Sectick

Hey everyone first time posting on these forums!

I have recently started my flying lessons and I need my physical before I can solo. I have always been concerned about my vision, so I went to my eye doctor to have a check up before the physical.

Now, I have always had trouble with the standard black and white letter board, and I have no idea why. Everytime I go to the eye doctor I get the same answer slightly worse than 20/20 in the right eye, and slightly worse than 20/25 in the left eye. My vision is better than 20/25 R , 20/30 L according to 2 different doctors.

Now I have no problems wearing glasses if I have to, but the truth to the matter is if I do not need them I do not want them. I can read the gauges, runway numbers, see other planes, and see the wind chute just fine.

Now my question is should I present the examiner with a note/report before he tests my eyes, or should I wait until I fail the board test? This is my first exam and I do not know how it works. I just do not know how he will judge my eyes if I fail his test then go to the doctor again and get the same results.

rickair7777

If I understand correctly, it sounds like you need glasses.

You need to demonstrate 20/20 or better in EACH eye, individually. If you need glasses to do that then your medical will say that you MUST WEAR CORRECTIVE LENSES, and will need to wear them while flying (contacts are OK too).

I wouldn't waste the money on the medical until after you get glasses.

EDIT: I assumed you are looking at becoming a commercial pilot. If you only want to be a student / private pilot, you only need a third class medical which requires 20/40 vision.

mike734

Look in to eye exercise. Seriously. If your eyes are not that bad there are exercises you can do to improve your vision. Do a google search on eye exercise.