Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Application Process for Medical Certification
Examination Techniques
Item 51. Near and Intermediate Vision
Examination Equipment and Techniques| Near at 16 Inches | Intermediate at 32 Inches |
|---|---|
| Near Vision Acuity Test Chart Dated April 1993 FAA Form 8500-1 | Near Vision Acuity Test Chart Dated April 1993 FAA Form 8500-1 |
| Acceptable substitutes: Keystone Orthoscope Keystone Telebinocular OPTEC 2000 Vision Tester Titmus Vision Tester Titmus II Vision Tester -- (Model Nos. TII and TIIS) Titmus 2 Vision Tester -- (Model Nos. T2A and T2S) Titmus i400 AOC Site-Screener Bausch & Lomb Orthorator |
Acceptable substitutes: Keystone Orthoscope * Keystone Telebinocular * OPTEC 2000 Vision Tester Titmus Vision Tester ** Titmus II Vision Tester ** -- (Model Nos. TII and TIIS) Titmus 2 Vision Tester ** -- (Model Nos. T2A and T2S) Titmus i400 * Requires an intermediate vision testing card and a scale bar. ** Requires an intermediate lens unit for testing at 32 inches. |
- Near visual acuity and intermediate visual acuity, if the latter is required, are determined for each eye separately and for both eyes together. Test values are recorded both with and without corrective glasses/lenses when either are worn or required to meet the standards. If the applicant is unable to meet the intermediate acuity standard unaided, he or she then is tested using each of the corrective lenses or glasses otherwise needed by that person to meet distant and/or near visual acuity standards. If the aided acuity meets the standard using any of the lenses or glasses, the findings are recorded, and the certificate appropriately limited. If an applicant has no lenses that bring intermediate and/or near visual acuity to the required standards, or better, in each eye, no certificate may be issued, and the applicant is referred to an eye specialist for appropriate visual evaluation and correction.
- FAA Form 8500-1, Near Vision Acuity Test Chart, dated April 1993, should be used as follows:
- The examination is conducted in a well-lighted room with the source of light behind the applicant.
- The applicant holds the chart 16 inches (near) and 32 inches (intermediate) from the eyes in a position that will provide uniform illumination. To ensure that the chart is held at exactly 16 inches or 32 inches from the eyes, a string of that length may be attached to the chart.
- Each eye is tested separately, with the other eye covered. Both eyes are then tested together.
- The smallest type correctly read with each eye separately and both eyes together is recorded in linear value. In performing the test using FAA Form 8500-1, the level of visual acuity will be recorded as the line of smallest type the applicant reads accurately. The applicant should be allowed no more than two misread letters on any line.
- Common errors:
- Inadequate illumination of the test chart.
- Failure to hold the chart the specified distance from the eye.
- Failure to ensure that the untested eye is covered.
- Failure to determine uncorrected and corrected acuity when the applicant wears glasses.
- Practical Test. At the bottom of FAA Form 8500-1 is a section for Aeronautical Chart Reading. Letter types and charts are reproduced from aeronautical charts in their actual size.
This may be used when a borderline condition exists at the certifiable limits of an applicant's vision. If successfully completed, a favorable certification action may be taken. - Acceptable substitute instruments may be used, following the directions accompanying the instruments.
