A vision test is an integral part of obtaining a driver’s license, for the first time as well as during renewal, especially for senior citizens. Testing vision for driver’s license approval is necessary because driving requires good eyesight to perceive roadside conditions, as well as make sudden decisions and act accordingly in ensuring road safety.
The visual requirements for driving in Ontario: G and M class (car and motorcycle) Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/50 both eyes open 120 degrees of visual field, 15 degrees above and below visual axis A (semi), B (school bus), C commercial bus) D (truck >11,000Kg) , E (24 passenger van), F (ambulance) Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/30 both eyes open, and not worse than 20/100 in worst eye 150 degrees of visual field, 20 degrees above and below visual axis
The visual requirements for Pilots are as follows (this includes commercial pilots, air traffic controllers and private pilot licence) No eye disease Uncorrected visual acuity (without glasses) 20/200 Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/30 in each tested separately Near vision of N5 @ 30-50cm (20/30) (ie able to read flight maps & plans) A spare pair of glasses must be available
Eye exams are critical because many vision threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy have no or minimal symptoms until the disease has progressed which can have consquences. In these cases, early detection and treatment by our optometrists is essential to stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease and saving eyesight. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor will be looking for initial signs of these diseases.
The visual requirements for the police force do differ slightly depending on whether you are applying for the RCMP, the OPP, or a particular municipal police force. However, the following “benchmark” will meet all police force requirements in Ontario. Uncorrected visual acuity (without glasses) 20/40 both eyes open Corrected visual acuity (with glasses) 20/20 both eyes open Full visual fields, normal colour vision, no eye disease Laser vision correction (LASIK or PRK) is allowed to help you achieve these vision standards.