Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations

Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 54. Heterophoria

1. First- and Second-class: If an applicant exceeds the heterophoria standards (1 prism diopter of hyperphoria, 6 prism diopters of esophoria, or 6 prism diopters of exophoria), but shows no evidence of diplopia or serious eye pathology and all other aspects of the examination are favorable, the Examiner should not withhold or deny the medical certificate. The applicant should be advised that the FAA may require further examination by a qualified eye specialist.
2. Third-class: Applicants for a third-class certificate are not required to undergo heterophoria testing. However, if an applicant has strabismus or a history of diplopia, the Examiner should defer issuance of a certificate and forward the application to the AMCD. If the applicant wishes further consideration, the Examiner can help expedite FAA review by providing the applicant with a copy of FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation.