CASA Aviation Eye Exams in Brisbane: What Pilots & ATCs Need to Know

To maintain your flight medical, you must see a CASA Credentialed Optometrist (CO). The Eyewear Shop in Camp Hill provides comprehensive aviation visual assessments for Class 1, 2, and 3 medical certificates, ensuring you meet the stringent standards for distance, near, and color vision.

Why Do I Need a Credentialed Optometrist (CO) for My CASA Medical?

Standard eye tests aren't enough for the aviation industry. A CASA Credentialed Optometrist has undergone specialised training to understand the unique visual demands of a cockpit or radar room.

Whether you are a commercial pilot (Class 1), a private pilot (Class 2), or an air traffic controller (Class 3), your visual performance is the most critical safety tool you have. Our clinic is equipped with the diagnostic technology required to upload your results directly to the CASA Medical Records System (MRS), streamlining your certification process.

CASA Vision Standards: Do You Meet the Requirements?

The visual requirements vary slightly depending on your license class, but generally follow these benchmarks:

• Distance Vision: Must be 6/9 or better in each eye separately, and 6/6 when using both eyes together (with or without glasses).

• Near Vision: Ability to read N5 print at 30–50cm and N14 at 1 metre (intermediate vision for instrument panels).

• Color Vision: Initial screening involves Ishihara Plates. If you have a deficiency, we can facilitate further testing (such as the Farnsworth Lantern or CAD test) to determine if you can safely distinguish aviation signal lights.

• Visual Fields: A full assessment of your peripheral vision to ensure you can monitor airspace and cockpit instruments simultaneously.

What to Expect During Your Aviation Eye Exam

An aviation eye exam at our Camp Hill practice typically takes 60 minutes. During this time, we perform:

1. Refraction: Ensuring your prescription is current for primary and backup eyewear.

2. Ocular Health Check: Using Retinal Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to rule out glaucoma or macular issues.

3. Dilated Fundus Exam: We use drops to enlarge your pupils for a clear view of the retina.

   Important: Your vision will be blurred and sensitive to light for 1–2 hours afterward. You will not be able to fly or drive immediately after your appointment.

Checklist: What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure your results are processed without delay, please bring the following:

• Aviation Reference Number (ARN): We cannot upload results without this.

• Photo ID: Passport or Australian Driver’s License.

• All Eyewear: Your current primary glasses and your required spare pair.

• Contact Lenses: If you wear them for flying, please wear them to the exam (but bring your backup glasses).

• Sunglasses: To wear on the way home after your pupils are dilated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do I need a CASA eye exam? For Class 1 and 3, an extensive eye exam is typically required at your initial application and then at specific age intervals (usually every 2 years after age 60). However, your DAME (Designated Aviation Medical Examiner) may request one at any time if a change in vision is detected.

Can I wear multifocals or progressives in the cockpit? Yes, though many pilots prefer bifocals or "office lenses" to ensure they have a wide, clear field of view for both the distance (runway) and the overhead panels without the "swimming" effect some experience with multifocals.

Is the exam covered by Medicare? Occupational eye exams for licensing purposes are generally not covered by Medicare and cost $280.00. However, if there is a clinical health concern found during the exam, a portion of the consultation may be claimable.

Ready for Take-off?

Stuart Macfarlane is a long-standing CASA Credentialed Optometrist serving the Brisbane aviation community. We understand that your career depends on your vision, and we are committed to providing a thorough, professional, and efficient service.

Book Your Aviation Eye Exam Online Location: Camp Hill Marketplace, 25 Samuel St, Camp Hill QLD

Call: (07) 3395 4105