I would highly recommend that you consult with NFPA's list of Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, also known as NFPA 1001. Specifically, look at 2-2.7.1 "Eyes". The subsections may have shifted from the copy which I have, however, you should be able to download the most current information directly from the internet. If your vision is indeed uncorrectable in one eye, the challenges you will face in the pursuit of a firefighter's badge will be steep. If on the other hand, you find out through a second opinion that your vision "may" be correctable to a level acceptable to the department or agency to which you aspire to belong, then by all means, pursue those avenues. Best wishes. -2112

mate i haev worn glasses since i was in the 5th grade and im 20 now. now , my vision is correctalbe to 20/15 with my glasses take them off and put me in a mask and i can see cr*p! therfore i am lookin into getting a kit that i can mount a pair of glasses into my personel mask that way when i really need to see somethen when its already hard to see like in a house fire i can :) so dont feel like your the only one ot there who cant see :P good luck to yea...
volunteers are still the heart!

Hi, well like you said your vision is correctable, mines is NOT, at least in one eye. If it was I wouldn?t be worried about it. My eye never developed because I had a cataract in my right eye since I was born, and the doctors never knew till I was like 12. Now they say even with laser surgery the eye doesn?t have the capability to see anything clearly. I?m having trouble finding the eye section or anything at all in the NFPA.org website, still trying as we speak ill crack it soon. Thanks a lot.

Hi, its me again. i got a question. They charge over 500 dollars to view the information in nfpa.org. Does anyone know where i can see infortion on my my question? Thanks.

Give me a FAX number where you can receive the information, and I'll forward the appropriate article and subsection to you. Remember, NFPA sets "guidelines". Only your doctor knows what is in your best interest (and his or hers). Many applicant's rejections have been overturned because of legitimate second opinions by specialists in their particular field. Management, including the City or agency involved wants to protect their investment (you). The department or agency will spend thousands of dollars on training, overtime, personal protective equipment, and insurance on the expectation that you will give them an effort worthy of twenty or more years of line service. Remember that it is your legal right to seek a second opinion. Obviously there are some differences when it comes to hiring criteria. Do what's best for you. That is what's most important.-2112
This message was edited by 2112 on 6-4-04 @ 4:54 PM

I too "had been" facing the vision requirement situation. In order to eliminate this problem and to be prepared for any medical, I choose to get Lasik eye surgery. So far it is one of the best decisions that I have ever made. My vision uncorrected was 20/800, without my glasses or contacts, I was blind as a bat. I am now 20/20 and seeing things better than ever. If you can make the sacrifice and afford to do the procedure, I highly recommend it.