Binocular Multifocal & Accommodating Devices

FAA Decision Considerations - Disease Protocols

Mar 2014

Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide page 196, FAA and FDA web data (www.FAA.gov & www.FDA.gov), instructions specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Federal Air Surgeon Bulletins from 1999-2015, and 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 67 (the FARs).

This Protocol establishes the authority for the Examiner to issue an airman medical certificate to binocular applicants using multifocal or accommodating ophthalmic devices.

Devices acceptable for aviation-related duties must be FDA approved and include:

  • Intraocular Lenses (multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens implants)
  • Bifocal/Multifocal contact lenses

Examiners may issue as outlined below:

  • Adaptation period before certification: - Surgical lens implantation – minimum 3 months post-operative - Contact lenses (bifocal or multifocal) – minimum one month of use
  • Must provide a report to include the FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation, from the operating surgeon or the treating eye specialist. This report must attest to stable visual acuity and refractive error, absence of significant side effects/complications, need of medications, and freedom from any glare, flares or other visual phenomena that could affect visual performance and impact aviation safety
  • The following visual standards, as required for each class, must be met for each eye:
    Visual Standards for Pilots with Intraocular Lenses or Bifocal/Multifocal Contact Lenses
    Distant

    First- and Second-Class: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction

    Third-Class: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction

    Near

    All Classes

    20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches

    Intermediate

    First- and Second-Class: 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches

    Third-Class : No requirement

Note: The above 2014 Protocol does not change the (then) current certification policy on the use of monofocal non-accommodating intraocular lenses.



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