Firefighting for other countries

[Xidena]

So I pretty much just had my hopes smashed when it comes to being a firefighter. I have amblyopia, meaning my left eye has about 20/200 vision. But I just found out I apparently need 20/100 uncorrected to get a firefighting job anywhere in the US. First off, is that true for everywhere in the US? Also; because it's amblyopia (a problem with my brain, not the eye itself), glasses/contacts don't really fix the problem. I can drive and do everyday stuff with no difficulties, so I'm pretty angry that this is even an issue.

Anyways, I was thinking that even if I don't qualify because of that here, maybe other countries wouldn't hold my eye trouble against me.
Does anyone know the vision requirements for...anywhere but here?
I believe I heard the UK requires 6/24 (or about 20/80)...

[BoxAlarm187]

A friend of mine here in Virginia is on the job and he has a glass eye, so I'd venture to guess you're dealing with a situation that's specific to the department you tested for.

[Firstin1968]

Boxalarm187,

Is your friend on a career Fire Dept. ? or is he a volunteer Dept. ?

I thought the vision requirements were standard across the board for full timers?

Anyone else have any input here?

[BoxAlarm187]

Boxalarm187,

Is your friend on a career Fire Dept. ? or is he a volunteer Dept. ?

He's on a career department. They were very reluctant to hire him, but when he was able to prove that he actively performed his job as a volunteer fire chief, he was offered the job. That was 12 years ago, and he's never had a problem.

I thought the vision requirements were standard across the board for full timers?

As for rules being the same across the board, about the only thing I've seen the same across the board in the fire service is the interpretation of FSLA rules, and even then....

[Firstin1968]

Boxalarm,
Good point as far as the interpetation, and I agree if a person can do a job, give them the chance, and like your friend.....they might just become a peak performer !
To often I think we get caught up in the "what-ifs" truth be told, we can whatif anything right into the dirt. Good for him, and your department.
Xidena: the vision requirments are not as tight for Iraq and Afgan, if you can do the job I think your good to go. Best of luck.

[under fire]

I believe according to NFPA 1582 the requirement for visual acuity is 20/30 with contact lenses or spectacles. I would venture that this issue is a Department SOP. Something possibly dreamed up by a board of city officials and grocery store owners, not firefighters and chief officers.

[InternationalFEMS]

Eyes Bobed

DUDE,
get your eyes lasered
I did it in 1999 and have never looked back
and it's tax deductible

[jwaskow]

DUDE,
get your eyes lasered
I did it in 1999 and have never looked back
and it's tax deductible

How is it deductible? First time I've heard that...