OPAM Workshop: DOT FMCSA NRCME Course-263074

263074 - Article 5

Pdf Summary

The FMCSA Vision Standards document outlines the criteria and procedures for certifying drivers with vision impairments, particularly focusing on monocular vision and the new alternative vision standard. Key points include:

1. <strong>Traditional Vision Certification</strong>: Drivers must have a distant acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, binocular acuity of at least 20/40, horizontal fields of 70 degrees, and the ability to distinguish red, green, and amber colors. This standard remains intact since 2013.

2. <strong>Vision Testing</strong>: Includes central visual acuity using Snellen charts and peripheral vision tests. Drivers needing corrective lenses should be tested with them.

3. <strong>Monocular Vision</strong>: Prior to 2005, drivers with monocular vision could be certified if certain conditions were met. Post-2012, drivers needed a federal waiver. From March 22, 2022, a new alternative vision standard eliminates the waiver requirement.

4. <strong>Alternative Vision Standard</strong>: This allows certified Medical Examiners (MEs), with input from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, to issue a Medical Examiner’s Certificate for up to one year using a Vision Evaluation Report, Form MCSA-5871.

5. <strong>Certification Process</strong>: The process for monocular vision involves having an eye specialist complete Form MCSA-5871. The driver then gets examined by a Certified Medical Examiner (CDME) within 45 days to determine if they meet the standard.

6. <strong>Road Test</strong>: Required for all new monocular drivers unless they have already operated a commercial vehicle with the vision deficiency for three years.

7. <strong>Determination Pending</strong>: An ME should not hold a driver in determination pending status if they fail the vision screening. Instead, they should refer the driver for a vision evaluation.

Overall, the FMCSA vision standards emphasize the importance of regular evaluations and comprehensive documentation to ensure drivers' safety and capability.

Keywords

FMCSA Vision Standards

monocular vision

alternative vision standard

vision certification

Medical Examiner's Certificate

Vision Evaluation Report

Form MCSA-5871

vision testing

road test

vision evaluation