The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations require that all pilots with a Class 1 commercial licence and all air traffic controllers with a Class 3 licence must have an aviation eye exam performed by a designated aviation ophthalmologist (DAOs) or a credentialed optometrist (CO).
As anyone in the field of aviation knows, good visual function is necessary for the safe performance of aviation activities: pre-flight checks, take-offs, navigation, landings and the proper use of displays, dials, gauges, and maps in modern cockpits.
The eye exam is a required part of the medical certificate for a Class 1 or Class 3 licence and exams must be performed by a designated aviation ophthalmologist (DAO) or credentialed optometrist (CO), listed below.
Main criteria for Class 1 and Class 3 licence
In accordance with theCivil Aviation Act, the vision criteria for commercial pilots includes:
Distance visual acuity of 6/9 or better in each eye separately and 6/6 or better binocular (with or without correcting lenses
The ability to read (with or without correcting lenses) an N5 chart binocularly in the range of 30 to 50cm
The ability to read an N14 chart binocularly (with or without correcting lenses) at 1m
Contact-lens-wearing pilots need to be able to use their lenses for twice the projected flight or duty time without deterioration in visual acuity or discomfort. They must also have backup spectacles available and pass the appropriate standards with them immediately after removing their contact lenses
The ability to readily distinguish the colours that need to be distinguished for the safe exercise of privileges, or performance of duties. Candidates with colour deficiencies will undertake a ‘operational colour vision assessment’ or OCVA.
Renewals and further assessments
After the age of 60, eye exams are performed every two years. During the intervening years, designated aviation medical examiners (DAME) perform frequent overarching aviation medical exams which involves a rudimentary eye test – if issues are spotted, pilots are referred to a DAO or CO for further assessment.
A Class 1 medical certificate is valid for one year and is required for…
Air Transport Pilot Licence
Commercial Pilot Licence (other than balloons)
Multi-crew Pilot (aeroplane) Licence
Flight Engineer Licence
Student Flight Engineer Licence.
A Class 3 medical certificate is valid for two years and is required for:
Air Traffic Control Licence
Flight Service Officers
Please note: Medicare does not cover vision screening services and an examination and reporting fee will be applied. Visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’swebsitefor details on their medical certification process.
Eyecare Plus CASA-credentialed optometrists
Eyecare Plus’s Credentialed Optometrists (COs) are trained to perform vision and eye exams for Class 1 and 3 medical certificates. They are formally recognised as trained occupational vision experts. All applicants for Class 1 and Class 3 licence can be assured that the Eyecare Plus COs have the essential skills to provide the proper vision assessment, exam and vision care to critical staff in the aviation industry.
Eyecare Plus’s COs are required by CASA to maintain certain clinical competencies, including familiarity with the aviation standards and CASA’s medical record system and statutory declarations.
The aviation eye examination
An eye exam for a Class 1 or Class 3 licence typically takes approximately one hour. It involves a full assessment of vision, including binocular vision, peripheral vision and an ocular health assessment.
Remember to bring your glasses or contact lenses to the exam. CASA requires that your vision is tested with your spare lenses, so bring them to the exam as well.
To book an exam appointment contact one of the Eyecare Plus practitioners below. They are CASA-certified as credentialed optometrists (COs), and trained to conduct vision and eye examinations for pilot licensing.
Eyecare Plus practitioners who are credentialed optometrists are located in…
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