Thinking of Joining the boys in blue.

JKD · 27 Sep 2006 at 09:47

As title, the one thing I am worried about is eyesight. I'm pretty short-sighted and red green colour blind, although I do have better than 20/20 vision with specs/contacts.

I can't seem to find out the actual unaided vision requirements to see if I am eligible - can anyone help, please?

Also, if my unaided vision is still not good enough I'm considering going for laser treatment as my poor eyesight is really annoying me now. There are loads of careers that I am ineligible for because of it.

If I have laser treatment, do I still need to wait a year after treatment before I can apply?

Thanks for your answers.

Grrrrr · 27 Sep 2006 at 09:53

1min of googling

http://www.policecouldyou.co.uk/officers/Eyesight_25-2003.pdf

JKD · 27 Sep 2006 at 09:56

Yup, seen that. However, the numbers don't jibe with my prescription from Vision Express.

6/9, 6/12 wtf does that mean?? My prescription is -6.25 -5.75.

See my problem?

Pumpkinstew · 27 Sep 2006 at 10:30

JKD said:
Yup, seen that. However, the numbers don't jibe with my prescription from Vision Express.

6/9, 6/12 wtf does that mean?? My prescription is -6.25 -5.75.

See my problem?

The prescription is the amount of sphere and cylinder applied to the lens to correct your vision (ie the curvature of the lens). From memory I think -sph indicated myopia (shortsightedness). As a comparison my eyes are -0.5 and -0.75 which are considered good enough for the Specials, but not for driving.

Back when I was considering it as a career (2001) the ratings varied in different constabularies. You'll receive a medical/physical test as part of your application anyway, which will include an eye test.

I've never understood the 20/20, 6/12 stuff either.

AJUK · 27 Sep 2006 at 10:34

The eyesight isn't a problem, but if you are a white, hetrosexual male, you've got no chance of getting in.

They may also try to fob you off by offering you one of those 'plastic pig' jobs as a PCSO as they are cheaper than real policemen.

Good luck though.

penski · 27 Sep 2006 at 10:44

JKD said:
Yup, seen that. However, the numbers don't jibe with my prescription from Vision Express.

6/9, 6/12 wtf does that mean?? My prescription is -6.25 -5.75.

See my problem?

My mrs was working at the laser clinic in Leeds on Sunday. She's back next week :/

go for laser.

*Nods*

*n

Helium_Junkie · 27 Sep 2006 at 11:02

White males need not apply.
Hope you arent

Visage · 27 Sep 2006 at 11:10

Helium_Junkie said:
White males need not apply.
Hope you arent

<---The point..........................You --->

JKD · 27 Sep 2006 at 11:18

Oops. White, heterosexual, atheist male.

Guess I'll not bother then :-(

I'm also married with two kids so I can't even pretend to be into bottom love.

Helium_Junkie · 27 Sep 2006 at 11:29

Visage said:
<---The point..........................You --->

<--- Humour .......No Humour..........Brainless Troll........................You --->

jpmonkey69 · 27 Sep 2006 at 11:39

Helium_Junkie said:
<--- Humour .......No Humour..........Brainless Troll........................You --->

I think that this is true also.