New RAF Issue Corrective Flying Spectacles(CFS)
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Specs
I went for an eye test recently. Optician told me that there is a meeting at Cranwell in a week or so to finalise the details. Several people (like myself) have prescriptions on hold at present pending the outcome. Just hoping we can move forward from the 1970s 'Diedre Barlow' look!
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New CFS
I have just taken delivery of 2 pairs of the new style CFS and they don't make you any more handsome than the old style ones! Indeed, I fail to understand how the Glasses PT have found something else so truly un-stylish.
Your mil doctor will, assuming you need CFS or a new prescription, add you to an Eyecare Plan. The details will be forwarded to your email (work only IIRC) and you then call the local optician and make an appointment. Included in the email will be a list of opticians, primarily Optical Express, you can go to but the PT have scored again here, as none will be particularly close. Their remit was for personnel to travel up to an hour for the appointment but, of course, you have to collect them as they will not post them. So, that's 2 journeys and clearly you can claim ...oh no, of course not! Don't bother calling the Eyecare number to see if you can go anywhere other than the 20 or so on the email, as they don't have the CFS available to them. I know, I wasted much of my time having a test at an optician not on the mil list after being told by Eyecare I could go anywhere for my test.
The specs are in 1 style if you are AH and 4 others, for normal people, which are pretty much the same shape but differing in size. They feel really flimsy but are very lightweight; I know there is scepticism whether they will last. They come in bi-focal and vary-focal flavours in a very soft case which is probably one of the major flaws.
Below are some pics of mine on my rather dirty Nairobi hotel floor - note the really cool cleaning cloth!
Maybe not, I can't seem to work out how to upload a photo this evening but will work on it.
Your mil doctor will, assuming you need CFS or a new prescription, add you to an Eyecare Plan. The details will be forwarded to your email (work only IIRC) and you then call the local optician and make an appointment. Included in the email will be a list of opticians, primarily Optical Express, you can go to but the PT have scored again here, as none will be particularly close. Their remit was for personnel to travel up to an hour for the appointment but, of course, you have to collect them as they will not post them. So, that's 2 journeys and clearly you can claim ...oh no, of course not! Don't bother calling the Eyecare number to see if you can go anywhere other than the 20 or so on the email, as they don't have the CFS available to them. I know, I wasted much of my time having a test at an optician not on the mil list after being told by Eyecare I could go anywhere for my test.
The specs are in 1 style if you are AH and 4 others, for normal people, which are pretty much the same shape but differing in size. They feel really flimsy but are very lightweight; I know there is scepticism whether they will last. They come in bi-focal and vary-focal flavours in a very soft case which is probably one of the major flaws.
Below are some pics of mine on my rather dirty Nairobi hotel floor - note the really cool cleaning cloth!
Maybe not, I can't seem to work out how to upload a photo this evening but will work on it.
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Does anyone know if there's any Service support for Contact Lenses? I had mine fitted last just prior to the demise of the Cranwell Optometry unit (2006?) and have heard nothing since...
Join Date: Feb 2008
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I don't fly any more but I own a pair of these Silhouette glasses ... if they are considered good enough for Space Flight why is there a need to reinvent the wheel ?
Silhouette NASA
They are expensive ... but worth the investment ...
Silhouette NASA
They are expensive ... but worth the investment ...
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 5th Mar 2013 at 18:07.
UG, yes; despite being spritely enough to retain possession of 6/6 eyesight I read the recent missive about CFS, and they're offering lenses to certain groups of aircrew.
Group 1 were most front-end aircrew, who can have a couple of pairs of CFS, some sunglasses, and/or (can't remember which) opt for contact lenses at public expense. The idea was it's paid for by not offering CFS to non-flying aircrew and it's important because CFS don't work well with NVGs etc.
If you're in one of the other groups then you might not be offered them, but if you ever have to wear NVGs you're in.
Group 1 were most front-end aircrew, who can have a couple of pairs of CFS, some sunglasses, and/or (can't remember which) opt for contact lenses at public expense. The idea was it's paid for by not offering CFS to non-flying aircrew and it's important because CFS don't work well with NVGs etc.
If you're in one of the other groups then you might not be offered them, but if you ever have to wear NVGs you're in.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I used to get mine from Kelvin House and collect them from RMC. Travelling to London was of course paid for.
Then they outsourced to Specsavers. I collected my new specs and was preparing to walk out the shop as I expected that, like Kelvin House, they would work. No, I had to have them checked. I put them on and then realised I could not see the end of the shop 30 feet away. As I didn't need distance correction they were a load of b*ll*cks.
So, that's 2 journeys and clearly you can claim ...oh no, of course not!
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The primary method of correction is now soft contact lenses. The flimsy new specs are only designed to cater for the odd case where scl's won't do. Which is just as well, because they ain't a good look! I also don't like the attachment points on the lens interfering with my field of view; seems to be at odds with the rimless idea of unrestricted vision. But, optically, very nice and super light and comfy.
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except you're not allowed SCL's if you have say a small prescription for long-sight and old man's reading glasses syndrome? Surely SCL's are not 'primary'..? what if you don't want to poke around your eyeballs..?
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Can anyone point us in the direction of some definitive info on Contact Lenses...since the demise of the Cranwell Optometry unit they've been costing me a fair whack every couple of months...are they subsidised under this scheme?
There was a lengthy letter sent to our unit about the new scheme. It explains who's in which group, what each group is entitled to, and why. The main driver for SCLs appeared to be that they don't foul AEA or cause any issues interacting with NVGs or displays (no reflections etc).
If your admin people don't have a copy of it, I think it was unclass so I'll remember to grab a copy and post it here.
If your admin people don't have a copy of it, I think it was unclass so I'll remember to grab a copy and post it here.
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The document in question (CAM/LR/AEIG/02/13) is indeed unclas. It states that you will be entitled to MOD-funded soft contact lenses if you fall into one of these categories:
1. FJ, RW or ME pilot.
2. WSO.
3. ALM.
4. Army aviation rearcrew.
5. Air engineers.
6. All RW rearcrew of operational platforms in a primary flying role.
7. Ground engineers in a flying role.
That said it does stress that you have to be on an active flying tour. Also, there is no blanket roll-out so you only become entitled at the time of your next eye test.
Ask at your Med Centre; they should have a copy of the full document.
1. FJ, RW or ME pilot.
2. WSO.
3. ALM.
4. Army aviation rearcrew.
5. Air engineers.
6. All RW rearcrew of operational platforms in a primary flying role.
7. Ground engineers in a flying role.
That said it does stress that you have to be on an active flying tour. Also, there is no blanket roll-out so you only become entitled at the time of your next eye test.
Ask at your Med Centre; they should have a copy of the full document.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
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Well I now have my new glasses.. bit flimsy and seem to be the wrong shape in than the lenses seem to sit too low and rub on my rosie cheeks. Also, the lens quality doesn't seem as good when compared to the clarity through my Mk15s. Very light though - see how it goes I guess. Had SCLs issued too but prescription was inadequate for a wee bit of longsightedness and the need for old man's reading glasses. Would appear we are not allowed to have the all singing and dancing SCLs... Keep you updated..
Duplo
Duplo
Avoid imitations
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Well I now have my new glasses.. bit flimsy and seem to be the wrong shape in than the lenses seem to sit too low and rub on my rosie cheeks. Also, the lens quality doesn't seem as good when compared to the clarity through my Mk15s. Very light though - see how it goes I guess
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1. FJ, RW or ME pilot.
2. WSO.
3. ALM.
4. Army aviation rearcrew.
5. Air engineers.
6. All RW rearcrew of operational platforms in a primary flying role.
7. Ground engineers in a flying role.
2. WSO.
3. ALM.
4. Army aviation rearcrew.
5. Air engineers.
6. All RW rearcrew of operational platforms in a primary flying role.
7. Ground engineers in a flying role.