Considerations
Substandard vision in one eye exists, by definition, when that eye uncorrected vision is better than 6/60 but cannot be corrected to the standard applicable to the class of certificate that is applied for.
A common cause for substandard vision in one eye is amblyopia, but there are many other possible causes. Examples are trauma, corneal disease, cataract, retinal disease, toxoplasmosis, etc.
Substandard vision in one eye if often accompanied by decreased stereopsis. Binocular depth perception is effective at near such as when manoeuvring at the airport parking, during formation flying and for low levels helicopter operations. The necessity of good stereopsis for fixed wings aircraft landings is controversial.
Information to be provided
Applicants with substandard vision in one eye should provide:
- A special eye report on the first occasion they present with this condition; and subsequently as may be indicated; and
- A visual field determination;
- A special eye report every five years
Disposition
- An applicant with substandard vision in one eye does not meet the CAR part 67 medical standards. Thus the issue of a certificate can only occur following the flexibility process.
Class 2 applicant
Under the flexibility process a Class 2 applicant with substandard vision in one eye is likely to be issued a certificate If:
- The uncorrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/12 or better; and
- The corrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/9 or better; and
- The applicant meets the near visual acuity standard with or without correction; and
- There is no visual fields impairment;
- The substandard vision is of more than 6 months duration and is stable;
- If requested, a medical flight test has demonstrated the applicant to be safe.
Providing that the medical certificate:
- Is endorsed with the requirement to wear of have readily available correcting lenses as necessary to meet the above conditions; and
- Is endorsed with the requirement to have readily available spare spectacles if required to have correcting lenses to meet the standards;
- Is endorsed with any other conditions or restrictions as may be imposed following the AMC.
Class 1 & 3
Under the flexibility process a Class 1 or 3 an applicant with substandard vision in one eye may be issued a certificate in some cases if:
- The uncorrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/12 or better; and
- The corrected distance visual acuity is 6/6 or better; and
- The applicant meets the near visual acuity standard with or without correction; and
- There is no visual fields impairment; and
- The substandard vision is of more than 6 months duration and is stable;
- If requested, a medical flight test has demonstrated the applicant to be safe.
Provided that the medical certificate:
- Is endorsed with the requirement to wear of have readily available correcting lenses as necessary to meet the above conditions; and
- Is endorsed with the requirement to have spare spectacles readily available if required to have correcting lenses to meet the standards;
- Is endorsed with any other conditions or restrictions as may be imposed following the AMC.
