Clear Skies Ahead: Navigating Aviation Eye Health with Visique Eye Spy Optometry
We’re excited to announce our very own in-clinic optometrist Priyanka has become accredited to conduct eye examinations for Civil Aviation workers and pilots. This makes Eye Spy the only clinic in Palmerston North to offer this service; a responsibility we take very seriously, given the importance of clear vision for flying kiwis, and all who work in the aviation industry.
If you’re a civil aviation worker in need of an eye examination, or simply curious about the unique eyesight requirements for those in the industry, read on. We’ll answer some frequently asked questions on the topic, and how you can schedule your next optometry appointment with Priyanka.
WHAT ARE THE EYESIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR AVIATION?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand maintains specific requirements for vision to ensure the safety and competency of pilots. These requirements encompass various aspects of visual acuity and perception, designed to assess a pilot's ability to operate aircraft safely in diverse flying conditions.
Visual Acuity
Pilots must possess adequate visual acuity both near and far, ensuring they can discern objects and read instruments accurately. The CAA eye test requirements are such that pilots must have binocular 20/20 vision or better, either with or without correction (glasses or contact lenses).
Colour Vision
Colour vision deficiency can impair a pilot's ability to interpret crucial visual cues, such as aviation lights and signals.The CAA assesses pilots for colour vision deficiency to ensure they can distinguish between different colours effectively.
Depth Perception
Depth perception is critical for judging distances accurately, especially during takeoff, landing, and aerial manoeuvres. Pilots must demonstrate sufficient depth perception to maintain spatial awareness and avoid potential hazards.
Peripheral Vision
Pilots must have adequate peripheral vision to detect approaching aircraft, obstacles, and other aircraft movements. The CAA evaluates pilots' peripheral vision to ensure they can maintain situational awareness in busy airspace.
Eye Health
Optimal eye health is essential for maintaining clear vision and preventing potential vision-related complications. Pilot eye test requirements include regularly assessing the overall health of your eyes via Priyanka, our CAA-approved optometrist, to detect any underlying conditions that may affect vision.
Please note that dilating eye drops will be used to enlarge your pupils to check for any eye diseases inside your eyes. The effects of the eye drops will last for a few hours. This means sometimes your vision may be temporarily blurry and you may be sensitive to light for those few hours. Sunglasses can help reduce glare during this time, so bring them if you have them. It would also be wise to ask a friend or a family member to drive you home from your appointment.
Corrective Lenses
Pilots who require corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, must ensure they wear them during flight. The CAA typically permits the use of corrective lenses to achieve the required visual acuity, provided they meet certain criteria and do not impair vision. It’s imperative to have two forms of optical correction when you are flying (if you need them to meet the CAA standards). This is to ensure you have ‘back-up’ optical correction readily available.
Please speak with Priyanka about any need for prescription sunglasses. She knows which tints are recommended and suitable for you to reduce glare in bright conditions.
Compliance with Standards
Pilots must comply with the CAA's vision standards, undergoing periodic eye examinations to ensure ongoing compliance. Failure to meet the CAA's vision requirements may result in restrictions on flying privileges or the need for remedial measures to address any deficiencies.
Overall, the CAA eyesight requirements are designed to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism in aviation, ensuring that pilots possess the visual acuity and perception necessary to navigate the skies with confidence and precision.
CAN PILOTS WEAR GLASSES IN NEW ZEALAND?
In New Zealand, pilots are allowed to wear glasses while operating aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sets clear regulations regarding vision requirements for pilots designed to accommodate pilots who rely on corrective lenses for optimal vision.
The CAA standards are mandated for pilots whether they have unaided vision or wear glasses, ensuring that all pilots possess the necessary vision quality to operate aircraft safely. Those who wear glasses must demonstrate that their corrected vision meets or exceeds the required standards specified by the CAA.
WHAT DOES THE EYE TEST FOR PILOTS INVOLVE?
The eye examination for pilots or Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) members is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate various aspects of vision crucial for safe flight operations. This 60-minute examination involves a series of specialised tests conducted by accredited optometrists like Priyanka, or aviation medical examiners, adhering to the standards set forth by the CAA. Key components of the eye examination include:
Visual Acuity Testing
This typically involves reading letters or symbols from an eye chart to determine visual acuity.
Colour Vision Assessment
Pilots are evaluated to ensure they can distinguish between different colours effectively.
Depth Perception Evaluation
Pilots must demonstrate sufficient depth perception to judge distances accurately during takeoff, landing, and aerial manoeuvres. Tests assessing depth perception help to evaluate a pilot's spatial awareness and ability to navigate safely in three-dimensional space.
Binocular Vision Assessment
Binocular vision is the process by which the brain integrates information from a person’s two eyes to generate one clear unified image. Priyanka will assess how your eyes work together and the eye muscle balance to avoid the risk of asthenopia (eye fatigue) or diplopia (double vision).
Peripheral Vision Screening
Pilots undergo screening to assess their peripheral vision, ensuring they can maintain situational awareness in busy airspace.
Ocular Health Examination
Optimal eye health is critical for maintaining clear vision. Pilots undergo examinations to assess the overall health of their eyes, including evaluations for conditions such as keratoconus, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders.
Assessment of Corrective Lenses
Pilots who wear corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, have their vision assessed both with and without lenses to ensure they meet the visual acuity standards specified by the CAA.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR GETTING A SPECIAL EYE REPORT FOR A PILOT’S MEDICAL EXAMINATION?
Obtaining a special eye report for a pilot's medical examination in New Zealand involves several steps to ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations and standards. Here's an overview of the process:
Find an Accredited Examiner
Pilots seeking a special eye report must first locate an accredited optometrist or aviation medical examiner authorised by the CAA to conduct eye examinations for aviation purposes.
Priyanka is our accredited CAA optometrist right here, at Visique Eye Spy.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact the accredited examiner to schedule an appointment for the 60-minute eye examination. Ensure that the appointment aligns with the timeframe required for submitting the eye report as per CAA guidelines. Just let our staff know that you’ll need a 60-minute CAA eye examination for pilots, and they’ll book you in with Priyanka. You can always head to our website to book yourself in using our online portal.
Undergo the Eye Examination
Attend the scheduled appointment with the accredited examiner and undergo the comprehensive eye examination tailored for aviation purposes. The examination will include tests to assess visual acuity, colour vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and overall ocular health.
Receive & Submit Eye Report
Upon completion of the eye examination and assessment, the accredited examiner will prepare a special eye report, indicating whether the pilot meets the visual standards required for aviation purposes. Once supplied, it can be submitted to the appropriate aviation authority as part of the medical certification process.
What’s involved in getting certified as an accredited examiner for pilots?
Becoming a certified accredited optometrist and examiner for pilots in New Zealand involves a rigorous process overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Aspiring examiners begin by attending a CAA information seminar, completing required training and clinical skills tests.
They gather necessary documentation, submit an application to the CAA, and undergo a thorough review process. Once approved, accredited examiners must adhere to CAA standards and guidelines, participate in ongoing training, and conduct aviation-related medical examinations with professionalism and integrity.
As you can see from the information above, maintaining high standards in eye health for civil aviation workers is a complex process. Eye Spy Optometrists are proud to announce Priyanka's accreditation to conduct eye examinations for Civil Aviation workers and pilots, making us the exclusive clinic in Palmerston North offering this service.
The importance of clear vision in aviation cannot be overstated, and we’re committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all aviation professionals who make Eye Spy their optometrist of choice. If you’re looking to book your next aviation eye exam, head to our website to contact our team.
We look forward to seeing you,
The Eye Spy Team
