Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) credentialed optometrists
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 either a designated aviation credentialed optometrist (CO) or ophthalmologist (DAOs).
In the field of aviation, 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. The exams must be performed by a designated aviation credentialed optometrist (CO) or ophthalmologist (DAO).
CASA-credentialed optometrists
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 licences can be assured that the COs have the essential skills to provide the proper vision assessment, exam and vision care to critical staff in the aviation industry.
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 and contact lenses (if appropriate) to the exam. CASA requires that your vision is tested with your spare lenses, so bring them to the exam as well.
Adrian Rossiter is an aviation credentialed optometrist (CO) with CASA.