LASIK disqualification?

Discussion in 'Trucker Legal Advice' started by tenaciousbibi, Mar 13, 2011.

  1. tenaciousbibi

    tenaciousbibi Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2011
    Detroit, MI
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    Hey guys. I had my DOT physical and drug test on Thursday at my school. I'm not even going to get into just how unprofessional the Dr. administering the test was (i.e. privacy). My concern is, she asked the entire class if any of us had LASIK eye surgery. I answered yes and she said that disqualified me from obtaining a CDL. As I had researched all disqualifications BEFORE signing up for the school and read nothing about this, naturally, I questioned her and she then told me a way to "get around" the issue. She marked "wears corrective lenses" on my medical examiners certificate, then told me to get a pair of glasses and always keep them nearby in case I got pulled over by the authorities or an inspector. Mind you, she said this in front of the ENTIRE class. Umm, what??? She's telling me that my eye surgery DISQUALIFIES me from the career which I am taking the physical to pursue, THEN tells me how to lie and get around it? At the time, I wasn't even thinking about the implications, but this has been weighing on my mind all weekend and now I am livid. First of all, according to the FMCSA, LASIK surgery does NOT disqualify anyone from obtaining their CDL. Second, whose ### is going to be on the line if, God forbid, I am involved in an accident? Here I am, lying unconscious behind the wheel, glasses in the glove compartment, and my medical certificate reading that I am not allowed to drive WITHOUT them. Yeah, MY ### is grass. Anyway, obviously I am going to speak with my school's director and owner and insist on another physical (at their expense), and then contact my pre-hire employer directly to make sure their policy does not disqualify me. Wouldn't it be great if, upon graduation, and out $6000, I find out I am unemployable. Grr...please excuse my rant. I can't even explain how pissed off I am right now. Thanks for listening.
     
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  3. canuck in da truck

    canuck in da truck Road Train Member

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    western pa
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    you are right in getting a second physical done---i think the first doctor was sampling her own meds --lasik doesnt disqualify you --and saying you need corrective lens when you dont is just plain idiotic
     
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  4. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Denver, Co
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    She's full of it. Lasik and the other similar procedures are not disqualifiers, they used to be, but not for the last 10 yrs or more. Generally, if you have it done in mid-cycle (between physicals) you have to carry a paper from the LASIK Dr. so that if your stopped and they see you not wearing glasses but your medical is marked corrective, that you can show them proof of the surgery. The FAA approves of LASIK, so she needs to relearn her medicine.
     
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  5. Rockin&Rollin

    Rockin&Rollin Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 6, 2011
    Orlando Florida
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    That doctor should be reported fast! That was not only unethical but illegal as well! This is where you can report it ...

    1. File a voluntary Medwatch (www.fda.gov/medwatch) report or call 800-fda-1088
    2. Contact state medical licensing board and file a complaint.
    3. Contact the state health dept.
    4. Contact the State Attorney General's Office and file a complaint against their business.
     
  6. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

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    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
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    Doc sampling the medical MJ?
     
  7. tenaciousbibi

    tenaciousbibi Bobtail Member

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    Feb 25, 2011
    Detroit, MI
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    Thanks for your advice, guys. :) I am definitely going to be filing a complaint. This is a whole lot of headache that I shouldn't have to be worrying about. Should be focused on studying the pre-trip inspection steps, not researching HER mistakes. *Just breathe* :p

    In the yard this week!

    Brooke
     
    Thatswiftguy Thanks this.
  8. chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    Jul 22, 2010
    Houston,Texas
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    That is such bull....... Lasik was just approved for astronauts and fighter pilots. ( last couple of years ) and she's saying you can't drive a truck?

    And the hits just keep coming.........
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 13, 2011
  9. cj8

    cj8 Light Load Member

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    Sep 11, 2006
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    I've been thinking about getting lasik. Nice to know if I get it I can still keep my cdl!
     
  10. ghar

    ghar Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2010
    laurel, md
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    your right.
     
  11. end of the road

    end of the road Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 4, 2010
    Northern Canada
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    I was going to get laser eye surgery until I learned it wasn't going to make eyes lasers.
     
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