CASA Eye Exams in Sydney by DAO

Aviatation Ophthalmology for Pilots

and Air Traffic Controllers

Maintaining optimal vision is essential for safe aviation. Whether you are a student pilot, private pilot, or commercial aircrew, your eyesight must meet strict standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

At Eye and Retina Specialists, we provide comprehensive aviation ophthalmology assessments tailored to CASA medical requirements performed by DrNeil SHAR. As a specialist-led clinic with expertise in retinal and complex eye conditions, we assist pilots in obtaining accurate, well-documented reports to support certification decisions.

What is an Aviation Eye Examination?

An aviation ophthalmology assessment is a detailed medical eye examination designed to determine whether you meet the visual standards required by the Australian Government's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

The purpose of an aviation eye exam is to ensure that pilots and air traffic controllers have sufficient vision to safely operate and guide aircraft. For pilots, this may involve:

Reading cockpit instruments and displays
Spotting other aircraft, obstacles and terrain (especially in busy airspace)
Reading charts, approach plates and checklists
Seeing and interpreting runway and navigation lights
Judging distance and depth for landing

Who Needs an Aviation Eye Examination?

You may require a CASA eye examination if:

You are applying for or renewing a CASA medical (Class 1, 2, or 3)
Your DAME has requested ophthalmology review
There are borderline or reduced vision results
You have a known eye condition
You have had prior eye surgery

We commonly assess:

Student pilots
Private pilots (Class 2)
Commercial pilots (Class 1)
Air traffic controllers (Class 3)

CASA Vision Requirements (Overview)

Visual Acuity

Clear distance vision, typically close to 6/6 with or without correction
Stable refractive error

Visual Fields

Adequate peripheral vision is essential for situational awareness
Formal automated visual field testing may be required in certain cases

Colour Vision

Ability to distinguish aviation signal colours
Further testing if screening results are inconclusive

Ocular Health

No progressive or vision-threatening disease
Stable retinal and optic nerve findings

Comprehensive Testing at Our Clinic

Visual Acuity
Objective Refraction
Slit lamp biomicroscopy
Ishihara Colour vision testing
+/- contrast sensitivity testing
+/- visual field testing
+/- OCT imaging

Aviation Medical and Airline Assessments

Dr Neil Sharma is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) accredited Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist (DAO) and member of the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine (ACASM).

Our clinic in Waterloo is conveniently located close to Sydney Airport at Mascot. Appointment can usually be booked at short notice if urgent.

We regularly assess :

Pilots and air traffic controllers needing CASA aviation assessment.
Pilots from major Australian airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar, Regional EXpress (REX) and Virgin Australia for pre-employment screening and ongoing eye vision assessment.
Student pilots from Australia and overseas requiring certification prior to commencing pilot training
Pilots and air traffic controllers returning to work after accident or illness

For DAME Referrals

We regularly work with Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs) requiring specialist ophthalmology input.

We are happy to complete specific CASA or aviation medical forms and can tailor reporting to the referring examiner’s requirements.

Efficient, Pilot-Focused Assessments

We understand the importance of:

Timely certification
Clear documentation
Accurate reporting

Our approach is designed to minimise delays and provide reports suitable for aviation medical use. We are convenient located only 4km from Sydney Airport.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Glasses or contact lenses (including spare pair)
Details of prior eye surgery
Relevant medical history
DAME referral (if applicable)
Previous eye reports (if available)
Photo ID (eg passport, driving licence) for CASA electronic submission process

Why Choose Eye and Retina Specialists?

Specialist ophthalmology care
Expertise in retinal and complex eye conditions
Advanced diagnostic imaging including OCT and visual fields
Efficient appointments with minimal waiting
Convenient location close to Sydney Airport
Free on-site patient parking

Book an Aviation Eye Assessment

If you require a CASA-compliant eye examination or specialist report, we provide comprehensive assessments with minimal waiting times. Call us on (02) 9699 0001