RAF eyesight

[Lallan]

In order to join the RAF, what are the eyesight requirements?

[cichlidfan]

From http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/canijoin/health.cfm

 

 

 

Eyesight

 

The minimum standards for both uncorrected and corrected vision vary for different roles and are determined by RAF medical staff.

 

Whatever role you’re applying for, your spectacle or contact lens correction must not be greater than -7 dioptres or +8 dioptres in any meridian. If you have impaired colour perception (colour blindness) it won’t prevent you from joining the RAF, but it may limit what roles you can choose.

 

If necessary, talk to your optician about what your eye prescription is and whether it may affect your application. Remember, you’ll need to take a copy with you of any acuity prescription from your optician when you go for your medical examination.

 

[159th_Viper]

Colour blindness or a chronic eye condition will disqualify you from being a pilot. If you do rely on spectacles, you must have perfect 20/20 vision with said spectacles. You will however not be wearing your designer Ray-Bans, but rather regulation-issue from the Crown's Finest supplier (specsavers anyone? :P)

 

[Daze]

I thought you had to have perfect vision upon joining but if your eyesight deteriorated afterwords then you could get military issue glasses

[NRG-Vampire]

I thought you had to have perfect vision upon joining but if your eyesight deteriorated afterwords then you could get military issue glasses

 

 

^ I think perfect visoin for fighter pilots.

 

 

^ Vision with glasses - for chopper pilots

[Daze]

^ I think perfect visoin for fighter pilots.

 

 

^ Vision with glasses - for chopper pilots

 

My Uncle is a Merlin HM1 pilot in the Royal Navy and I know from him that your eyesight has to be perfect upon joining. Not sure if it's different for the RAF.

[Lallan]

I have a video though of a eurofighter pilot who is wearing glasses before he does his solo display... :huh:

[hassata]

USAF and Navy accepts fighter pilot candidates with laser-corrected vision by certified doctors.

[Agg]

I have a video though of a eurofighter pilot who is wearing glasses before he does his solo display... :huh:

Like Jasky says, you wont be asked to find a new job if your eyesight deteriorates, but if your eyesight is bad upon joining, then there are certain positions you wont be applicable for, like fighter pilot.

[kam]

Remember there's a LOT fewer pilots being trained now by the RAF since the cull as part of the SDSR in 2010, will they be even more picky as to who they want to train? I'd imagine so.