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

Examiners may issue as outlined below:

• Adaptation period before certification:
  • Surgical lens implantation - minimum of 3 months post-operative
  • Contact lenses (bifocal or multifocal) - minimum of one month of use
• 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
• Visual Acuity Standards
  • As listed below or better;
  • Each eye separately;
  • Snellen equivalent; and
  • With or without correction. If correction is used, it should be noted and the correct limitation applied.

Note: The above does not change the current certification policy on the use of monofocal non-accommodating intraocular lenses.