Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations – Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 32. Ophthalmoscopic
The following lists the most common conditions of aeromedical significance, and course of action that should be taken by the examiner as defined by the protocol and disposition in the table. Medical certificates must not be issued to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral, or for any condition not listed that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.
| Disease/Condition | Class | Evaluation Data | Disposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal Ulcer or Dystrophy; Optic Atrophy; Retinal Degeneration or Detachment; Papilledema; or Uveitis | All | Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report | Requires FAA Decision |
| Chorioretinitis | All | See Chorioretinitis Disposition Table (PDF) | See Chorioretinitis Disposition Table (PDF) |
| Coloboma | All | See Coloboma Disposition Table (PDF) | See Disposition Table |
| Glaucoma (treated or untreated) | All | Review all pertinent medical information and current status report, including Form 8500-14 | See CACI – Glaucoma Worksheet (PDF). If airman meets all certification criteria – Issue. All others required FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data. Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision Followup Special Issuances – See AASI Protocol |
| Lattice Degeneration | All | See Disposition Table (PDF) | See Disposition Table |
| Macular Degeneration; Macular Detachment | All | Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report | Requires FAA Decision |
| Optic Neuritis | All | See Optic Neuritis Disposition Table (PDF) | See Disposition Table |
| Retinal Dystrophies (Cone, Rod, Retinitis Pigmentosa) | All | See Retinal Dystrophies (Cone, Rod, Retinitis Pigmentosa) Disposition Table (PDF) | See Disposition Table |
| Tumors | All | Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report | Requires FAA Decision |
| Vascular Occlusion; Retinopathy | All | Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report | Requires FAA Decision |
Last updated: Friday, August 28, 2026