Jobs Where Nothing Less Than Perfect Vision Will Do
Good vision is not necessarily a requirement for many occupations, although you can’t deny that it’ll make most jobs easier to do. However, there are also many jobs where perfect vision is essential – and jobs where perfect vision will make working a lot more practical and enjoyable.
Eyesight and eye vision
First we should clear up what the difference between eyesight and eye vision is. ‘Eyesight’ is limited to the ability to ‘see’, and is usually tested by having to identify numbers and letters on charts during an eye examination.
‘Vision’ is a lot more complicated and comprehends the idea of eyesight combined with the ability of aiming, tracking, focussing as well as other mental, emotional and neurological processes. The fact that the eyes work well together is an example of good vision. That said, you can have perfect eyesight but still have problems with your vision.
Jobs that require 20/20 vision
There are set vision standards for many occupations that specify standards for distance and near vision, colour vision, depth perception and peripheral vision. (Keep in mind that these standards vary between occupations and employers.)
Having perfect vision in certain jobs can be a matter of life and death – which explains why the standards can be very strict. In other jobs perfect vision is important and facilitates the job, but not a precondition for whether you can do the job or not – hence there are no official standards that need to be met. Examples of these occupations could be photographer, fashion designer, any close work such as repairing watches or creating jewellery etc.
However, we’re more interested in the occupations that require nothing less than excellent vision. We’ve listed a few of them.
Air Force pilot
Army pilots have some of the strictest eye vision requirements out there – and that is no wonder considering the demanding and stressful conditions they work in. UK army pilots are only allowed to wear spectacles with a lens power between – 0.75 to 1.75 dioptres, which, trust us, is not a lot at all. They also have to pass the colour perception (Ishihara) test. Read more here.
Air traffic controller
The responsibilities of air traffic controllers are significant, as even a minor error can have catastrophic consequences. As with other occupations within the aviation industry, eye vision standards are carefully outlined and need to be adhered to. An example of how detailed the requirements are is that air traffic controllers may wear contact lenses but not to correct near vision.
Firefighter
Being a firefighter means you’ll be exposed to difficult conditions such as smoke, heat, water and darkness. In order to be as efficient as possible and save as many lives as possible one can understand that good vision is important. Check the eye vision requirements for firefighters.
Airline pilot
Many people trust their lives in the hands of commercial airline pilots every day, and this precious cargo needs a pilot that is healthy and fit in every way – including vision. There are very strict eye vision requirements for airline pilots, the initial medical examination even has to be carried out by specified medical centres.
Other occupations with eye vision standards include police officers, lorry, bus and taxi drivers, paramedics, lifeguards, astronauts and navy officers.
Don’t let your vision stop you
Many cases of visual impairment and many eye conditions can be treated and rectified through surgery. You might also want to consider laser eye surgery just so your glasses or contact lenses won’t be in the way in your job and your personal life. It will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to buy new spectacles and contact lenses regularly.
Don’t let not perfect vision stand between you and your dream career. Contact the eye clinic at The Edinburgh Clinic today and make an appointment to have your eyes assessed.
Call 0131 447 2340
Email enquiries@edinburghclinic.com
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