Hey guys, just wondering if anyone here has been through the process of getting a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) for Acute Amblyopia (one eye not correctable 20/20) or has heard any stories. Think I'll be entering that process pretty soon here and hoping for good news.

I have been worried about this situation for quite some time. I still pass 20/20 in both eyes but I am worried that, later in my life, my vision could decay below 20/20 in my amblyopic eye.

I haven't looked into it too far but I did find this "FAA Guide to AMEs" and it talks about issuing special issuances for amblyopia subjects on page 55.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...edia/guide.pdf

I am interested to hear about others in my / our situation.

Im surprised that your amblyopic eye is still 20/20. I'm very curious to hear from someone who has gone through the process of receiving a waiver/SODA.

I have a SODA/waiver for amblyopic left eye. I had to take a test flight with the feds when I went for my first medical in'94. It was not a big deal. My vision in my left eye is only corrected to 20/30. I have also worked for a major airline and NetJets before and it was not an issue with either. The SODA does not have an expiration date. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

No exactly on topic but I found this article to be very interesting and promising for amblyopic people like us.

The Best of Ophthalmology.....EyeWorld News Magazine

I guess they have no idea why the vision improves but I am really interested to see the study results.

As for the topic, yeah I am surprised my vision is still 20/20 as well. I worry every time my medical is due, as I'm sure you do as well (if you need your medical for a job).

You need to look up RevitalVision. I have amblyopia, and I increased my "bad" eye from 20/80 down to 20/35 with their program. The simple explanation is that it trains your nerves how to "see" again much like a stroke victim learning new neural pathways. Pretty groundbreaking stuff especially after being told that my vision was permanent the way it was.

Don't mean to take over your thread. Just a question, what size paper does the FAA AME use for distant? I printed a standard size 8x11 and it is really tough.

I got a SODA for amblyopia a few years ago. If you have never flown before, they will do an evaluation and grant you a temporary medical so you can do your training. At the end of my PPL training, I did a flight exam with an FAA examiner and got the green light.

The vision in 1 of my eye is 20/20 corrected and the other is 20/200 corrected My only concern at this point is whether airlines will have a problem with this. Some say it should be a problem since I have a first class medical and that's all that matters..

Bump.

Has anybody else had amblyopia with a current medical and have gotten a SODA later in their career just to get it taken care of?

my vision may be as bad as 20/40 in the bad eye I’m seeing a doctor soon to see if they can help. If I was granted a soda ride what exactly would they look for in order for me to prove my vision is good thanks