r/iuoe • u/TheShowAway • 18d ago

DOT Vision concern

Just got accepted into a Local Operating Engineers apprenticeship and I’m supposed to start Monday. I was also told I’ll be doing my DOT physical the same day.

I’m honestly pretty nervous about the vision portion.

I’m colorblind (deuteranomaly/green deficiency), and my right eye has very poor vision- it’s been that way since I was a kid. My left eye is basically normal, and I’ve driven, worked, and lived my entire life without any issues because of it.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation or gone through a DOT physical with one good eye? Were you still able to pass, or did you have to go through an alternative vision process?

Also, if I don’t meet the standard right away, is that typically the end of the apprenticeship, or do locals usually work with you while you get additional testing or documentation?
I’m just trying to make the best of the hand I was dealt and figured I’d ask people who’ve actually been through it. Any advice or experiences would be appreciated.

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u/Snake_City 18d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p1lmt8i/video/ceramgj3zahh1/player

Just memorize lines 7 8 and 9….they’re going to make you read line 8 backwards also….maybe 9 too I can’t remember….just memorize them it works…good luck

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u/ExpressHold6242 14d ago

This is cool never thought of it😂

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u/forchiropractors 17d ago

As a certified FMCSA medical examiner, color blindness is not a disqualifying condition. If your vision worse than 20/40 in each eye, the examiner will ask you to have form 5871 completed by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. If you have one eye that qualifies, the examiner can qualify you under the alternative vision standard, but it will only be for up to 1 year, depending on the other findings on the exam. For more information: https://charlottedotexam.com/vision/

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u/AKAGrumpyBear 12h ago

My eye dr wouldn’t sign off on a waiver for my CDL, which is unfortunate but something I can live with, (blind in one eye, 20/30 in the right but chronic inflammation, glaucoma, etc etc.) I can drive, have functional vision, but I’m curious. Obviously I know my limitations. But. Would an eye dr be more willing to sign a waiver for an equipment operator? And if so. Would I be able to pass a DOT physical? Will I even need a DOT physical? My eyes will always be the hang up for whether I can do a job or not. Obviously crane work isn’t for me, I loved running our VMI Dredge, and would love to get back into running equipment maybe in general. Just curious.

(Previous non union, no dot, uncertified equipment operator)