When I did my initial class 2 the doctor didn't check my prescription or glasses at all but just guessed the figures from my uncorrected vision. Was within the limits anyway but not as comfortably as he reckoned. Mind you the AME in question was last heard of in prison.

Well, well ! I wonder which one of my colleagues is presently residing AHMP ? Certainly not anyone who is personally known to me, I'm relieved to say ! :=

I suspect that in most AME practices the former would be the case. A few might prefer to see a report on the refraction / prescription from the optician who has supplied your spectacles. If the change was sufficient to justify the addition of a glasses limitation to the certificate ( VDL being the most likely in this case ) then that can be added easily by the AME using the AME-online system (many other restrictions or limitations can only be added or removed by the CAA at Gatwick). :D

Let's see. The medical AMC says: (med.b.070)

(d) (1) (ii) myopia not exceeding -6 dioptres
(d) (1) (iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2 dioptres

So there's no problem for you in that regard. However, (d)(5) says that since your correction is between -3 and -6 dioptres, you need to have 5 yearly checkups by an eye specialist.

@ mnehpets:

Thank you for your answer. Somehow I thought that the myopia limit was 3.00. That's definitely good news.

One thing is not very clear: does '5 yearly check-ups' mean I will have to have my eyes tested five times a year in order to have a valid EASA Class 1 medical? :uhoh:

Cheers

Fear not, intrepid young aviator ! No, it doesn't mean that at all !
Perhaps a simple hyphen would have made it clearer ( "5-yearly check-ups" ).

It's easier to say that you would need to have your eyes and vision checked EVERY FIVE YEARS ! Hope that sounds better ! :ok:

Now I get it, thanks a lot!

Might be worth trying these - not sure how well they would work when placed on top of another correcting lens but it wouldn't be expensive to find out!

Stick on bifocal lenses available in the UK

Essilor used to make a varifocal with an upper segment at the top of the lens that used to be called "pilot" for obvious reasons.

Nowadays the only suitable lens is a double D trifocal.

Initial Class 1 in Canada...

With correction my left eye is 6/4 but with 2.5 astigmatism, my right eye is 6/12 with amblyopia.

I'm going to Canada in August. I'm wondering about going for my initial, then trying to convert it when I get back to the UK. Thoughts?

FAA monocular vision
 

Hey i was wondering if i meet the criteria for a monocular vision waiver in terms of the FAA standards. 20/25 in the left eye and 20/200 in the right corrected. Contact lens power is -11.0 in the left and -12.0 in the right. I read the regulations on monocular vision and they said that you can get a waiver the lens power is +-3.0 but im thinking to myself if i can get 20/25 why does the FAA care what power my lenses are. Any reason as to why or what i can do about it to get a third class medical. Really hope that the GAPPA Act passes so no medical is needed to fly private.

Hi guys,

I'm looking to get a Euro Class 3, (same eyesight standards as CAA/EASA Class 1 medical) for ATC once I finish my aviation based degree this year. I have had lasik 9 months ago. My pre-op prescription was -6 in my left which passes, but -7 in my right which is past the limit. My eyesight is fine and stable now and in limits. Prior to my laser I held a CAA Class 2 as I was undertaking PPL training, but never had it renewed after my surgery.
Is there any chance the CAA or NATS medical centres may let me gain my Euro Class 3, or EASA Class 1?
The ambiguity of the eye requirement documents say contact the CAA for advice if your pre op prescription is out of limits, but i'm wary of doing that and it makes it sound like there is an almost grey area.
Any advice or experience with this issue would be much appreciated.
Cheers

Class 1 Medical and Astigmatism
 

Hi there

I have a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, and unfortunately i have quite a bit of Astigmatism in both eyes

I have -1.75D in the right and -1.50D in the Left.
....and some 0.5D of myophia in both.

I know that there is a limit of 2D for the initial exam, and a limit of 3D for the renewal... so i might just pass the initial one, but what if it gets worse over time? How big is the chance that it will go from 1.75 and above 3..

Is there anyone in a similar situation or has some advise?

Eyesight
 

I've just gotten my eye checked, and it shows 6/7.5 for both of my eyes when I wear spectacles. Is that good or bad?

Intraocular lens and artificial iris
 

Quite an odd one this one ...

If you had an intraocular lens (an artificial lens inside the eye that replaces your natural one) and an artificial iris AND a DSAEK corneal graft (that's just the innermost layer) ... but could get 6/9 monocular with that eye and 6/6 binocular ...

Could you get a Class 1?

This is assuming the eye is stable some months after the operation, which was required because of trauma.

If not, what is the point of medical advances?

I think the problems are related to the 'other' effects of such surgery, such as corneal hazing, halos and glare, rather than the basic visual acuity.
The point, I guess, of ophthalmic advances is that non-pilots might benefit too.....

Help!
 

Thank you for replying Blues&twos.

I have spoken to ophthalmic surgeons at Moorfield's about this -- the latest artificial irises are so good that I'm told an optician would struggle to detect them, even under a slit lamp.

There shouldn't be any glare or halos.

The old corneal grafts had all kinds of problems associated with them, astigmatism for example, and rejection.

The replacement of just the inner (endothelium) layer is so good that they tell me the cornea will be as healthy as the other eye, two to three weeks after the graft.

With all that in mind, how can the CAA say I'm technically monocular? Assuming they will, that is. Or that they don't trust the procedures.

My point is, advanced biotechnology and surgical procedures mean that 20 years ago this would have been impossible. Today it can be done.

If I can get 6/9 or even 6/6 (highly likely according to the docs at Moorfield's) on what grounds can the CAA refuse a Class 1. I would even accept a (temporary) OML.

If I sound desparate, that's because I am ...

Hello again Tizer. I hope you have a successful op. I had a corneal graft 30 years ago and with glasses was getting 6/9 to 6/5, depending on the day(!) things have certainly moved on a bit since then. Recovery times are considerably reduced, and you don't have to spend time laying on your back in bed after the op..
Maybe the CAA are being cautious because they have the luxury of being able to, or maybe there are other clinical reasons. It probably doesn't help much, but having 6/9 or better after a surgeon has been at your eyeball is nigh on miraculous.

Absolute best of luck to you!

!!!!!
 

Blues&twos ... do you mind me asking if you got a Class 1 after the graft. It sounds like the surgeons did a pretty good job. It's still going 30 years later, and that must have been the old-fashioned type graft, if you don't mind me saying so.

I haven't given up though. At least the surgeons seem to be on my side.

But I haven't had the op yet though!!!!

I've only flown light a/c under instruction, so no medical issues...sorry , can't help there.
You're right about the type of graft, full thickness.

Class 1
 

Perhaps I need to rephrase the Qs ...

Does anyone know of any pilots who have had an intra-ocular lens (an artificial lens placed inside the front of the eye to replace the natural one) ..

Or Any pilots who have had a corneal graft ... and who have managed to get a Class 1?

Any pointers would be really helpful?

I had traumatic damage to my right eye in 1992 from a piece of metal. The piece was removed and damage repaired. Six days later I had an intraocular implant put in. 30 days later the sight in that eye was 20/40 and two months later it was 20/25 and has stayed like that. Despite a slightly damaged iris, I have no halos etc and the eyesight in the damaged eye is now better than the undamaged one. It took 4 months to get a restricted medical back and then after one year I was given full Class 1 medical with no restrictions other than an ophthalmologists report annually. After 21 years I still have a Class 1 medical and still fly for an airline.

The whole business of getting your medical is proving the net risk. In my case it was getting the doctors to see that my worst case scenario in the event of a problem I would be monocular, something that is allowable for airline pilots in many jurisdictions.

Hooray!
 

Canuckbirdstrike

Thank you for your reply. That does give me hope.

Are you 20/25 uncorrected but can get better visual acuity corrected?

Either way, there is hope and I'm glad the doctors and civil aviation authorities can be sensible about these things. I hope that's the case with the CAA as well.

Yes my vision is 20/20 corrected. As a matter of fact until 2007 I did not require any correction to my vision to maintain a Class 1 medical.

The challenge we face as pilots are the inconsistent standards between countries. In many jurisdictions I cannot hold a Class 1.

The best event I had was having a medical and the double take the doctor did after I did the eye test and then he actually looked at my eye and noticed the misshapen iris......

Canada!!
 

Oh well, if the CAA at Gatwick don't give me a Class 1, I'll come and try and get one in Canada. They obviously have more sense about these things in North America.

Beautiful country, I've been across it by train, I'd love to live there. People are so friendly.

And the beer ... Moosehead, Labbatt's ... unbelievable.

Ophthalmology Examination
 

Yet another eyesight post…apologies!

Had my Class 1 revalidation this week, all ok thankfully. At the end my AME said the CAA (UK) system had flagged up that I need to get an Ophthalmology Exam done at an opticians. I've never had a problem with my eyes, was a little surprised that I need to visit an opticians even though I seemingly passed the eye exam.

Anyone else had something similar? Slightly concerned the AME may have spotted something and this is his subtle way of getting it checked without worrying me!

Ophthalmology Examination
 

Possibly due to the prescription strength!!

You need "occupational bifocals". I've had them for years and work well.

Occupational Bifocals and Trifocals for Presbyopia - AllAboutVision.com

The top and bottom bits are the same, for reading (and overhead panels) and the middle bit for distance.

These are not individual bits of glass stuck together; the three sections are machined out of the same piece. The price isn't too bad either.

EASA Class 1 medical without restrictions?
 

Hi everyone,
i have read in the CTC Wings website that one of he entry requirements for the Airline Pilot Cadet Programme is to be able to obtain an EASA Class 1 medical without restrictions. What does that mean? I have myopia, can this be a drawback getting a Class 1 medical?

Thanks in advance.

ICL acceptable for Class 1 Medical certificate?
 

hello guys, i recently got ICL (implantable contact lens) done for my eyes. My prescription before operation was -10.00 in both eyes. Post operation i have 6/6 for both my eyes. my eyes are perfect now with no problem of glare in day and night.

would i be eligible for class 1 or class 2 medical certificate?

any information would be helpfull.

thank you

EU-Reg 1178/2011 MED.B.070 Visual System vs. Myopticism vs. class 1 medical
 

As of 8.4.2013 EU-Reg 1178/2011 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conte...=1397930709721
is the sole source for FCL requirements.

Section MED.B.070 specifies the eyesight limits for obtaining a medical of class 1, as certain "distant visual acuity" limits with or without correction.

The whole document lacks any reference to max. uncorrected myoptic dioptres (as did the old JAR FCL 3.xxx, -6/+5 dioptres)

Is it therefore correct, that even with say -10 dioptres (myoptic) one can be assigen a class 1 medical as long as his "distant visual acuity" is at least 0.7 per single eye and at least 1.0 with both eyes?

If not where do I find the mandated Part-MED (post April 8th,2013) dioptre limits?

Revalidation of class 1 with anisometropia, loss of licence?
 

Hi all,
Last year I got my class 1 in Belgium to start my ATPL. I got it without too much problems (except an extra colourvision test) and there is also a mark "VDL" on it, probably referring to the fact that I need glasses because my left eye is nearsighted. Today I went to the optician to get those glasses since my revalidation has to be done soon. Note that I see perfectly with both eyes, it's just the left that has -2.25 for correction. Now I found those values to be quite high, so I looked at EASA PART-MED, and there I found that the max difference is 2 dioptres (ico anisometropia) result: I'm quite scared now to lose my licence because of this, thereby rendering all my hard work (and dream) useless. Now it does say that you can have more if it is checked every 5 years, but I wonder why they didn't tell me this on my initial examination. Are these concerns justified or not?
I'm quite anxious about it now!

I have a difference of 2.50 between my eyes, it is max 2.00 for initial ( which I got via deviation route) but for renewal it is a higher limit, not sure what it is without checking. Suffice to say I still have passed several revalidations without a problem.

Thanks for the answer, thing is, last year I had -1.50 or -1.75 (can't remember correctly anymore) so I was 'safe', now with my recheck I will have gone out of these limits by half a point in a bit more than a year (which I would contribute to a bit of eye strain due to some fatigue, and loooong time spent behind the books everyday, staring at books for a long time can also hurt your eyes. The fact that I went out of the -2 and then immediately a decrease of -0.5 dioptres is what's worrying me now... Anyway, this is already giving me some good hope.

Getting a class 1 medical certificate with amblyopia?
 

Hi guys!

I'm about to start flight school. I have a class 3 medical certificate, as right now I only want to pursue a PPL and IR.

I have anisometropic amblyopia due to retinopathy of prematurity in my right eye. My left eye BCVA is 20/20, while my right eye's BCVA is 20/40. But due to my amblyopia, I effectively only use my left eye to see.

Hopefully at the same time I do my PPL checkride I can also do the MFT for the SODA to upgrade my medical certificate.

So here's an interesting question: why does the FAA even care about distance vision? Shouldn't they just require instrument training for ALL pilot licenses, require all flights to be IFR, and eliminate VFR? If one is trained to fly in zero visibility using just the flight instruments, the only reason you need distance vision is to detect traffic if ATC hasn't warned you about it. And if the plane is equipped with a TCAS II, looking out the window is completely un-necessary.

As long as you can read your charts and instruments and communicate with ATC, your near vision and hearing is what determines whether you can fly safely.

IFR is safer as you will have ATC tracking you, and you are required to file a flight plan, which will assist search and rescue in case anything happens. So why do we still have VFR?

"looking out the window is completely un-necessary"

:=

After spending too many years as a Training Captain, I really hate to offer a negative comment without including a constructive suggestion but: your learning curve is going to be very steep, old son.

Initial Class 1 medical Advice Regarding Blind Spots
 

Hi all,

Recently i went for my CAA Initial Class 1 Medical , All went fine except the Blind Spot Test.

My left eye is fine , but on my right eye i missed two spots and they performed the test again on my right eye , this time again i missed spot but not on the same area. :ugh:

The CAA wants me to do the check up with eye specialist because i had Lasik Laser Surgery in the past (14 yrs ago) and to make sure about my blind spots as well.

I need advice whether i will be able to clear the Class 1 or not.:confused::confused:

Thank you

Angle-closure glaucoma
 

I have recently been told by an eye specialist that I have "narrow angles", a situation which could, but will not necessarily, lead to angle-closure glaucoma. The standard preventive treatment for this condition is an iridotomy, where a laser is used to cut a small hole in the iris.

I have tried to research the implications for my medical certificate if I have the procedure done but there is very little information out there. What I really want to know is how long I can expect my Class 1 medical to be suspended for (assuming the procedure is 100% successful) or if it might be permanently revoked. Anybody with personal experience in this area with FAA, CAA etc?

LASIK and EASA Medcial
 

Hi there,

I was wondering if there is anybody who can help me with the following question, is it possible to undergo a Lasik (eye) surgery without loosing your EASA 1st class medical? I know that in the US (FAA) it's possible, but I'm particular interested what the EASA says about Lasik for pilots.

Many thanks!

EASA/CAA eyesight requirements. Myopia above limits?
 

Hi,

I have myopia currently at -4.50D. I see the CAA limits for myopia for a class 1 medical is -6.00D. What happens if my myopia gets beyond this limit? Am I simply never allowed to get a class 1, even though with correction (glasses) I have 20/20 vision?

Give them a call and ask the question... There have recently been changes in the Medical Staff at the CAA so they should be able to answer you directly.

Having said this I do recall that (and someone will probably be along to correct me shortly if I have it wrong).... I do recall that the "process" for medical related questions had changed somewhat and in the first instance your AME should be the first point of contact.

I suspect if you are out of limits they may be able to consider you for a restricted medical.. possible an OML.. but don't quote me on this.

I had a turbulent time regarding vision.

You could also always book in for a "Opthalmological Assessment" without taking the initial examination at LGW and they Eye Doc should be able to give you an answer.

Good Luck.

Scoobster