Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
If you are preparing for a career in aviation as a pilot, co-pilot, air traffic controller, or another aviation professional, an aviation medical examination is a mandatory part of the qualification process.
At an eye clinic in Paju, the examination involves more than measuring visual acuity. It comprehensively assesses the visual functions required to perform aviation duties safely.
Many people assume that having good eyesight is sufficient. In practice, however, various functions are evaluated, including distance, near, and intermediate vision, as well as color vision, stereopsis, ocular alignment, and visual fields.
Today, we will explain the ophthalmic standards applied during aviation medical examinations and what you should prepare in advance.
What Are the Ophthalmic Standards for an Aviation Medical Examination?
Aviation medical certificates are classified as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. The required visual acuity standards and assessment items vary depending on the class of certificate.
During the ophthalmic examination, distance visual acuity, ocular alignment, stereopsis, and color vision are evaluated to determine whether the applicant has the visual function necessary to perform aviation duties safely.
There should be no manifest strabismus, while latent strabismus must remain within the permitted range.
Stereopsis assesses depth perception and spatial awareness. Color vision testing is performed to determine whether the applicant can accurately distinguish cockpit instruments and various visual signals.
An aviation medical eye examination is therefore not merely a visual acuity test. It is an important process that evaluates several aspects of visual function.
How Do Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Certificates Differ?
The required visual acuity standards and assessment items differ according to the certificate class.
🔹 Class 1: Distance visual acuity of 1.0 or better in each eye
🔹 Class 2: Distance visual acuity of 0.5 or better in each eye
🔹 Class 3: Distance visual acuity of 0.7 or better in each eye
Requirements for near and intermediate visual acuity may also vary, and visual fields must remain within the normal range.
Because the applicable standards may differ depending on the position and qualification you are applying for, it is important to identify the appropriate certificate class and review its requirements in advance.
What Should You Prepare Before Your Visit?
Preparing several items in advance can help the examination proceed more smoothly.
Submit an application for an aviation medical certificate through the Integrated Aviation Safety Information System
Bring a valid form of identification
Bring the glasses you normally wear, if applicable
If you wear contact lenses, check in advance how long you should stop wearing them before the examination
Get sufficient rest the night before and avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Reviewing these requirements beforehand can help make the examination process more efficient on the day of your appointment.
What Is a White Card?
If an applicant is determined to be medically fit to perform aviation duties, an aviation medical certificate, commonly referred to as a “White Card,” is issued.
The general process is as follows:
Apply for an aviation medical certificate
Undergo a medical fitness assessment
Receive the certificate after the final determination
The validity period may vary depending on the certificate class. After receiving the certificate, it is advisable to check the renewal date in advance.
Why Is Visual Function Important in Aviation?
During a flight, pilots must observe distant flight paths and surrounding obstacles while repeatedly checking nearby cockpit instruments.
The ability to shift focus quickly and accurately between distant and near objects is therefore essential.
Precise depth perception and spatial awareness are also required during takeoff and landing. For this reason, the balanced function of both eyes is an important part of the assessment.
Stereopsis, color vision, and visual fields are evaluated for the same reason.
An aviation medical examination should therefore be understood as a comprehensive evaluation of the visual functions required for aviation duties, rather than merely a test of how clearly a person can see.
Eye clinics in Paju may provide various ophthalmic assessments, including distance and near visual acuity testing, color vision testing, stereopsis testing, ocular alignment assessment, and visual field testing. These examinations can be used to evaluate the visual functions required for an aviation medical examination.
When searching for a reputable eye clinic in Paju, it is helpful to look beyond whether the clinic measures visual acuity alone. Consider whether it has experience with aviation-related examinations and can evaluate a broad range of visual functions.
It is also important to choose a medical institution that can comprehensively assess your eye health and systematically perform the required tests.
If you are preparing for a career in aviation, review the applicable standards in advance and consult an eye clinic in Paju to prepare appropriately for your aviation medical examination.
Thank you.
