Can You Be a Pilot with Glasses? Understanding CASA's Vision Requirements
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 8
If you wear glasses, you can still become a pilot. CASA's medical standards allow corrective lenses for both Class 1 and Class 2 medical certificates, provided your corrected vision meets the required standard and your eyes are otherwise suitable for safe flying.
That answer covers a wide range of prescriptions. Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism are common among pilots. The medical assessment looks at what you can see with the correction you use, along with eye health, visual fields, binocular vision, near vision and colour perception.
The short answer: glasses are allowed
CASA's Class 1 and Class 2 standards both state that the required visual acuity may be achieved with or without correcting lenses. A prescription by itself does not decide whether you can hold a medical certificate.
Your examiner will check whether your corrected vision reaches the standard for the certificate you need. If it does, your certificate can include a requirement to use the appropriate correction while flying. You will also need a spare pair of spectacles within reach when the correction is required for the medical standard.
Very poor uncorrected vision can lead to extra paperwork. If visual acuity in either eye is worse than 6/60, the regulations require a full ophthalmic report for CASA. This is a request for fuller assessment, and the final outcome depends on the complete eye findings.
Which medical certificate does a student pilot need?
For most PPL Prep readers, Class 2 is the main standard to understand. CASA requires a Class 2 medical certificate to exercise RPL and PPL privileges. A Class 1 certificate is associated with commercial and air transport flying, so it becomes relevant if you plan to continue towards a professional licence.
Class 2 has a slightly less demanding distance-acuity threshold than Class 1. The near-vision requirements are the same in the current regulations. Both classes also require normal visual fields, normal binocular vision and eyes that are free from a safety-relevant condition.
The Class 2 vision standard for RPL and PPL flying
For Class 2, your distance vision must be 6/12 or better in each eye separately and 6/9 or better with both eyes together. You may meet those figures while wearing glasses or suitable contact lenses.
The near-vision test checks two cockpit-relevant distances. You must be able to read an N5 chart with both eyes at a distance you choose between 30 and 50 centimetres. You must also be able to read an N14 chart with both eyes at 1 metre. These distances reflect the need to read close items, such as a checklist, and information positioned further across the cockpit.
The examiner also considers how both eyes work together. Normal binocular vision supports depth perception and coordinated use of the eyes. Normal visual fields help you detect information away from the exact point at which you are looking.
The Class 1 vision standard for future commercial pilots
Class 1 uses a tighter distance standard. Each eye must achieve 6/9 or better, and both eyes together must achieve 6/6 or better. Corrective lenses remain acceptable.
The Class 1 near standard is the same N5 test at 30 to 50 centimetres and N14 test at 1 metre. An initial Class 1 application also requires an eye examination by a designated aviation ophthalmologist or credentialed optometrist. Other initial Class 1 tests are required as part of the broader medical process.
If professional flying is your long-term goal, discussing your eyesight with a DAME early can help you understand the Class 1 pathway before committing to advanced training. Bring your current prescription and any relevant eye reports so the examiner has accurate information.
What happens during the eyesight assessment?
The exact appointment varies with your certificate class, age, medical history and findings. Expect the assessment to cover the practical visual functions used in flight.
Distance acuity is checked for each eye and with both eyes together.
Near vision is checked at close and intermediate distances.
Visual fields and binocular function are considered.
Eye health, previous surgery, injuries and relevant conditions are reviewed.
Colour vision is screened at the initial Class 1 or Class 2 assessment using approved testing.
Complete your CASA Medical Records System application before the appointment and take your usual glasses or contact lenses. Bring a spare pair of spectacles, your current prescription and recent reports if your DAME has asked for them. If a separate eye examination is required, use a CASA-recognised designated aviation ophthalmologist or credentialed optometrist.
Glasses, contact lenses and the spare-pair rule
Spectacles are the simplest form of correction for many pilots. If you need both distance and near correction, the regulations require one pair of spectacles to meet both needs. Progressive or bifocal lenses may achieve that result when properly prescribed, and the examiner will assess the correction you actually use.
Contact lenses can also be used for Class 1 or Class 2 when they are monofocal, untinted and well tolerated. You must be able to wear them for twice the projected flight or duty time without discomfort or reduced acuity. Hard or gas-permeable lenses have an additional spectacle-acuity requirement after removal.
When correction is required to meet your medical standard, keep the necessary lenses available during flight and carry the required spare spectacles within reach. A spare pair packed under luggage in a rear compartment will not help if a lens is lost during a busy phase of flight.
Colour vision is a separate assessment
Wearing glasses and having a colour-vision deficiency are different issues. Ordinary prescription lenses correct focus. Colour-vision testing checks whether you can identify operational colour cues used in lights, charts and instruments.
The initial Class 1 and Class 2 assessment uses Ishihara plates. If that screening is unsuccessful, CASA provides further assessment pathways. These include Farnsworth lantern or Optec 900 testing, followed in suitable cases by a Colour Assessment and Diagnostic test or the Australian Operational Colour Vision Assessment.
Passing an accepted later-tier assessment can lead to an unrestricted certificate. Other outcomes may include certificate conditions, depending on the results and CASA's assessment. An unsuccessful screening result therefore starts a process and should be discussed with the examiner before making assumptions about your flying future.
What about laser eye surgery?
Refractive surgery can be compatible with aviation medical certification after recovery and assessment. CASA considers the stability of your prescription, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and complications such as glare, halos, haze or dry-eye symptoms.
Speak with your DAME before arranging surgery. Pilots should ground themselves for the procedure and wait for CASA or DAME clearance before resuming the privileges of the medical certificate. A specialist report is commonly required, and the timing depends on the procedure and recovery.
Surgery does not guarantee freedom from glasses for life. Prescriptions can change with age, and some pilots continue to need near or distance correction after a successful procedure.
How to prepare for your appointment
Book the medical early in your training plan, especially if you have a strong prescription, previous eye surgery, an eye condition or a history of colour-vision difficulty. Early assessment gives you time to obtain reports or complete further testing.
Use your normal correction for the appointment and make sure the prescription is current. Tell the examiner about any visual symptoms, treatment or surgery. If you are unsure which certificate supports your plans, explain whether you are aiming for recreational, private or professional flying.
Most people who wear glasses can move through the medical process normally. The useful question is whether your corrected vision and overall eye function meet the standard for the privileges you want to exercise. A DAME can apply that standard to your individual circumstances and arrange specialist input where needed.
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