Failed Class 1 Medical Eye Exam

[slickninja]

Hi guys,

Just want to hear some thoughts here.

I have recently done my class 1 medical tests but have failed the eye exam today.
The optometrist says that even though I wear glasses and he has tried to correct my eyes to make my vision better, he cannot pass me as I just don't pass the requirement.
He reckons just shy of 100% (95% so he reckons).

I have asked him not to submit them just yet until I speak to some other experts or second opinions.

Has anyone ever encountered this or known anyone?

My dreams are about to go down the drain and I have just gathered the funds for it

Thanks in advanced guys.

[havick]

Is laser eye surgery an option? I know plenty of pilots that have had it and still have a class 1

[slickninja]

I went and had my eyes checked 3 years ago to see if I was eligible and apparently I wasn't.
My eyes would be back to what it is several years down the track and possibly worse

Would CASA consider or show leniency as I am close but no cigar?

[Balibelly]

Hi guys,

Just want to hear some thoughts here.

I have recently done my class 1 medical tests but have failed the eye exam today.
The optometrist says that even though I wear glasses and he has tried to correct my eyes to make my vision better, he cannot pass me as I just don't pass the requirement.
He reckons just shy of 100% (95% so he reckons).

I have asked him not to submit them just yet until I speak to some other experts or second opinions.

Has anyone ever encountered this or known anyone?

My dreams are about to go down the drain and I have just gathered the funds for it

Thanks in advanced guys.

Seens odd, try another opthermologist.

I have awful eyes but with glasses I pass.

I even just passed with my horrible eyes and glasses in indonesia.

Get a second opinion from another DR and make sure your glasses are the latest script.

[ScoobaLimaLima]

I hope it works out for you,

Having your life dream and passion ripped out from underneath you is not a fun experience.

I just completed my CPL in 2008 and less than 6 months later I was diagnosed with Keratoconus. I've never flown since

SLL

[bladeangle]

You told him to hold your application. Good! I reccomend you go to an other eye specialist and get yourself an other opinion. You may be surprised by the result

[ozloadie]

Is this your initial entry eye examination?
The suggestion of another examiner is a sound suggestion.
Would you be able to or have you already passed a Class 2 previously?

[Eastwoodblade]

Definetely get a second opionion. Why 95%?!! Astigmatism??

Corrective lenses should cover you as I was going beyond - 4.5 to - 5.0 with glasses. I opted for laser but went the older tech of PRK rather then lasik. They ablate directly onto the eye rather than laser a flap. Its longer to recover but gave me 6-6 vision and haven't looked back, no contacts to worry about and no glasses.

[slickninja]

Thanks guys for your comments and support.
Will keep you guys posted.

Thanks Eastwoodblade.
Sent you a PM.

[Helibuilder]

Hi Slickninja,

I realy feel for your plight and as a grounded Optometrist I can assure that we do not take pleasure in refusing any one in the persute of their dream whether it be continuing to drive a motor vehicle or fly a chopper.

Unfortunately there is a common misconception that if we make your spectacles stronger you will see better- Such is certainly not the case .By changing your spectacle prescription we are merely moving the position where the eye focuses an image- Hopefully we put it perfectly on the retina at the back of your eye.

Unfortunately the end result depends on how fine an image your macula is able to discern or if the image is compromised or distorted as it passes through the various parts of the eye . If the cornea is Distorted out of shape as is the case in keratoconus then there is simply nothing we can do to undo this distortion and your vision suffers. If your eye was not corrected for clear vision early in life it affects the quality of vision you are able to see for the rest of your life - a condition called Amblyopia.

By all means seek a second or even third opinion but don't be surprised if the results are the same- For your sake I hope not

Peter

All these well meaning posters

[slickninja]

Hi guys,
Well I thought I'd just update everyone regarding my topic.

I went and seen a second opinion from Dr Edward Mele (CASA registered opthamologist) from High Street Eye Clinic in Fremantle. Turns out that I met the standard when I did my exam with him. Huuuuuuge weight off my shoulders and can finally pursue my dreams.

Now the waiting game to get the all clear from CASA AV Med which is another battle as they will probably ping me for my history of asthma.

Thanks for the support guys.

[heli2o]

Now the waiting game to get the all clear from CASA AV Med which is another battle as they will probably ping me for my history of asthma.

Thanks for the support guys.

For the asthma I had to get a spirometry test done and a letter from GP explaining that it is under control. Maybe be proactive about this to speed up the process. From memory it's the only part of the medical that was covered by Medicare which is a bonus (if your doctor bulk bills).

[slickninja]

That's a great idea. Will contact my GP and request this letter.
I've already requested for my medical history for which I have to pay $55 to extract them from the archives...

[funag]

Get your eyes sorted with good glasses ELSEWHERE (x 2) Then get a second opinion.

[Jamesharsel]

Low Vision Aids are devices designed to help people with poor vision read and see. Examples include standing and hand-held magnifiers, strong magnifying reading glasses, loupes, and small telescopes. These devices provide greatly increased magnification capabilities along with higher-quality optics (i.e. the way the lens bends or refracts light). Often prescribed by an eye doctor, these devices are different from your normal eyesight glasses and magnifiers.