Many of us take our sight for granted, especially those with 20/20 vision. Those of us whose vision needs correction may be more appreciative of this gift, but even then, few of us consider that our sight will prevent us from taking on our dream jobs. There are several professions where normal or above average vision is favored or even required. There are anti-discrimination laws and disability laws that can help fight job discrimination against differently-abled people. However, there are certain jobs where imperfect vision simply can prove a danger to the employee and his or her clientele. If accommodations cannot be made, then chances are, you won’t get the job.
If you live in the DC metro area, for instance, and are considering a job in the FBI, you are expected to have a high level of sensory alertness. LASIK in Washington DC is one way to correct your vision problems, and many patients who have LASIK in DC have even better than 20/20 vision after their surgeries. However, FBI training can involve mock fights, exposure to tear gas, and many other exercises that can impact one’s visual health. Before accepting a position in federal law enforcement, you would need to have had all of your follow up appointments and have a note from your DC LASIK doctor saying that you are fully healed and that your surgery was a success.
Truck driving is another example of a job that can be hindered by poor vision. A company is less likely to hire a commercial truck driver with vision problems. Commercial truck driving already entails many risks. Drivers work for long hours and, due to the size of their vehicles, are less aware of other drivers around them. No company wants to be faced with a lawsuit and spend hours locked in litigation with a Washington DC truck accident lawyer. If a business owner knows of a disability that can affect your performance or safety, that owner may be liable for extensive damages.
Certain branches of the military, fire and rescue services, and commercial flying are all career areas where superior vision gives applicants a competitive edge. In today’s age, it is easier to accommodate employees with vision problems and make allowances for applicants. However, it is still practical to consider the physical requirements of any job you undertake.
Again, many of us take our sight for granted, and hiring managers may not even take the time to list a vision requirement on a job ad. For this reason, we always advocate researching a profession before entering it. With that in mind, we hope you will continue to read our blog!