Do you qualify for your dream job?
We all want the freedom of having good vision so as to enjoy life without contacts or glasses, but some of us work in fields where 20/20 eyesight isn’t just an option, but a requirement. Of course, pursuing our ideal job calls for the necessary qualifications and experience — and this can urge strict health and fitness standards.
Don’t lose sight of your career by simply living with your visual problem. You can increase your chances of success by correcting your eyesight with modern laser eye surgery.
There are some industries that strictly call for sharp eyesight and peripherals — but these 11 professionals need SMILE, LASIK or PRK (ASLA) laser eye surgery the most. So peer into your career and allow yourself the freedom of clear vision and the opportunity to perform your everyday duties and, thus, excel in your professional life.
1. Firefighters
We all know firefighters have to stay in great physical shape in order to save lives, but you probably didn’t envision your eyesight getting in between you and your dream job. When one considers the perilous conditions firefighters are faced with on a daily basis, poor or average eyesight just won’t do.
Environmental factors — not to mention navigating smoke, flames, water and darkness — impel the need for corrective surgery in this field.
2. Airline Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
The ability to navigate safely and good eyesight go hand-in-hand, so it’s only reasonable to command pilots and air traffic employees to correct their vision. Flying a plane and directing flight traffic requires a great deal of spatial intelligence, and professionals will undergo strict assessments to determine their visual capabilities before being granted the appropriate licensing.
3. Defence Force Personnel
Defence force careers, including roles within the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force demand some of the strictest standards of vision of any organisation. As personnel are faced with arduous tasks well outside the norm, this is to be expected.
Exact prescription levels will depend on the branch in which you wish to enlist, so it’s a good idea to look into your eligibility requirements and book an appointment with your ophthalmologist for your mandatory specialist review.
4. Police
The Australian Federal Police, much like the Department of Defence, requires medical and psychological assessments to be undertaken, including proof of visual acuity. Police officers need to act quickly in emergency situations, with the ability to see clearly in an urgent duty driving capacity.
While contact lenses and glasses may be used to correct a vision impairment, a minimum prescription criteria must be met. Permanent laser vision correction is a convenient alternative for AFP employees.
5. Web Developers
A high level of analysis is needed to perform within web development role and — given the amount of time spent in front of computer screens — so too is visual acuity.
This type of work can be taxing on your eyes, and those with visual problems such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness) can see symptoms like eye strain and headaches worsen.
For many office-bound occupations, some form of vision correction is needed; be it eyeglasses, contacts or laser eye surgery.
6. Surgeons and Paramedics
Having good vision can be a matter of life or death for healthcare providers and those employed by emergency services.
Performing life-changing surgery, especially microsurgery, requires steady vision as much as a steady hand. Paramedics and other emergency healthcare providers can find themselves in a race against time, often navigating through traffic to save lives. Such professionals can certainly benefit from laser eye surgery, which can change the way you operate in your role forever.
7. Photographers
A keen eye defines the very best photographers, and to be an expert in this particular craft you’ll need nothing less than outstanding vision. Laser eye surgery can be a real eye opener for both professional photographers and amateurs, making it easier and more comfortable to operate a camera than with eyeglasses. Some photographers may choose to wear contact lenses instead — but keep in mind you may encounter glare problems.
8. Lifeguards
Looking out for danger calls for rapid response rates and a set of hawk-like eyes. For a lifeguard, glasses simply aren’t practical when you’re out saving lives in the surf. Coastlines across the Gold Coast rely on the fitness and health of our surf life saving members to patrol our shores and protect as many people as possible.
9. Construction Workers
Laser vision correction among construction and tradesmen is growing rapidly. Anyone who works in construction and wears glasses or contact lenses will tell you about the daily challenges they face on the job. While perfect vision may not be specified in the application criteria, it’s an ideal component of building and infrastructure.
Protective eyewear, nonetheless, is a health and safety requirement, and wearing glasses underneath can prove difficult. Dust and dirt are realities of the construction environment, and contact lens wear can present a host of associated complications.
10. Hospitality Workers
If you’re a hospitality worker who relies on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, you’re probably fed up with the fog and irritation. It’s no wonder when you’re surrounded by high temperature ovens and steamy dishwashers whilst working in a fast-paced environment. If you’re a chef, you’ll understand how cooking comfortably in the kitchen is a key safety precaution, particularly for those vulnerable extremities you use to prepare food. So master your inner chef, and pay attention to those fine details by correcting your vision appropriately for all kitchen conditions.
11. Parents
Arguably the most challenging role of all is a job that comes with little to no praise — parenting.
It’s easy to lose our glasses when our minds are overburdened with responsibility and a million things are going on at once. In our busy world, parents often delay dealing with issues related to their vision — but the job requires good near and farsighted vision to keep kids safe and to observe all the wonderful visual joys parenting has to offer.
Apply for your dream job and correct your vision today!
The human eye is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Visual acuity is indeed a prerequisite for a number of occupations. However, the visual demands vary significantly between roles as do the consequences of your visual problem.
It’s so important to have regular eye health checks to ensure your vision isn’t standing between you and your dream job. To find out if you’re a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery, come in for an Eye & Laser Centre consultation where one of our experts will provide a thorough, individual assessment of your eyes.
If you would like further information, we are here to help. Call us on (07) 5555 0800 or fill out an online enquiry form — our friendly team members are ready to discuss your personal needs.
Eye & Laser Centre ophthalmologists specialise in the treatment of many eye conditions, including laser vision correction. Our centre employs the latest techniques and equipment to correct all refractive errors.
This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific ophthalmic advice or assistance should consult their optometrist or ophthalmologist.