Extract from “Guidelines for Medical Aspects of Fitness for Offshore Work” Issue 5 October 2003
EYES
Visual acuity adequate to permit the individual to mobilise and work safely in the offshore environment is essential amd should be confirmed at each medical examination. Any eye disease or visual defect rendering, or likely to render, the applicant incapable of carrying out duties efficiently and safely is unacceptable.
Visual acuity. Visual acuity in the better eye should be at least 6/12 using corrective lenses as necessary. Higher standards of acuity are required for some specific roles. An uncorrected visual acuity of 6/60 is recommended to permit emergency mobilisation around a location without corrective lenses if necessary. Individuals who require lenses to meet the visual standard should be encouraged to carry teo pairs during a period of mobilisation offshore.
Monocular vision is acceptable provided the above minimum standard of acuity is met and the individualk shows appropriate adaptation to the loss of binocular vision. Special attention should be given to protecting the monocular eye from high hazard operations.
Diplopia if persistent, poses a safety hazard and is unacceptable for offshore working
Visual fields should be full and unrestricted and should be tested by confrontation. Where this suggests a deficit then referral for mapping may be necessary. Significant field deficits as a result of progressive eye disease, diabetes, or cerebrovascular events should be referred for a specialist opinion.
Colour vision is only required for specific tasks such as electrical work and need not be assessed unless specifically required for this purpose or a similar colour dependent task.
Stereoscopic vision is not required for normal offshore tasks unless the individual is also required to operate cranes.
Glaucoma which is adequately controlled and has not compromised visual acuity may be acceptable but specialist referral and restricted periods of certification not exceeding one year will normally be required
Uveitis. Acute cases usually resolve and need not restrict offshore employment once resolved. Chronic uveitis will normally cause significant impact on vision and will normally prevent offshore working.
