The Effect of Physical Eye Examinations on Job Options

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate physical ophthalmological parameters relevant to job choice.Methods: I analyzed the ophthalmological demands imposed on those engaged in military service and on applicants for army officer, air force officer, naval officer, railroad officer, firefighting officer, police officer, state public officer, and pilot positions; the visual requirements for a driver’s license were also examined. Visual dysfunction was classified into loss of visual acuity, visual field defects, refractive errors, color vision disorders, strabismus, and other disorders. Additional restrictions imposed by each occupation were investigated.Results: Various standards were imposed on the occupational groups. Applicants to the Air Force Academy required 1.0 visual acuity; the visual acuity for applicants to the military and naval academies were ≥0.6, and those for fire and police personnel ≥0.8. The general public official regulations do not mention visual acuity. In terms of visual field defects, such defects must be <33% for firefighters and railroad drivers; no clear standard was set for other occupations. The importance of color vision differed by job type; pilots and railroad drivers must have full color vision. In terms of refractive error and strabismus, the standards differed among occupations.Conclusions: As the ophthalmological standards vary extensively by occupation, both ophthalmologists and clients must be aware of this information. The scientific basis of the various standards requires attention.