No Stereopsis and UK Class 1 Medical
 

Hi there,

I am due to take my class 1 medical soon. I have amblyopia in one eye but can achieve 6/9 vision with it and 6/4 overall.

At my last eye test, I was shown not to have binocular vision. I don't notice this ever and have successfully attained my Class 2. I don't have double vision either and am able to work on things up close.

With a Brock string, I am able to see a cross at the first bead (does this suggest I have at least some stereopsis?)

I appreciate only my AME will be able to definitively rule me out but would anyone with experience in this be able to tell me whether I stand a chance at attaining my Class 1?

Cheers!

I’m in a similar position albeit my right eye is worse than your worst eye. Applied for class 1, was referred and issued a class 2 via the substandard vision in one eye route. Now going through the secondary review process. The thing I have learnt, is no two situations are the same… I searched high and low for someone in a similar position to come up with nothing. You will probably end up having to have a further eye assessment with a specialist in aviation ophthalmology to rule out any other underlying issues.

Best of luck. :)

Thank you for your reply!! Yeah it’s been really tricky searching around because there’s nuance to all of this haha!

May I ask whether you were sent down the substandard vision route by way of reduced acuity or affected binocular vision? I have had two class 2s now both without any issue so hoping I may be in a position to scrape through if I just about meet the requirements!

Best of luck to you too - please let me know how you get on :)

No probs, it’s nice to read I’m not alone!! 😊

Right eye VA is outside of class 1 (and class 2) limits thanks to childhood amblyopia and lazy eye. Left eye is spot on and better than 6/6!
Frustratingly, from what I can see the standards for the substandard vision in one eye, are identical to that of class 1 reduced vision or monocular at revalidation or renewal.

I guess, to answer your question both binocular and right eye VA.

I have done a flight medical test and had an ophthalmologist review too.

I went straight in for class 1, on the basis “you never know”. And for the opportunity to discuss with the CAA. My ultimate goal is to fly commercially. Was pleased to get a c2 as that demonstrates a level of fitness though.

Presume you have a few hours under your belt ?

It's not a problem for a class 1 provided you don't have double vision.

Back in the 70s, my first medical showed defective binocular vision. The doctor said that my landings would be low and it took a long time to sort out my landings. Interestingly I did better landing at night.

Then the new optometrist prescribed prisms. I nearly fell down the stairs leaving his office with my new glasses. My next flight I did a perfect landing three feet above the runway, got the message and adjusted my landings accordingly.

In my 60s, I was diagnosed with glaucoma and began regular visits to ophthalmologists who have kept it well controlled. One of them sent me to an orthoptist who diagnosed a fourth ocular nerve palsy, likely congenital since I was prescribed prisms in my teens. Unfortunately Transport Canada got its knickers in a knot over this long-standing condition and wants annual reports from the ophthalmologist.

I would have done better to decline the orthoptist as it only gave something else for Transport Canada to worry about, even though prisms have the problem completely controlled.


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