for greater astigmatism. Does anyone know if that is really that case? If you have the FAA cert, do you have to meet the initial or recertification EASA requirements?
Thanks in advance to any responses.
I have been scouring the forums to determine whether I can pass the vision requirements for the EASA Medical 1.
We are all aware of the following requirement, but the part in bold is what is confusing.
At initial examination an applicant may be assessed as fit with:
(i) hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres;
(ii) myopia not exceeding –6.0 dioptres;
(iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
(iv) anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres
provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated.
I have astigmatism of 2.25 (my prescription is -1.25, -2.25 one eye, with a similar presciption in the other, but not quite so bad). With glasses, my vision is excellent with full 20/20 vision in both eyes. Does the bold part of the requirement above mean that my vision is acceptable as "optimal correction has been considered" (i.e. my glasses fully correct the error?)
Also, some people seem to suggest that it is possible to get the FAA medical certification in the US (which doesn't have the astigmatism requirement) and then apply for an EASA Class 1 recertification, which also allows for greater astigmatism. Does anyone know if that is really that case? If you have the FAA cert, do you have to meet the initial or recertification EASA requirements?
Thanks in advance to any responses.
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Dream not becoming true?
Hello, everyone!
My name is Richard, I'm 17 and I have been in love with aviation since my childhood. I still got 1-2 years left in school but as I'm thinking ahead , I decided to go check my medical according to JAA 1st Class Requirements with some local doctors. Everything was quite well till I got results from my eye doctor. She told me I got (Microstrabismus + Astigmatismus myopicus) which results in my vision alternating from Binocular to monocular and that I will never become a commercial pilot.
But as I am an optimist, I also made contact with another doctor which says that he thinks there is no point in having a corrective operation , because it will most likely result in double vision and that I will still not achieve binocularity. So my questions for you guys are:
1.) Has anyone of you guys had similar problem, which you have fixed with operation or in any other way?
2.) Can I become a commercial pilot in other places like America or Australia with this kind of problem?
3.) Is there a chance that in few years this restriction will be uplifted?
This is a real shame. Most doctors think they are heroes, because they are saving the day by not letting guys like me to fly , but the only thing that they are doing is breaking our dreams!
I am very keen for your answers guys!
My name is Richard, I'm 17 and I have been in love with aviation since my childhood. I still got 1-2 years left in school but as I'm thinking ahead , I decided to go check my medical according to JAA 1st Class Requirements with some local doctors. Everything was quite well till I got results from my eye doctor. She told me I got (Microstrabismus + Astigmatismus myopicus) which results in my vision alternating from Binocular to monocular and that I will never become a commercial pilot.
But as I am an optimist, I also made contact with another doctor which says that he thinks there is no point in having a corrective operation , because it will most likely result in double vision and that I will still not achieve binocularity. So my questions for you guys are:1.) Has anyone of you guys had similar problem, which you have fixed with operation or in any other way?
2.) Can I become a commercial pilot in other places like America or Australia with this kind of problem?
3.) Is there a chance that in few years this restriction will be uplifted?
This is a real shame. Most doctors think they are heroes, because they are saving the day by not letting guys like me to fly , but the only thing that they are doing is breaking our dreams!
I am very keen for your answers guys!
Hi there - just a quick question that someone may be able to assist with.
Do you, or do you know of anyone, who has been issued with an FAA First Class Medical who has LESS than 20/20 CORRECTED vision in one eye? (Binocular vision better than 20/20 - other eye better than 20/20)
I am about to consider a major career change and need to know if I should even get the ball rolling. I am unable to achieve 20/20 in one eye (I get about 20/25 corrected and 20/30 uncorrected) and I have an FAA Form 8500-7 from an ophthalmologist that states that I have no other visual acuity problems - am I in with a chance?
The fact that Form 8500-7 exists suggests there is room for approvals such as this, but it would be good to hear from someone who has had similar experience before I upheave my life!
Do you, or do you know of anyone, who has been issued with an FAA First Class Medical who has LESS than 20/20 CORRECTED vision in one eye? (Binocular vision better than 20/20 - other eye better than 20/20)
I am about to consider a major career change and need to know if I should even get the ball rolling. I am unable to achieve 20/20 in one eye (I get about 20/25 corrected and 20/30 uncorrected) and I have an FAA Form 8500-7 from an ophthalmologist that states that I have no other visual acuity problems - am I in with a chance?
The fact that Form 8500-7 exists suggests there is room for approvals such as this, but it would be good to hear from someone who has had similar experience before I upheave my life!
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Monocular pilot seeks commercial licence
I have had a lifelong ambition to become a pilot. However, I have less than 20/200 (6/60) in one eye but normal 20/20 (6/6) vision in the other eye. Looking on the CAA website and contacting them directly would suggest that I will not be able to obtain a Class one medical.
However, on this, and other forums I have seen that monocular commercial pilots do exist. Does anyone have any advice on the next steps?
However, on this, and other forums I have seen that monocular commercial pilots do exist. Does anyone have any advice on the next steps?
Last edited by Eyetriguy; 15th Nov 2013 at 19:37.
Join Date: Nov 2013
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can someone help explain what/ if there is anything i can do or give up?
here's my prescription details:
Distance
right:
Sphere +0.50
Cyl -2.00
Axis 180
Aided VA 6/18+2
Left:
Sphere - 0.25
Cyl -2.50
Axis 15
Aided VA 6/5-3
Binocular PD 67.0
I hope that makes sense to someone, it's a foreign language to me.
here's my prescription details:
Distance
right:
Sphere +0.50
Cyl -2.00
Axis 180
Aided VA 6/18+2
Left:
Sphere - 0.25
Cyl -2.50
Axis 15
Aided VA 6/5-3
Binocular PD 67.0
I hope that makes sense to someone, it's a foreign language to me.
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Initial Class one eyesight - am I OK?
I know there have been many threads on eyesight requirements but would really appreciate it if someone could cast an eye over my results.
my most recent eyesight test showed
Right eye sph +1.75 ; cyl -0.5 ; Axis 85
Left eye sph +0.25 ; cyl -0.25 ; axis 5.6
From the CAA website
(d) Refractive error
(1) At initial examination an applicant may be assessed as fit with:
(i) hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres;
(ii) myopia not exceeding -6.0 dioptres;
(iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
(iv) anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated.
I do not understand how the astigmatism and anisometropia of 2.0 is calculated (am I only 0.25 outside the 1.75 limit in my right eye)?
Am I correct in saying I can have a class one issued even though I currently wear glasses.
Thanks in anticipation.
my most recent eyesight test showed
Right eye sph +1.75 ; cyl -0.5 ; Axis 85
Left eye sph +0.25 ; cyl -0.25 ; axis 5.6
From the CAA website
(d) Refractive error
(1) At initial examination an applicant may be assessed as fit with:
(i) hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres;
(ii) myopia not exceeding -6.0 dioptres;
(iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
(iv) anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated.
I do not understand how the astigmatism and anisometropia of 2.0 is calculated (am I only 0.25 outside the 1.75 limit in my right eye)?
Am I correct in saying I can have a class one issued even though I currently wear glasses.
Thanks in anticipation.
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Plan
I've just got my initial class 2, the AME said I would struggle with a class 1 because my left eye is 6/4 but with 2.5 astigmatism, my right eye is 6/12 with amblyopia. However, has improved since I started wearing glasses in January from 6/18-2!
I need perseverance suggestions, such as going to get my initial in the USA with a SODA, converting it, then getting a CAA renewal in the UK.
I need perseverance suggestions, such as going to get my initial in the USA with a SODA, converting it, then getting a CAA renewal in the UK.
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CAA Initial Class 1 Medical Problem
Today I checked on the CAA Website, and I checked my Lens Prescription on there "Spec Calculator" - What I found out is my Lens Exceed the 2.0 for astigmatism. However It say's that I am unfit to pass the Initial Class 1 but if I was renewing a class 1 Medical I would be seen as fit. Is their anyway I can get around this, It seems a Bit weird how I can't get the Initial Class 1 but I was to renew a Class 1 I would be seen as fit.
thank-you
thank-you
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tri-focal glasses
Hi,
since a few years ago, I've been using corrcfive lenses (glasses) for both near and distant vision correction. Not much correction is needed, but when the (outside) light gets low, I start putting them on.
I have bi-focal glasses with near vision correction on the lower part and the distant vision part on the upper part. This doesn't help me though when looking at my overhead panel which is about 30 cm away from my eyes.
Until now, I've been pulling down my glasses when I wanted to read the overhead panel, but now I have been informed that there are tri-focal lenses that have another near vision part at the top. They are not cheap and before I order some, I'd like to here from anybody about her/his experience with them.
Thanks in advance!
since a few years ago, I've been using corrcfive lenses (glasses) for both near and distant vision correction. Not much correction is needed, but when the (outside) light gets low, I start putting them on.
I have bi-focal glasses with near vision correction on the lower part and the distant vision part on the upper part. This doesn't help me though when looking at my overhead panel which is about 30 cm away from my eyes.
Until now, I've been pulling down my glasses when I wanted to read the overhead panel, but now I have been informed that there are tri-focal lenses that have another near vision part at the top. They are not cheap and before I order some, I'd like to here from anybody about her/his experience with them.
Thanks in advance!
Está servira para distraerle.
That's exactly the same problem which I had, especially at night with the overhead. Varifocals didn't work satisfactorily for me in such a confined space as a cockpit with so many rapid changes of vision depth necessary.
A good pair of trifocals, at considerable cost, with my old bifocals as back up in the flight bag, worked well. I had the lenses coated for extra protection and took very careful care of them, wearing one of those granny strings around the neck lest one hurl them around the cockpit in moments of fury at the activities of crewing.
A good pair of trifocals, at considerable cost, with my old bifocals as back up in the flight bag, worked well. I had the lenses coated for extra protection and took very careful care of them, wearing one of those granny strings around the neck lest one hurl them around the cockpit in moments of fury at the activities of crewing.
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Hello everyone,
I have one question regarding the EASA Initial Class 1.
I have read the specific documents about visual requirements but I am not sure I understood well. My left eye condition is -2.75 dioptres with -0.50 astigmatism. I have read that the sight defect should not exceed 3.0 dioptres: now my question is does it count -2.75 - 0.50 = -3.25 and therefore I would not pass the Initial Class 1?
Now I sent an email to an Aeromedical Centre here in Germany where I live with the same question and the answer was "Your eyes should not be a problem", which is not very reassuring as the initial check would cost me nearly €500.
Thanks a lot.
I have one question regarding the EASA Initial Class 1.
I have read the specific documents about visual requirements but I am not sure I understood well. My left eye condition is -2.75 dioptres with -0.50 astigmatism. I have read that the sight defect should not exceed 3.0 dioptres: now my question is does it count -2.75 - 0.50 = -3.25 and therefore I would not pass the Initial Class 1?
Now I sent an email to an Aeromedical Centre here in Germany where I live with the same question and the answer was "Your eyes should not be a problem", which is not very reassuring as the initial check would cost me nearly €500.
Thanks a lot.
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EASA class 1 renewal and eyesight deterioration
Hi folks. I currently hold a UK issued EASA class 1 but suspect at my next renewal I might be marginal on the distance vision. I'm not sure if this is due to tiredness or too much time in front of a monitor but Nevermind. I have no restrictions on my medical at the moment.
I will most likely book in for an eye test this week but I was wondering what I need for my next renewal. Do I just turn up with a pair of specs (plus spare) and list it as a change since my last medical or is there paperwork the optician needs to fill out to satisfy the AME/CAA?
Any advice appreciated.
I will most likely book in for an eye test this week but I was wondering what I need for my next renewal. Do I just turn up with a pair of specs (plus spare) and list it as a change since my last medical or is there paperwork the optician needs to fill out to satisfy the AME/CAA?
Any advice appreciated.