Vision level and health of the eyes
 

Guys

This isn't really a question, just wanted to say that yesterday, I had an eye test; which shown my eyes to be exactley the same level (-5.5 dioptres (combined)) as it was 6 months ago.

4 years ago - they were -5.00.

Judging by the knowledge and excellent advice I have recieved on pprune, I am holding my hopes for a class 1 (doing class 2 with an AME in a couple of weeks) which I will book AFTER I have finished PPL.

At first, I had set all my hopes on a class 1, but then realised, after reading other peoples stories, that the difference in getting a class 1 might just be the fact that I may need a PPL first in order to enhance my case for getting one.

The very nice optometrist told me my eyes were absolutley perfect in terms of health and function, only the short sightedness was the issue.

In short: as I am on border line, I am getting a PPL first on a class 2 medical, then gonna book the class 1 and hope for the best.

Take care all

Maz

:cool:

Mazzy1026,

I'm in EXACTLY the same situation as you - my shortsightedness is negligible (0.00 and 0.25) but my astigmatism is (2.75 in each eye, limit being 2.00).

The CAA were very helpful and told me I'd get a Class I (Deviation) if I had a PPL and was about to start commercial training, the deviation being lifted when I became qualified. Bit long-winded (and expensive) but it'll be character-building :)

Good luck mate,

V1R :ok::

Ahh the deviation !
 

Hi V1

Yeah that is a great point - as I have learned so far, the deviations are issued purely on a case by case basis, this is good as it is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for us optically challenged people haha :p

Let us know how you get on.

Best of luck

Maz :ok:

Seems like a borderline case. Hope you get in mate.

Tho, one word of warning, you stand little chance of getting considered if you happen to be of asian origin as I found out from my own experience :O

legal action is the only way out if the CAA does not pay heed on this last warning. And no, Im not one of those plonkers who quickly resort to racial discrimination excuse to get my way.

I am worthy of the Class 1. Ask the dozen or so optometrists who have examined me.

Hello,

If you have got proof then i dont see how can they refuse to issue a class one medical, regardless of your origin.

Not my fault the senior medical officer has got issues.

Seems to be a bit of a strong accusation, Pilot16.

I'm not saying you're right or wrong either way but are you 100% certain that the optometrists that have examined you have checked you according to the Class 1 medical eyesight criteria. It's all very well to say that your eyes are fine but the Cl.1 criteria is quite specific.

To echo Airway, if so and you do meet the criteria and the optometrists are prepared to put their signature to a written report it would seem you have good grounds for appeal.

Even better, have you considered going private to a consultant opthalmologist with FRCOpth or some other similar post nominal qualification. These bods tend to be towards the top of their tree and it would be quite difficult to argue against them.

It's a pity things seem this way Pete - have you taken all the evidence from the various optometrists and shown it to the docs at Gatwick ? What is their straight forward answer as to why they wont pass you ?

My story is rather long winded. I am more than willing to share it through PM if anyone wants to hear as Its too long to write hear.

I took a private eye test with an eye consultant at Harley Street (which cost me a small fortune - £150). Her name is Dr. Ursula Vogt and she also happens to be a CAA approved doc. Got my self full in-depth eye report to proove to the CAA. I showd her the CAA/JAA visual standard sheet (printed off CAA site) she even mentioned on the report that I meet the JAA Class 1 visual standard in writing (Right Eye VA: 6/7.5 uncorrected). The CAA said it was 6/18 in the right eye and uncorrectable.

My overall VA through both eye is better than 6/6 (20/20) uncorrected, and have perfect nearsight too.

With that together with other reports, i sent it to the CAA. But it wasnt enough, they were adament to keep the Class 1 away from me.

All eye muscles are fine and everything else is normal.

I cant tell the full story here as its too long. But Im willing to talk about it through PM if anyone is interested.

P16.

PS. I took a JAA Class 1 examination in Ireland subsequently, and they passed me.

The JAA standards apply to all recognised JAA member states and do not differ country by country.