CASA Eye Exam: What to Expect
August 27, 2025
If you’re applying for or renewing your aviation medical, you may need to complete a CASA eye exam with an optometrist. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we regularly perform these assessments and know exactly what CASA requires.
What is the CASA eye exam?
- This occupational assessment ensures your vision meets the safety standards for aviation. It covers a wide range of visual functions, not just how well you can read an eye chart.
What happens at your appointment?
Your appointment takes around one hour and includes:
- Visual acuity: Measuring how clearly you can see both at a distance and up close.
- Refraction: Checking your prescription, including for contact lenses if needed.
- Colour vision testing: To make sure you meet CASA's colour vision requirements.
- Visual field testing (automated perimetry): To assess your peripheral vision.
- Eye health assessment: Including scans of the macula, optic nerve heads, and peripheral retina.
We may also use eye drops to dilate your pupils and thoroughly assess the internal health of your eyes.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. Just let us know when booking that it’s for CASA. Please note that Medicare rebates do not apply to this type of occupational exam.
How do we submit your results?
As authorised optometrists, we’ll upload your results directly to the CASA medical records portal, making it easy for your Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) to access them.
Related Articles:
- Colour Vision: What You Need to Know
- Eye Health Assessment: What’s Involved?
References:
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Eye Examination Standards. 2023.
- Vingrys AJ, Pianta MJ. Colour vision standards for transport. Clin Exp Optom. 2006.
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