Laser Eye Surgery

[DerekDingle]

Hi All.

I'm currently a freight train driver and am considering laser eye surgery.

My employer allows it, but I'm thinking about applying for a passenger job in the future.

Does anyone know which TOCs allow it and which do not?

It will save me applying to companies that do not.

Thanks in advance

Derek

 

[flowerbirds]

I'm in the middle of applying with MTR, they say no laser eye surgery in the specifications.

 

[Pumbaa]

Once you've had it, just don't mention it to future employers...

RSSB are fine with modern techniques. At the time of privatisation, it coincided with earlier methods that did have far more variable results.

 

[signallerscot]

Be aware that although once the cornea has healed after LASIK surgery it is difficult (but not entirely impossible) to detect during a routine examination, any corneal thickness measurement or biometry will show it up. Whether it's worth staking your career on it not being detected at a medical is down to your judgement... Note phakic and pseudophakic implants and the results of YAG capsulotomy are obvious in all but the most cursory exams.

 

[NickR]

I'm in the middle of applying with MTR, they say no laser eye surgery in the specifications.

Is that true? I've got my medical with MTR next month and have had laser eye surgery. Can't recall anywhere where it said that would be an issue?

Bit worried now!

 

[flowerbirds]

Is that true? I've got my medical with MTR next month and have had laser eye surgery. Can't recall anywhere where it said that would be an issue?

Bit worried now!

Hi, I went in for my second assessment today and checked with them. They confirmed they don't currently accept people who've had laser eye surgery. There has at lease been talk of relaxing the rule but as far as the OPA guy knew that hasn't happened yet. I'm sorry. Maybe call HR and check?

 

[NickR]

Hi, I went in for my second assessment today and checked with them. They confirmed they don't currently accept people who've had laser eye surgery. There has at lease been talk of relaxing the rule but as far as the OPA guy knew that hasn't happened yet. I'm sorry. Maybe call HR and check?

This is MTR Crossrail yes? I'll ring them tomorrow.

 

[james123]

I've just passed a medical with GTR and disclosed having had LASEK surgery in 2008. They had no issues.

 

[flowerbirds]

This is MTR Crossrail yes? I'll ring them tomorrow.

Yes MTR Crossrail. Don't take it from me though, the OPC guy could be out of date or wrong.

 

[sw1ller]

Lad on my course at ATW has LASIK and they were fine with it. Thinking of having it done myself now.

 

[Raul_Duke]

Before I joined the Railway I was an optician for ten years, so I know a little bit about this.

I cannot for the life of me understand why someone who works in a job where they depend so heavily on their eyesight would go and have laser surgery.

The amount of people I used to see who were officially “fine,” but now have a permanent dry eye and associated problems with night vision was at best, surprising.

If your eyes are that bad that your glasses are ridiculously strong/heavy then it has benefits.

But if it’s for vanity / convenience then you really should do some research into the side effects, and not what they tell you when they’re convincing you to part with your hard earned cash....

I’m not saying it’s a 100% guaranteed to give you problems, but is it worth the not insignificant risk?

 

[basherB]

Just to clarify. I had Lasik surgery 13 years ago and have had no side effects and as from last mondays opticians appointment i have still have no need of corrective lenses. Will the staff at the medical see that i had surgery all those years ago?

 

[choochoochoo]

When I did my medical the eye test was done by a nurse. The doctor had a look at my eyes, but more so to see it was able to move freely (follow my finger exercise).

Not once did they look up close into my eyes. Whilst trained to examine train drivers, I don't think the dr has the opthalmology experience/equipment to notice laser surgery

 

[ComUtoR]

Not once did they look up close into my eyes. Whilst trained to examine train drivers, I don't think the dr has the opthalmology experience/equipment to notice laser surgery

Are you suggesting not to declare it ? As you have had your medical, I have no doubt that you are aware that you need to make declarations about your medical history.

 

[Economist]

Always tell the truth at a safety-critical medical examination. There was, I believe, a case where someone who had a form of laser eye surgery attempted to lie about it during an aviation medical, was found out and was successfully prosecuted. The examiner apparently noticed scarring from the procedure and it was taken from there. Had the individual told the truth they would have passed the medical with no restrictions, however by not telling the truth they effectively ruined their career before it had started.

 

[basherB]

Not at all... its all been declared on the initial application. My point was the medical isn't described as being that intrusive... the equipment needed to do in depth checks isn't mentioned on any thread I have read so far.

 

[choochoochoo]

Are you suggesting not to declare it ? As you have had your medical, I have no doubt that you are aware that you need to make declarations about your medical history.

Not suggesting it shouldn't be declared. I'd prefer that all my driving colleagues are able to see my train and the signals protecting it.

Just stating my surprise at how easily one could get away with not declaring it. Especially given the above example of how closely an aviation medical apparently looks at one's peepers.

 

[6eleven]

This is MTR Crossrail yes? I'll ring them tomorrow.

Hi there im soon having my DMI with MTR Crossrail having had eye surgery long ago how did it ho at the medical out of curiosity

 

[NickR]

Hi there im soon having my DMI with MTR Crossrail having had eye surgery long ago how did it ho at the medical out of curiosity

They had no issues with it whatsoever. Currently happily driving trains for them.

 

[6eleven]

They had no issues with it whatsoever. Currently happily driving trains for them.

Thanks for the reply appreciate it would have been hard to go for the interview knowing i would not pass the medical. Cheers