European Class 3 / EASA Class 3

[LaserEyes]

Hi all,

I currently work as an Air Traffic Services Assistant in Scotland and have hoped to progress into a career as an Air Traffic Controller. However, I underwent Laser Eye Surgery (Wavefront guided LASIK with Intralase) in February 2010. My pre operative prescription was -6.25 and -6.75, which falls outside the limits set out by Eurocontrol. (https://www.eurocontrol.int/faq/what...spect-eyesight

13.1.5 After refractive surgery, applicants may
be considered fit by the AMS provided that:
(a) pre-operative refraction was less than
+5 or -6 dioptres.
https://www.eurocontrol.int/sites/de...llers-2006.pdf

However, my eyes are better than 20/20 since the surgery and have remained stable in the 6 years since. Knowing that I may not be suitable due to my pre-op prescription, I decided to try for a Class 3 medical to determine whether or not this is something I could achieve.

Unfortunately, after providing an ophthalmic report the the CAA, I received the following e-mail today:

Thank you for submitting your reports. Based on the information that you have provided, you appear to be outside the current limits for EU Class 3 medical certification as the level of myopia that you had before surgery was greater than -6.00D which is the upper limit as stated in Euro 3 medical requirements. There are due to be future changes to requirements when new EU Class 3 requirements are due to be adopted. It is suggested that you monitor for implementation of these medical requirements to assess whether these would allow your pre-op level of myopia to be certified.

We trust that this information is useful to you

Best regards
Medical Department

So my question is, does anyone know anything about the new EU Class 3 requirements? Such as the limits they may specify or if these will be removed, or even when the change will be made? I know the EASA transition is a long process but would hope not to have to wait another couple of years only to be disappointed again. Alternatively, does anyone know who I could contact to discuss what the requirements will be changing to?

The current Class 3 requirements were written in 2006 so I am hoping it is an outdated policy that will be changed in the transition, but would like to find out now rather than 2 years down the line.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance for any responses!

-=-=-=-

Edit: In my continuing research I have found that the requirements for Class 1 & 2 seemed to relax when changed to EASA from JAR, so i am hopeful the Class 3 will also relax. Please correct me if this is wrong!

EASA Class 1:
(i) Eye surgery
The assessment after eye surgery should include an ophthalmological examination.
(1) After refractive surgery, a fit assessment may be considered, provided that:
(i) pre-operative refraction was not greater than +5 dioptres;

JAR Class 1:
the pre-operative refraction should not have been more than + 5.00 to -6 dioptres

It seems they removed the limit for short sighted eyesight (-6) which would be good news for me if they do this for the Class 3 too.

[bel99]

Hi,

Indeed it seems like there are some changes coming up. I'm not a specialist and can't comment on the details but I've found the following info:
Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340 | EASA

Probably worthwhile for you is to check article 11 (entry into force) and the part ATCO.MED.B.070 Visual system (which is page 119).
For me it seems that there will no more limits as such

Hope this helps...

Best regards

[LaserEyes]

Thank you bel99, that is exactly what I needed to see! There is definitely hope for the future then, all is not lost! That is a great help and puts my mind at ease. Thanks for taking the time, it's very much appreciated.

[jammah49]

Do we know when these changes may come into effect? I'm hoping to apply for ATCO training at NATS and have previously had eye surgery and never been able to apply due to my pre-op refraction.

Cheers!

[LaserEyes]

These changes will come into effect after 31st December 2016. After that, there will be no limit for pre-op myopia (short sighted). Good luck with it all!