Branch-wise AFCAT Vision Table
| Branch / medical category | Refractive limit | Visual acuity | Colour perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch A1G1 | Hypermetropia +1.5 D Sph; manifest myopia NIL; retinoscopic myopia NIL; astigmatism +0.75 D Cyl within +1.5 D max | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia | CP-I |
| Admin / Weapon Systems ground A4G1 | +3.5 D hypermetropia; -3.50 D myopia; +/-2.50 D Cyl | Correctable to 6/6 each eye; glasses compulsory when VA below 6/6 | CP-II |
| AE(M) / AE(L) A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | Corrected VA 6/9 each eye | CP-II |
| Meteorology A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-II |
| Accounts / Logistics / Education A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-III |
Are Spectacles Allowed in AFCAT?
For Flying Branch, minus-power spectacles mean myopia and are not allowed. For Ground Duty A4G1 branches, spectacles can be allowed if the candidate meets the branch-specific refractive and visual acuity limits. Glasses are compulsory when visual acuity is below the required unaided level and correction is advised.
Colour Perception: CP-I, CP-II, CP-III
- Flying Branch: CP-I.
- Admin / Weapon Systems ground: CP-II.
- AE(M) / AE(L): CP-II.
- Meteorology: CP-II.
- Accounts / Logistics / Education: CP-III.
A candidate not meeting CP-I cannot move into Flying Branch, but may still be assessed against a Ground Duty branch if that branch accepts the candidate’s colour perception category.
Eye Conditions That Can Reject a Candidate
- Manifest squint of any degree, exotropia, heterochromia iridum, pseudophakia, anisocoria above 1 mm, optic nerve drusen, keratoconus and progressive pterygium are listed as unfit conditions.
- Night blindness is unfit; the AFCAT source includes a certificate format for night blindness.
- Lattice degeneration has detailed fit/unfit rules depending on size, holes, flap tear, location and laser treatment.
- Cataract surgery, with or without IOL, is unfit.
Ocular Muscle Balance for Flying
| Test | Fit standard |
|---|---|
| Maddox Rod at 6 m | Exo-6 PD, Eso-6 PD, Hyper-1 PD, Hypo-1 PD |
| Maddox Rod at 33 cm | Exo-16 PD, Eso-6 PD, Hyper-1 PD, Hypo-1 PD |
| Convergence | Up to 10 cm |
| Hand-held stereoscope | All BSV grades |
| Cover test | Latent divergence / convergence with rapid and complete recovery |
LASIK, PRK, SMILE and Femto-LASIK
AFCAT allows refractive surgery in all Air Force branches only within the listed conditions. RK is not permitted for any Air Force duty.
- Pre-operative refractive error must be within +/-6.0 D.
- Surgery must not have been done before age 20 years.
- At least 12 months must have passed after uncomplicated surgery.
- Residual refraction must be within +/-1.0 D Sph or Cyl where correction is allowed; for Pilot / Observer duties the residual standard is NIL.
- Axial length by IOL Master must be 26 mm or less.
- Central corneal thickness must be at least 450 microns.
- Retina must be normal and healthy.
Medical board decisions are made by Armed Forces medical specialists. This page is a structured preparation guide, not a substitute for an official medical board opinion.
FAQs
Is specs allowed in AFCAT?
For Ground Duty branches, yes within A4G1 limits. For Flying Branch, myopia is NIL, so minus-power spectacles disqualify.
What is AFCAT pilot eyesight requirement?
Flying Branch requires NIL myopia, CP-I colour perception and 6/6 plus 6/9 acuity correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia.
Is CP-II enough for AFCAT Flying?
No. CP-II is not enough for Flying Branch; Flying requires CP-I.
Can LASIK make me eligible for AFCAT Flying?
Possibly, only if every Air Force refractive surgery condition is satisfied and residual refraction meets the NIL flying standard.
Is colour blindness allowed in AFCAT Ground Duty?
Some Ground Duty branches use CP-II or CP-III, depending on branch. Flying Branch requires CP-I.