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Transport for Wales Trainee Drivers - laser eye surgery?

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JimGriff

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Good morning all,

I want to make a significant career change in my early forties, and have been very keen on becoming a train driver. I've been stalking job adverts for a while now, but have only just caught on to some TOCs not accepting applicants who have had laser eye surgery. Does anyone know what Transport for Wales's policy is? I saw on another post that Arriva Trains did allow applicants who had had surgery, but I can't find out whether TFW have inherited the policy.

Thanks,

James
 
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Privateluke

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If you had laser eye surgery, chances are you are not going to be considered for a job as a Train driver ...
 

Stigy

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Good morning all,

I want to make a significant career change in my early forties, and have been very keen on becoming a train driver. I've been stalking job adverts for a while now, but have only just caught on to some TOCs not accepting applicants who have had laser eye surgery. Does anyone know what Transport for Wales's policy is? I saw on another post that Arriva Trains did allow applicants who had had surgery, but I can't find out whether TFW have inherited the policy.

Thanks,

James
If Arriva’s policy allowed laser eye surgery, I’d be surprised if TfW didn’t inherit it, as you say, although without contacting them, it’s anyone’s guess unless there’s a driver or staff member on here who can say definitively? From my relatively limited experience with franchises, the policies etc from the former franchise usually remain unchanged?
 
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357

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Whenever I've transferred between franchises all policies remained the same.

I know LUL used to have a ban on drivers having the surgery but that was many years ago. At the same time, they said if you'd already had it and everything was ok then all is good.
 

Privateluke

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From what I understand, JimGriff is an outsider wanting to get on the footplate, being a trainee Train driver is very competitive business nowadays, an application where someone declared a laser eye Surgery would go straight into the bin... That's all, can't see a TOC going through all the troubles ascertaining whether you are or you are not fit for the job... But that is my opinion based on experience, good luck anyway!!!
 

Eccles1983

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From what I understand, JimGriff is an outsider wanting to get on the footplate, being a trainee Train driver is very competitive business nowadays, an application where someone declared a laser eye Surgery would go straight into the bin... That's all, can't see a TOC going through all the troubles ascertaining whether you are or you are not fit for the job... But that is my opinion based on experience, good luck anyway!!!


State your credentials. As you've just stated it's an opinion based on experience.

As I have came from the "outside" with laser eye surgery and have now been employed as a driver by 2 different TOC's.

But you have stated outright that applications go in the bin.
 

Stigy

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From what I understand, JimGriff is an outsider wanting to get on the footplate, being a trainee Train driver is very competitive business nowadays, an application where someone declared a laser eye Surgery would go straight into the bin... That's all, can't see a TOC going through all the troubles ascertaining whether you are or you are not fit for the job... But that is my opinion based on experience, good luck anyway!!!
None of the applications I’ve submitted has asked about health conditions including eyesight.
 

Privateluke

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Stigy, when I did mine they did, but that was a long time ago, if I remember correctly a medical would cost the TOC anywhere from500 £, but if the TOC you have applied for is happy to pick it up at a later stage so be it. My theory still stands, who do you work for ??
 
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1725RJ

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I put a call into TFW when I went though the process last year. They said they accept laser eye surgery. Give them a call jus to confirm nothings changed. Although I guess it may be done on a case by case basis. All the best
 

BloominMan

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From what I understand, JimGriff is an outsider wanting to get on the footplate, being a trainee Train driver is very competitive business nowadays, an application where someone declared a laser eye Surgery would go straight into the bin... That's all, can't see a TOC going through all the troubles ascertaining whether you are or you are not fit for the job... But that is my opinion based on experience, good luck anyway!!!

I respectfully disagree. Years ago it was a massive nono. Now I know Northern accept it, Merseyrail accept it, I'm pretty sure ATW accept it, GTR and MTR Crossrail.

IIRC there is one member on here driving for MTR after laser and one driving for GTR. Both new applicants after laser.
 

JimGriff

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Many thanks for all your posts; it has been most helpful. I have contacted TFW, but I imagine they're constantly bombarded with emails about driver applications because I understand that the process is very competitive. I'll update here for future reference when (if!) I get a response.

All the best, and stay safe.
 

JimGriff

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I put a call into TFW when I went though the process last year. They said they accept laser eye surgery. Give them a call jus to confirm nothings changed. Although I guess it may be done on a case by case basis. All the best
Thanks for this; it's exactly the information I was looking for. I have dropped TFW a message to ask the question.
 

markfraser

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Joined
19 Nov 2009
Messages
26
Good morning all,

I want to make a significant career change in my early forties, and have been very keen on becoming a train driver. I've been stalking job adverts for a while now, but have only just caught on to some TOCs not accepting applicants who have had laser eye surgery. Does anyone know what Transport for Wales's policy is? I saw on another post that Arriva Trains did allow applicants who had had surgery, but I can't find out whether TFW have inherited the policy.

Thanks,

James
 

Claire-r

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Joined
4 Oct 2019
Messages
42
Location
Hampshire
Good morning all,

I want to make a significant career change in my early forties, and have been very keen on becoming a train driver. I've been stalking job adverts for a while now, but have only just caught on to some TOCs not accepting applicants who have had laser eye surgery. Does anyone know what Transport for Wales's policy is? I saw on another post that Arriva Trains did allow applicants who had had surgery, but I can't find out whether TFW have inherited the policy.

Thanks,

James
Hi
i have read their policy and it does say they will not take applicants who have had eye surgery nor anyone with a BMI over 28. You must not have diabetes or any problems with the lungs or heart. You must be very fit. Hope this helps
 

markfraser

Member
Joined
19 Nov 2009
Messages
26
Good morning all,

I want to make a significant career change in my early forties, and have been very keen on becoming a train driver. I've been stalking job adverts for a while now, but have only just caught on to some TOCs not accepting applicants who have had laser eye surgery. Does anyone know what Transport for Wales's policy is? I saw on another post that Arriva Trains did allow applicants who had had surgery, but I can't find out whether TFW have inherited the policy.

Thanks,

James
Hi James

I had a friend apply and apparently they don’t except laser eye surgery
 

hiredgun

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17 Jun 2019
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No idea on TFW but I thought the guidance had been relaxed on this?
If it was done XX Months, or more, ago it was ok?

Provided you can reach the standard for vision on the medical all was ok?
After all how would they know if you’d had it or not after it’s healed? The medical examiner is not an optometrist nor does he look into your eyes?

Maybe I’m wrong but I believe it’s not an issue for most companies?
I can see if a current driver was to have it done, there is a concern it could go wrong ... but if it was done and has healed successfully surly it’s no different to not having it?

Ie I broke my collar bone, wrist and ankle in a motorbike crash, in a previous job, clearly I couldn’t have have driven a train - but 2 years on I wouldn’t expect to be turned down on that basis now ????
 

Stigy

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No idea on TFW but I thought the guidance had been relaxed on this?
If it was done XX Months, or more, ago it was ok?

Provided you can reach the standard for vision on the medical all was ok?
After all how would they know if you’d had it or not after it’s healed? The medical examiner is not an optometrist nor does he look into your eyes?

Maybe I’m wrong but I believe it’s not an issue for most companies?
I can see if a current driver was to have it done, there is a concern it could go wrong ... but if it was done and has healed successfully surly it’s no different to not having it?

Ie I broke my collar bone, wrist and ankle in a motorbike crash, in a previous job, clearly I couldn’t have have driven a train - but 2 years on I wouldn’t expect to be turned down on that basis now ????
It’s not the fact that the surgery could go wrong, it’s the apparent risk that over time your eyes could deteriorate to similar levels to how they were pre-surgery I believe. I think that’s why there’s often as you said, the allowance about it having been carried out a number of years ago.

You’re right they probably wouldn’t ever know, but if it emerged that when asked, you answered “no” to having had any laser eye surgery done, you’re on a sticky wicket.

You’re correct you wouldn’t fail a medical on your previous injuries, as long as they wouldn’t impact on your ability to drive a train.
 

hiredgun

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It’s not the fact that the surgery could go wrong, it’s the apparent risk that over time your eyes could deteriorate to similar levels to how they were pre-surgery I believe. I think that’s why there’s often as you said, the allowance about it having been carried out a number of years ago.

1. In which case you could use spectacles, an approved method!!

2. Whole heartedly agree, and never would I condone telling fibs to get the job

3. Point only made to highlight that previous, now heeled, injuries would not be looked upon as an issue, so seems unfair to regard eye surgery in a different light?

Not trying to start a row, rules are rules and a company has the right to turn down any application as they see fit, just playing ‘devils advocate’
 

Stigy

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1. In which case you could use spectacles, an approved method!!

2. Whole heartedly agree, and never would I condone telling fibs to get the job

3. Point only made to highlight that previous, now heeled, injuries would not be looked upon as an issue, so seems unfair to regard eye surgery in a different light?

Not trying to start a row, rules are rules and a company has the right to turn down any application as they see fit, just playing ‘devils advocate’
I agree in that you could then wear glasses, but it’s uncertain as to how the deterioration would take effect I guess? I’m no expert so maybe leave that one for someone with a more intimate knowledge of laser eye surgery than me.

I think the important aspect here is as you just touched on; they can just refuse whoever they like on medical grounds, and if there’s a known risk with laser eye surgery ‘wearing off’ or something, why leave themselves open to incident or other issues further down the line. There are plenty of people applying for them not to want to expose themselves to unnecessary risk.
 

Claire-r

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No idea on TFW but I thought the guidance had been relaxed on this?
If it was done XX Months, or more, ago it was ok?

Provided you can reach the standard for vision on the medical all was ok?
After all how would they know if you’d had it or not after it’s healed? The medical examiner is not an optometrist nor does he look into your eyes?

Maybe I’m wrong but I believe it’s not an issue for most companies?
I can see if a current driver was to have it done, there is a concern it could go wrong ... but if it was done and has healed successfully surly it’s no different to not having it?

Ie I broke my collar bone, wrist and ankle in a motorbike crash, in a previous job, clearly I couldn’t have have driven a train - but 2 years on I wouldn’t expect to be turned down on that basis now ????
It’s always worth applying but you must be honest because if they found out you were dishonest they’ll throw the book at you. Like I said, apply and see what comes of it
 

Claire-r

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I agree in that you could then wear glasses, but it’s uncertain as to how the deterioration would take effect I guess? I’m no expert so maybe leave that one for someone with a more intimate knowledge of laser eye surgery than me.

I think the important aspect here is as you just touched on; they can just refuse whoever they like on medical grounds, and if there’s a known risk with laser eye surgery ‘wearing off’ or something, why leave themselves open to incident or other issues further down the line. There are plenty of people applying for them not to want to expose themselves to unnecessary risk.
I was told by a train driver I know that they will not accept you even if you wear glasses. It’s strange but true
 

ComUtoR

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So many threads on Laser Eye surgery :/

1. Yes its allowed for both existing and new entrants.
2. It's up to each specific TOC and can be on an individual basis
3. Additional tests required throghout your career
4. HERE (appendix A) (link to Medical fitness requirements Guidance PDF)

Best practice is to phone the TOC and ask. HR may/may not know specific medical standards but should know if it allowed and what the specific ploicy is.
 

Stigy

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I was told by a train driver I know that they will not accept you even if you wear glasses. It’s strange but true
I assume you mean in relation to laser eye surgery? Otherwise that’s not true, quite clearly. I’ve worn glasses all my life and without them I can hardly see :D
 
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