If you want to join a police force or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), enlist in the military, or work in another field that has specific vision requirements, you’ll need to have a professional eye exam conducted.
These exams may feel nerve-racking, especially if you wear glasses or have other vision concerns. Try not to stress. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re knowledgeable about the guidelines and requirements of these organizations, and can make your exam as comfortable as possible. Thankfully, modern tools and technologies also mean that people with vision problems are still able to join, so don’t delay in booking your exam.
These exams may feel nerve-racking, especially if you wear glasses or have other vision concerns. Try not to stress. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re knowledgeable about the guidelines and requirements of these organizations, and can make your exam as comfortable as possible. Thankfully, modern tools and technologies also mean that people with vision problems are still able to join, so don’t delay in booking your exam.
What are these organizations looking for?
Police eye exams can vary by province, county, and city. Alberta police forces tend to agree on the vision standards required for future and existing members. Like most workplace eye exams, you will have an examination of both your uncorrected and corrected vision. In Alberta, the uncorrected vision standard is 20/40, and the corrected standard is 20/20.
The RCMP also tests both uncorrected and corrected vision. However, their requirements vary slightly from the Alberta police forces. The RCMP asks that uncorrected vision be 6/6 (20/20) in one eye and 6/9 (20/30) in the other. For uncorrected vision, the minimum requirement is 6/18 (20/60) in each eye OR 6/12 (20/40) in one eye and at least 6/30 (20/100) in the other eye.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have slightly different vision eye exam requirements than the RCMP and most police agencies. The tests will also vary depending on what branch you are interested in. The Air Force, for example, has a slightly more in-depth test.
There are carefully outlined requirements for the CAF. They include different grades and notes that come into play when deciding visual acuity, and it can become fairly complicated. Don’t worry – your optometrist is knowledgeable about what’s required and can ensure that your workplace exam includes testing for all of the specific requirements.
Keep in mind these organizations aren’t just checking your near- and farsightedness. They want to know everything about eye function. This includes examining your peripheral vision, the development of eye diseases, and even your colour perception.
All of these tests have in common a thorough assessment of your overall eye health. Your optometrist will examine you to identify any existing eye diseases or conditions that could disrupt or damage your vision. This includes looking for things like glaucoma, amblyopia, and cataracts, to name a few.
If your optometrist does identify any concerns, they’ll be able to suggest a course of action, and may even be able to provide you with treatment options so that you’re not prohibited from following your chosen career path.
The RCMP also tests both uncorrected and corrected vision. However, their requirements vary slightly from the Alberta police forces. The RCMP asks that uncorrected vision be 6/6 (20/20) in one eye and 6/9 (20/30) in the other. For uncorrected vision, the minimum requirement is 6/18 (20/60) in each eye OR 6/12 (20/40) in one eye and at least 6/30 (20/100) in the other eye.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have slightly different vision eye exam requirements than the RCMP and most police agencies. The tests will also vary depending on what branch you are interested in. The Air Force, for example, has a slightly more in-depth test.
There are carefully outlined requirements for the CAF. They include different grades and notes that come into play when deciding visual acuity, and it can become fairly complicated. Don’t worry – your optometrist is knowledgeable about what’s required and can ensure that your workplace exam includes testing for all of the specific requirements.
Keep in mind these organizations aren’t just checking your near- and farsightedness. They want to know everything about eye function. This includes examining your peripheral vision, the development of eye diseases, and even your colour perception.
All of these tests have in common a thorough assessment of your overall eye health. Your optometrist will examine you to identify any existing eye diseases or conditions that could disrupt or damage your vision. This includes looking for things like glaucoma, amblyopia, and cataracts, to name a few.
If your optometrist does identify any concerns, they’ll be able to suggest a course of action, and may even be able to provide you with treatment options so that you’re not prohibited from following your chosen career path.
What if you’ve had corrective vision surgery like LASIK?
If you’ve had vision correction surgery, you’ll likely need to undergo more extensive testing. Depending on the surgery you’ve had, there may also be a waiting period before you’re able to have your eyes tested.
For example, the RCMP has clearly outlined wait times. LASIK requires a period of 30 days, PRK is 90 days, and implanted corrective lenses are anywhere from 6 months to a year. Be sure you check the wait requirements for your corrective vision surgery to know when you’re eligible for an exam.
What should you expect during a workplace eye exam?
Your optometrist will first conduct a basic visual examination to determine your near- and farsightedness. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, you’re likely very familiar with this process.
You’ll also likely undergo testing for peripheral vision and colour perception. These tests are all relatively comfortable, but you can talk to your optometrist if you’re experiencing any distress.
During your field of vision test, your optometrist will ask you to look straight on, then produce a series of flashing lights. This tests for an impacted field of vision, which is identified if you aren’t able to register all of the flashing lights.
Colour vision is measured by your ability to tell the difference between colours. This is done using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates, which are made of coloured dots arranged into the shape of a number, with another colour of dots forming the background. The colour combinations mean that the number pattern will become increasingly difficult to discern, testing the limits of your colour perception.
For example, the RCMP has clearly outlined wait times. LASIK requires a period of 30 days, PRK is 90 days, and implanted corrective lenses are anywhere from 6 months to a year. Be sure you check the wait requirements for your corrective vision surgery to know when you’re eligible for an exam.
What should you expect during a workplace eye exam?
Your optometrist will first conduct a basic visual examination to determine your near- and farsightedness. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, you’re likely very familiar with this process.
You’ll also likely undergo testing for peripheral vision and colour perception. These tests are all relatively comfortable, but you can talk to your optometrist if you’re experiencing any distress.
During your field of vision test, your optometrist will ask you to look straight on, then produce a series of flashing lights. This tests for an impacted field of vision, which is identified if you aren’t able to register all of the flashing lights.
Colour vision is measured by your ability to tell the difference between colours. This is done using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates, which are made of coloured dots arranged into the shape of a number, with another colour of dots forming the background. The colour combinations mean that the number pattern will become increasingly difficult to discern, testing the limits of your colour perception.
What happens if your test uncovers problems?
If you’re surprised or dismayed by the results of any of the testing, there are additional steps you can take. We may be able to work with you to improve your eye function, with strategies like changing your prescription or treating eye diseases.
In some cases, organizations including the military will facilitate additional testing, or even suggest roles where your vision may be less critical.
Don’t stress about your workplace eye exam! Often, vision and eye health will be sufficient to meet the standards of the police forces, RCMP, and military. If you do have vision problems, you may be able to work with your optometrist to resolve these issues. Innovations in optometry have brought about a number of improvements in available treatment options.
If you live in Alberta, find out how Lethbridge Vision Care can provide you with a comprehensive workplace eye exam. We’re experienced in conducting exams for local police forces, the RCMP, and the CAF, as well as for other professions. Book now and get your career started!
In some cases, organizations including the military will facilitate additional testing, or even suggest roles where your vision may be less critical.
Don’t stress about your workplace eye exam! Often, vision and eye health will be sufficient to meet the standards of the police forces, RCMP, and military. If you do have vision problems, you may be able to work with your optometrist to resolve these issues. Innovations in optometry have brought about a number of improvements in available treatment options.
If you live in Alberta, find out how Lethbridge Vision Care can provide you with a comprehensive workplace eye exam. We’re experienced in conducting exams for local police forces, the RCMP, and the CAF, as well as for other professions. Book now and get your career started!
