Vision Test (Astigmatism Issue)

my eye doctor can supply me with any number of those blue cards. it is a service he provides his paitents.

i would greatly suggest you find a newer eye doctor. it would be to your benefit, and not an insult to your older doc. frankly, he should be retired, not that he is no good, but just because.

the computer equipment takes very precise measurements. if you went to say a DOT doctor, what do they use? the Snellen eye chart,





hardly a great way to fully determine your eye sight measurements. as the room can be dim, or darker than normal. i know i have had that happen to me.

also too, an eye exam and that blue card comes in handy at the DMV at CDL renewal times. hand them that blue card and they DO NOT question a doctors exam, if they do, (as my eye doctor told me) call him right from there, he will straighten them out!

 

there are places that advertise "2 pair of glasses $69 with exam".
I wear glasses so maybe I don't get the need to try to pass and not be able to see properly.
you're going to spend a lot of time looking out that windshield and it would be best if you could see as well as possible, don't ya think??

 

The requirement is 20/40, be that corrected or not.

I have amblyopia - a marked weakness in my right eye (left eye is fine 20/20) - 20/70 uncorrected... most research points to improper neurological development... maybe my mother dropped me on my noggin'? Twice or thrice.

Anyhow, it's corrected to 20/40. I'm just restricted to wearing my pilots goggles.

I think you'll be okay.

 

I don't understand why you wouldn't want to fix your eyes. Get your eye sight straight no matter what. Don't do it for DOT, do it for yourself.

 

You should see a doctor. You may pass the physical, but you won't pass the DMV test. They may let things slide for a regular license, but they won't for the CDL. I know, my vision is about the same as yours.
You will also need 2 pairs of glasses. I have yet to have a dot officer ask to see my spare, but if you don't have it you can be fined. I bought a nice pair and a cheap pair. I don't like the spare, but I am glad they are there if I need them.

 

Try to wear the sunglasses all the time. Truck drivers can get eye cancer and other vision problems due to the sun and the long days driving during daytime. The left eye is especially vulnerable to problems because your left side is by the window. I had eye surgery to replace part of my left retina due to sun damage.
Get a sunshade for the drivers side window. I bought a cheap spring loaded one at Walmart. They look white, but you can see clearly and see the rear view mirror just fine. Raise it up when you cross scales in case some gungho DOT cop decides he doesn't like it.
Get one now and use it in your car to get used to it.

Wear a hat or sweatband or something anytime your outside the truck. If you don't you'll get those brown spots on your forehead at an early age; those spots are from sun damage and have nothing to do with a persons age.

 

I am 48 and never wore glasses, I drive fine but right eye is fuzzy on the snellen chart.
Uncorrected I got 20/70 in right eye, 20/25 in left and 20/15 for both. Doc says I got an astigmatism in right eye and need corrective lenses. Got them but after a week can't get used to them and I feel very unsafe driving with them on even in my 4 wheeler let alone and 18 wheeler. Feels like I'm swimming and a little double vision. Checked prescription and got second pair with just distance rx and feel the same way. Unsafe to wear.
I looked into contacts but they are special order and will take 2-3 weeks to get.
I start cdl training tomorrow and think I'll fail if I have to wear these glasses.
What can I do? Can I get a waiver?
My permit says nothing about vision but medical form says must wear corrective lenses.

 

Just for the record this dynamic is at play with anything chronic. Controlled meds, etc etc. NEVER go for that DOT physical with an issue that the FMCSA has specially spelled out regulations on without seeing YOUR doctor first.!!! Always start with your Doctor first.