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Beyond the routine visual examination that you would expect from any
high street optician, we provide an enhanced visual examination which includes an occupational assessment on a flight
deck where we will determine your visual needs in the 'office'. You will see how our visual aids will improve your awareness
in VMC, marginal VMC, IMC and night flying conditions.
We also provide an enhanced visual examination tailored for other specialist
occupations and hobbies.
Aviator's enhanced visual examination
- Current vision and use of optical aids
- Specific visual problems and ophthalmic history
- General health and medications
- Relevant family history
- Previous corrective lenses or Laser surgery
- Detailed assessment of your flying tasks and working distances
- Visual acuity (with and without corrective lenses) for distance, intermediate
and close ranges
- Night vision assessment (night myopia)
- Contrast sensitivity vision
- Binocular vision (depth perception)
- Refraction
- Colour vision
- Visual field check
- Examination of the internal structures of the eye
- Glaucoma screening (tonometry)
- Final adjustment of your prescription on the flight deck
Below are some of the tests
explained in more detail
Cockpit assessment
Part of the “Aviator” eye test is conducted inside our Cessna cockpit. Seated alongside our Optometrist
the patients working distances are calibrated and used to
“Fine tune” their prescription to their specific requirements. Analogue and glass instrument interpretation
at intermediate visual range can be checked and measured as well as map reading and cockpit management at near visual range.
Following the above, a series of slides are shown (simulated) under differing external light conditions. Various “enhancement
filters” are tried to achieve comfortable viewing when looking straight ahead.
This would determine whether a particular colour of filter would improve the perception and depth in such conditions
as bright sunlight, night and Instrument Meteorological Conditions.
Fundus Photography
This test allows our optometrists to carry out a detailed retinal
examination. This screening process can check for Glaucoma, Diabetes, Cataracts, Macular degeneration and many other symptoms’
that can affect your overall well being. We will then have a permanent record of the condition of your eyes stored on our
computer, allowing us to compare images year after year.
This process is invaluable in monitoring your eye health.
We can also supply you with a photo quality printout to take away with you.
Non Contact Tonometer
Used for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) by non-contact tonometry (NCT) has been demonstrated to be a valid
and reliable technique to be used in primary eye care; it is easier to use, it does not transmit infectious diseases, and
it is not necessary to use anesthetic or staining eye drops.
The
test forms an important measurement for the detection of “raised” eye pressure which could be due to various eye
diseases, one of which is glaucoma.
Visual Field Test
This test is carried out in front of a sophisticated computer controlled machine on which you are asked to fixate
at one point on a white screen. You respond by pressing an electronic button every time you may “perceive” a tiny
light appearing in your peripheral vision.
The test is very sensitive and will accurately pick up “blind spots” in your peripheral vision.
Large blind spots can be detrimental for occupations, as well as recreational activities that require good reactions.
Cam Lantern Colour Blindness Test
After being dark adapted the patient is shown a number of small coloured lights randomly produced from a distance
of 6m away. To pass the test the patient needs to accurately determine the colours shown and in their correct sequence. Although
the CAA perform a very similar test as part of their medical our test is completely un-official and has no bearing with the
CAA. Out test is to be used as a guide only for people who would like to know whether they have colour defects before attempting
the CAA medical.
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