• Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Eyesight confusion for drivers medical

Status
Not open for further replies.

FManc

Member
Joined
21 Jul 2011
Messages
399
Hey!

I've been offered a Trainee Drivers job and I'll be required to undertake a medical soon. Now my eyesight isn't the best in the world; i'm short-sighted and my current prescription is -5.75 in one eye and -6.25 in the other.

Can anyone tell me what eyesight tests they'll actually do? From doing a bit of research (so correct me if I'm wrong) the requirements for corrective vision changed recently as a result of an EU directive. It used to be 3/60 unaided but from what I can gather this has been dropped? Now your short-sighted vision can't be worse than -8. So in theory my -5.75 and -6.25 falls well within that limit? Will I need to prove that with a copy of my prescription from my optician? I'm not colour blind or anything so is there anything else I need to be worried about regarding my figures?
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
Hey!

I've been offered a Trainee Drivers job and I'll be required to undertake a medical soon. Now my eyesight isn't the best in the world; i'm short-sighted and my current prescription is -5.75 in one eye and -6.25 in the other.

Can anyone tell me what eyesight tests they'll actually do? From doing a bit of research (so correct me if I'm wrong) the requirements for corrective vision changed recently as a result of an EU directive. It used to be 3/60 unaided but from what I can gather this has been dropped? Now your short-sighted vision can't be worse than -8. So in theory my -5.75 and -6.25 falls well within that limit? Will I need to prove that with a copy of my prescription from my optician? I'm not colour blind or anything so is there anything else I need to be worried about regarding my figures?

This may (or may not) help.

https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/standards/GORT3451 Iss 4.pdf

Worth a read if you're heading for a medical and does mention visual acuity tests. Hope it's of some use and best of luck with the rest of the process.
 

FManc

Member
Joined
21 Jul 2011
Messages
399
This may (or may not) help.

https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/standards/GORT3451 Iss 4.pdf

Worth a read if you're heading for a medical and does mention visual acuity tests. Hope it's of some use and best of luck with the rest of the process.

I think that's the document I remember looking at! Cheers :) I think I should be alright as my prescription is well within the -8 limit they prescribe for new drivers when it comes to corrective vision. I've got an opticians appointment booked for Saturday anyway for peace of mind! I'll take the relevant page with me and see if I meet the standard.
 
Last edited:

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
I think that's the document I remember looking at! Cheers :) I think I should be alright as my prescription is well within the - 8 limit they prescribe for new drivers when it comes to corrective vision. I've got an opticians appointment booked for Saturday anyway for peace of mind! I'll take the relevant page with me and see if I meet the standard.

Yeah, good plan. I'm sure your optician will be able shed more light on it and even though your eye sight ain't perfect, you're obviously on top of it with regular checks and therefore I'd assume the correct gegs so I would imagine you'll be fine.

Keep the faith man, we're almost there! :D
 

FManc

Member
Joined
21 Jul 2011
Messages
399
Yeah, good plan. I'm sure your optician will be able shed more light on it and even though your eye sight ain't perfect, you're obviously on top of it with regular checks and therefore I'd assume the correct gegs so I would imagine you'll be fine.

Keep the faith man, we're almost there! :D

Definitely mate! I'm constantly thinking that this is too good to be true and something is gonna trip me up!
 

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
Definitely mate! I'm constantly thinking that this is too good to be true and something is gonna trip me up!

Have to admit, I'm the same. Loathed to celebrate anything at all until I get through the medical and get a contract.

I've never been this excited about anything in my whole professional life and cannot wait to get started. Same as you, I just pray nothing trips me up after the work I've put into this!
 

Dandan1

Member
Joined
14 Jan 2016
Messages
20
I'd say it's a good move, but try not to worry about it.

I had my medical with GTR last week and I came out of it finding out I have high blood pressure. Nothing to worry about and iv got the job but I'll have to monitor it.

As for eyesight test, was the usual covering of each eye and reading / shouting out letters... I also had a night vision test. Looked into a box and read out some lit up letters. Was easy really, but again I suppose that depends on if you got any unknown problems lol.
 

RBSN

Member
Joined
14 Jul 2014
Messages
383
Honestly guys, the panel that you have to read is basically right in front of you. Don't worry!
 

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
I'm not really concerned about anything in particular. From what I'm aware my eyesight is fine and I'm not aware of any other issues at all but like Dandan says, it's the unknown that may be lurking unseen that is always a fear until you get the thumbs up.
I'm not worried, just not going to start celebrating until I'm over all possible hurdles. :)
 

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
The work hasn't even started yet, the first 12 months will blow your mind!!

Ha...yes, I'm aware that the training ain't gonna be a walk in the park but I'm a qualified electrical engineer so study and exams are the norm for me. Thing is, once I get the all clear to start training then I'll have almost complete control over me passing or failing whereas right now l don't have that control.

If that makes sense... :)
 

FManc

Member
Joined
21 Jul 2011
Messages
399
Just got back from the opticians and she said I will reach the required standard with no prob with my eyesight/glasses. She did all the different tests etc so yeah that's a weight of my shoulder :D
 
Last edited:

vintagegt

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2017
Messages
115
Just got back from the opticians and she said I will reach the required standard with no prob with my eyesight/glasses. She did all the different tests etc so yeah that's a weight of my shoulder :D

Excellent news mate, bet that's a weight off your mind.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top