ATCO Eye Tests – GUIDANCE

Following the recent introduction of the requirement for regular eye tests for ATCO staff, as part of the European Class 3 Medical, it has become apparent that confusion exists in several areas. I hope the guidance below will go some way to clarifying the issue.

Please ensure you download the report form HERE.

What checks and when?

Age 40 and over

Every ATCO – Tonometry Test – Every 2 years.
(Optician may refuse to do this in isolation and require a full eye test)

If Glasses Required - Comprehensive Check
If outside the correction range of +5.00 dioptres to -6.00 dioptres every 2 years.
If within the range above a Comprehensive eye check every 5 years.

Below Age 40

If Glasses Required – Comprehensive Check

If outside the correction range of +5.00 dioptres to -6.00 dioptres every 2 years.
If within the range above a Comprehensive eye check every 5 years.

No Glasses – No Test Required

Important Information

THE EYE TEST MUST BE CURRENT ON THE DAY OF YOUR MEDICAL

IF THE EYE TEST EXPIRES DURING THE VALIDITY OF YOUR MEDICAL A NEW EYE TEST MUST BE TAKEN OR YOUR LICENCE IS NO LONGER VALID

IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A RECENT EYE TEST, ONE SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE YOUR NEXT MEDICAL AS PER THE REQUIREMENTS STATED ABOVE (What Checks and When)

What happens if I ‘FAIL’ the tonometry test?

The regulations do not have a “normal” range for tonometry or a pass/fail criterion. If a result is found that is “clinically significant” then further investigations may be needed, but in general, raised IOP can be treated medically with eye drops and should not lead to loss of licence in the long term.

Reimbursement

NATS have in place a system of EYE CARE VOUCHERS as part of the DSE requirements (Display Screen Equipment). Each ATCO should complete the online assessment and then ask their appropriate Admin Department for the vouchers. Normally, the vouchers are to the value of £19.95; however the increased requirements for the ATCO Eye Test means the Optician will likely charge more. As a result Eye Care Vouchers to the value of £29.95 are now available (£19.95 plus a £10 top-up), which should cover all costs.

If however, the Eye Care Vouchers are not sufficient payment, a code is being set up to claim back any charges above the value of the vouchers (code will be placed here when it becomes available).

TOIL or release from duty, as per the ATCO Medical Agreement, will also be given.

Useful information

Please use the link to access the relevant ATSIN: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ATSIN0165.pdf

Details of the European Medical Requirements can be found at: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=9659

Medical certificates issued before the 1st September 2009 will remain valid to the expiry date on the medical certificate, details of this regulation is at: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1943/20090713Exemption.pdf

Details of the Eye Care Voucher scheme can be found at: http://natsnet/healthsafety/Documents/HsgnG1901.htm & http://natsnet/fm/CTC/HealthSafetyDSE.asp (These links will only open at NATS locations)

ATCO Medicals – A guide to best practice can be downloaded HERE.

Further Downloads

Ophthalmology Examination Report for European Class 3 Medical

Guidance on ATCO Eye Tests

Comprehensive Eye Test Elements

ATCO Medical Agreement (NATSAG86)