Week 6 - Occupational Visual standards

Question 1

Armed forces - British army profile:-

Answer 1

• Visual acuity without Rx 6/12, with Rx 6/6 with Rx
- Lens power -0.75 to +1.75 Diopters astigmatism
• Colour vision : Pass Ishihara test
•Laser eye surgery Bar to passing

Question 2

Armed forces - Royal Air Force profile:-

Answer 2

• Specs no greater than -6 or + 6 any meridian
• Impaired colour vision wont bar, but will limit certain roles
• Bar to entry include:-
- Eye disease: Glaucoma, keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, double vision, visual defects or blind spots
- Physiological: Corneal grafts, recurrent corneal ulcers, cataract surgery, detached retina, monocular vision
- Surgery: Squint surgery last 6 months, laser eye surgery last 12 months, below 22yr, or any eye disorder prone to disability

Question 3

Armed forces - Royal Navy Profile:-

Answer 3

• Standards vary between different branches in royal navy, determined by Navy medical staff
• Spectalces no greater than +/- 6.00 D, for chaplains this is +/- 7.00Ds.
• Px with impaired colour perceptions may have be restricted to branches available

Question 4

Police standards:- Corrected vision, Colour vision and eye conditions:

Answer 4

• Should be confirmed area by area basis
• Unaided : 3/36
• Corrected : 6/12

Corrected Vision binoc:-
• Laser eye surgery acceptable 6weeks post treatment with no symptoms
• Radial keratotomy, arcuate keratotomy and corneal grafts not acceptable

Colour vision:-
• Monochromatic + colour correcting lenses not acceptable.
• Trichromates and Dichromates are, but restricted to certain jobs
• Ishihara, city test acceptable, Farnsworth D15 may be needed

Eye conditions:-
• Hx of detached retina or glaucoma not acceptable

Question 5

Electrical engineering standards:-

Answer 5

• Employers decide standards
•Colour coding wires is serious due to dangers involved
When testing:-
• Insure no enhancements are worn by Px
- Most employers don’t allow to be worn
• Usually Holmes-Wright or Giles-Archer lantern test, or CAM lantern for modern lantern

Question 6

Driving and the DVLA - Keeping DVLA informed:-

Answer 6

• Confidentiality’s is top Priority, but in exceptional cases disclosing px info is allowed if Px no longer meets standards.
• Should inform patient first and advise to cease driving
- Tell the Px theyre legally required to inform DVLA of condition, also send letter
• If Px refuses to adhere to advice, seek legal advice from AOP before informing DVLA - last resort.
- Needs to inform Patient and GP of decision

Question 7

Group 1 drivers:- Standards for refraction + Visual fields

Answer 7

• Read car number plate at 20 metres, VA of at least 6/12 on snellen scale with Rx
• Monocular vision:- Still pass if meet minimum standard
• Field of vision:- Field of at least 120° on horizontal meridian using Goldman. No significant defect 20° of fixation above or below HCL.

Question 8

Group 1 drivers:- Standards for Cataracts + Glaucoma

Answer 8

• Cataracts + Glaucoma :-Only one eye, no need to inform DVLA, as long as no other conditions + able to meet minimum standards.
- If cataracts in both eyes:- V1V form filled and sent to DVLA.

Question 9

Group 2 - Category C and D drivers standards:-

Answer 9

• HGV, lorry and bus drivers must have at least 6/7.5 on best eye, and 6/60 on other, with Rx.
- Rx cant be greater than +8ds, however Cls can exceed this.
• Horizontal visual field of 160 Deg, with 70° left and right - 30 degrees up and down. No defects must be present central 30° of fixation.
• Bus/HGV must tell DVLA if any problem with eyesight that affects either eye, or if cataracts in either eye.

Question 10

Lifeboat crew members standards:-

Answer 10

• Vision requirements in place due to extreme conditions at sea
• Visual acuity:- Minimum 6/6 better eye, 6/12 worse eye with Rx, and 6/60 without Rx.
• Field of vision:- No defects in either eye, or any disease that can progress to defect in next 5yrs.
• Colour vision:- Must pass Ishihara plates, with maximum 2 failed plates for pass.

Question 11

Lift trucks standards:-

Answer 11

• All lift truckers must undergo Operating tests. If a Px becomes monocular, should also undergo test.
• Uncontrolled diplopia will bar use of truck
- Only when symptoms controlled, may work be resumed.
• Operators must be able to read in good light with Rx 20.5m binocular. between 6/9 and 6/12 on snellen chart.

Question 12

Teaching Standards:-

Answer 12

• Teachers not visual required, as long as reasonable adjustment’s available
• Teachers however need to be able to plan, prepare and assess lessons, communicate effectively and respond to need of students without risking welfare of children