Bernie Ecclestone suggests Grosjean to go to the ophthalmologist

After Jackie Stewart once again offered his help to Romain Grosjean, following the accident on the first lap of the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix, it’s Bernie Ecclestone’s turn to give advice to the French driver: « There could be something wrong with his peripheral vision. He’s fast but has been involved in many incidents at the start. I would absolutely suggest he gets his eyes tested because he has trouble seeing what’s happening around him, » reports the Daily Express.

Simple British joke or genuine advice, this is not the first time a potential vision problem has been suggested to explain a pilot’s errors, as some have already mentioned vision issues to explain Michael Schumacher’s repeated accidents. It should be noted, however, that according to Appendix L of the FIA International Sporting Code, drivers are subjected to an annual medical fitness examination, which is a prerequisite for obtaining the license. This medical examination must be conducted by a medical doctor authorized to practice in the country issuing the license, less than 3 months before the application for a pilot’s license is submitted, states Article 1.1 of the chapter regulating medical control of pilots.

Thus, drivers must complete a written questionnaire on their family and personal background and undergo a full clinical examination, including a cardiovascular fitness test, an evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, and an eye examination. Regarding the latter, Article 1.3 of Appendix L of the International Sporting Code stipulates, however, that it must be conducted by a qualified ophthalmologist or any person qualified to perform the tests according to the legislation of the concerned country for the first year of issuance of an international license.

Thus, drivers must demonstrate visual acuity before or after correction of at least 9/10 for each eye, or 8/10 in one eye and 10/10 in the other. Pilots must also have good color perception, which can be evaluated using the Ishihara test, to ensure there is no risk of error in perceiving the colors of flags used during international competitions. Note that drivers must also have a static field of vision of at least 120°, while the central 20° must be free of any alteration. Regarding stereoscopic vision, which is the perception of depth and distances relative to an object, it must be functional according to Appendix L.

Drivers are, however, allowed to wear vision correction devices (glasses and/or contact lenses), provided they have been worn for at least 12 months and every day for a significant duration and that the ophthalmologist certifies them appropriate for motor racing. A recent case that can be mentioned is Sébastien Bourdais or Alain Menu in the WTCC championship. It should be noted that in the case of monocular blindness occurring more than 5 years ago, the FIA Medical Commission may consider a request, based on the results of the vision examination described above.

Pilots may also have to retake tests in the event of an accident that could affect their vision and can obviously undergo exams on their own. For example, it should be noted that Fernando Alonso regularly undergoes a series of medical tests, particularly as part of his physical preparation.