Vision disqualification. What are my options?

[Tetris]

Hi everyone I’m from Europe and few weeks ago I’ve contacted one of AME and asked for a possibility to check my vision in terms of medical class 1. Unfortunately vision in my left eye as I suspected is not sufficient (0.1) and required vision is (0.7). I really wanted to pursue career as a pilot, as I struggled to find anything I like to do in life, and when I finally did it’s out of my range, is there someone with similar experience, is there anything I could do? I know that in US it is possible to obtain class 1 with my vision, but I’m not really should how possible it is for me to go there and do my license. I would appreciate all the help and advices I can get. Thanks and have a great day!

[rudestuff]

What exactly are 0.1 and 0.7 measuring? I thought it was done in dioptres?

[Tetris]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

What exactly are 0.1 and 0.7 measuring? I thought it was done in dioptres?

It’s from snellen chart. That’s what the examinator send to me: „ the vision in your left eye with correction remains 0.1 for distance. This means that you have at least substandard vision in your left eye but with only 0.1 vision, we might even regard it as functional monocular vision”.

[Abrahn]

It's visual acuity. 20/20 if you're imperial or 6/6 in metric would be 1.0.

0.1 means you can just about read the top line on the chart but nothing else and is the threshold for legal blindness in the UK.

If it's just one eye there are rules for monocular vision.

[Tetris]

But from what I know it’s not possible to get initial in Europe with monocular vision, unfortunately. That’s why I’m asking what is my best option to do if I would still want to pursue my dreams, maybe someone was in the similar situation.

[rudestuff]

Ah gotcha. So its not just a case of having too high a prescription - even with correction you cant see much? If that's the case you have a couple of options: 1) give up or 2) try for an FAA medical and possibly pursue your dream across the pond (with all the legal issues (of right to live and work etc) which that entails...

[Tetris]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

Ah gotcha. So its not just a case of having too high a prescription - even with correction you cant see much? If that's the case you have a couple of options: 1) give up or 2) try for an FAA medical and possibly pursue your dream across the pond (with all the legal issues (of right to live and work etc) which that entails...

It’s hard to explain, my left eye it’s a neurological problem, when I have both of my eyes open, my brain uses 80-90% my better eye, I mean it as a vision field. When I close my good eye, It’s hard to see anything clearly when it’s in distance.

Do you know, assuming that I’ll deal with all the legal issues, is it hard for foreigners to get into cadets programs or after doing license in private school to get into airline? Are there any programs for people from Europe? I guess there aren’t any but maybe?? 😅

[RatherBeFlying]

I know of one pilot who lost an eye as a child who eventually gained a commercial medical in Canada.

[Lookleft]

When i was a teenager (many years ago ) my eyesight started to deteriorate and I was wondering whether I would be able to become a professional pilot. I went to an ophthalmologist and wrote to the relevant aviation authority asking if my results would stop me getting a commercial license. They wrote back to tell me that they would make an assessment when I applied for my commercial license! I could have given up then and there feeling let down by my genetics, but I decided to keep going until someone said no. Long story short, I finished my career with 23,000 hours.

[sherrycirilo]

Hi Tetris, it sounds like you're facing a challenging situation, but it's great to see your determination. In addition to exploring FAA medical options, consider looking into specialized programs for pilots with vision impairments; some organizations may offer support or mentorship. Connecting with others who have navigated similar paths can provide insights. Don’t lose hope; perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities!

[Tetris]

Originally Posted by sherrycirilo

Hi Tetris, it sounds like you're facing a challenging situation, but it's great to see your determination. In addition to exploring FAA medical options, consider looking into specialized programs for pilots with vision impairments; some organizations may offer support or mentorship. Connecting with others who have navigated similar paths can provide insights. Don’t lose hope; perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities!

Hi, thanks for your kind words. I’ll look into that, are there any that you are aware about? I guess they are mostly for people that already hold green cards or other visas.

[Chris the Robot]

Originally Posted by Tetris

It’s hard to explain, my left eye it’s a neurological problem, when I have both of my eyes open, my brain uses 80-90% my better eye, I mean it as a vision field. When I close my good eye, It’s hard to see anything clearly when it’s in distance.

Do you know, assuming that I’ll deal with all the legal issues, is it hard for foreigners to get into cadets programs or after doing license in private school to get into airline? Are there any programs for people from Europe? I guess there aren’t any but maybe?? 😅

Could it be something like Amblyopia where the vision in one eye can deteriorate over time? It might be worth exploring as to whether undergoing vision therapy in your weaker eye would help.

[B2N2]

I have flown with a 747 Captain with vision in only one eye. I do not know if this was from birth, childhood or as the result of accident or illness after he was already a Commercial pilot.
As chief flight instructor I have worked with 3 European students that had vision in only one eye.
Do you live in the vicinity of a glider club?
Cheapest way to find out if is something you want to do.

[wqdwds]

I get how tough that must be. In the U.S., it’s sometimes possible to get a Class 1 medical with lower vision in one eye, depending on the circumstances. It’s worth reaching out to an FAA AME to see if you qualify or if a waiver could be an option.

[Tetris]

Originally Posted by Chris the Robot

Could it be something like Amblyopia where the vision in one eye can deteriorate over time? It might be worth exploring as to whether undergoing vision therapy in your weaker eye would help.

I was researching possible vision therapies but correcting my vision to 0.7 is very unlikely in my age.

[Tetris]

Originally Posted by wqdwds

I get how tough that must be. In the U.S., it’s sometimes possible to get a Class 1 medical with lower vision in one eye, depending on the circumstances. It’s worth reaching out to an FAA AME to see if you qualify or if a waiver could be an option.

Thanks, I will reach out to them, however the biggest issue is getting visa that will allow me to stay in US.

[slats11]

Depends what the problem is.

If it is a cornea problem, a lot can be done. Corrective surgery, or a scleral contact lens can achieve almost perfect vision.

If it is retinal or neurological, there are fewer corrective options.

[oliverk021]

Same situation.

I am in the same situation as you! I've just been denied my class 1 medical due to monocular vision (+5 in right eye, which is correctible+acceptable, and +8 in my left eye, which even with correction I cannot see to the required standards due to my brain 'blocking out' the eye through childhood.).I can only achieve class 2. I'm in the UK, and as far as I'm aware it's almost impossible to get a class 1, and there is no correctible surgery or medical device to fix my condition. I have read about contacting the FAA, but I am too young and broke to move to America by myself, and it would take a lot of planning and money. If there is anything at all that you or anyone else has found out and could help, it would be a massive jump in pursuing my career.

[Tetris]

Hi, I’m very sorry to hear that. I do have some information that may interest you. I’ve had my first appointment in the clinic in my home country where they do treat amblyopia using new futuristic methods, main one in this therapy is vivid vision. I can’t tell you right know if it works, beacuse I’m currently waiting for some special contact lens I had to order, but I’ll get back to you once I have more information. I would advise you to reaserch the topic of vivid vision therapy and maybe get an appointment for yourself, then you’ll see what they say to you. I was told by a doctor that he can’t promise me anything, and it will all turn out after first 3 months of therapy cuz every organism reacts differently. All the best!

Originally Posted by oliverk021

I am in the same situation as you! I've just been denied my class 1 medical due to monocular vision (+5 in right eye, which is correctible+acceptable, and +8 in my left eye, which even with correction I cannot see to the required standards due to my brain 'blocking out' the eye through childhood.).I can only achieve class 2. I'm in the UK, and as far as I'm aware it's almost impossible to get a class 1, and there is no correctible surgery or medical device to fix my condition. I have read about contacting the FAA, but I am too young and broke to move to America by myself, and it would take a lot of planning and money. If there is anything at all that you or anyone else has found out and could help, it would be a massive jump in pursuing my career.

[oliverk021]

Thanks, that's very helpful. I'll do some research into that and see if I can book an appointment. This sounds like something that could potentially work! I'll keep you updated.