Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations
Disease Protocols
Binocular Multifocal and Accommodating Devices
This Protocol establishes the authority for the Examiner to issue an airman medical certificate to binocular applicants using multifocal or accommodating ophthalmic devices.Devices acceptable for aviation-related duties must be FDA approved and include:
- Intraocular Lenses (multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens implants)
- Bifocal/Multifocal contact lenses
- Adaptation period before certification:
- Postoperative period is 3 months for cataract surgery
- Multifocal (including bifocal) contact lenses requires at least
1 month - Must provide a report to include the FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation, from the operating surgeon or the treating eye specialist. This report must attest to stable visual acuity and refractive error, absence of significant side effects/complications, need of medications, and freedom from any glare, flares or other visual phenomena that could affect visual performance and impact aviation safety
- The following visual standards, as required for each class, must be met for each eye:
Distant:
First- and Second-Class
20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
Third-Class
20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
Near:
All Classes
20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches
Intermediate:
First- and Second-Class
20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches
Third-Class
No requirement
