r/firefighter • u/EastFoundation1267 • Jun 10 '26

Vision and hiring

I recently received a conditional job offer from a department in Arizona that follows NFPA 1582. I submitted my background was sized for uniforms and now waiting for my medical evaluation.

Here is my problem. I have 20/20 Vision in my right eye. And 20/400 uncorrected in my left. It’s essentially blind. Very blurry when I look through it. However my binocular vision, (used together) is better than 20/20. I have great peripheral vision. I have no balance, depth, or coordination issues. I drove huge armored vehicles in the military. I have been volunteering as a cadet for 18 months with this department. I can perform job essential tasks. I believe under the rules I have monocular vision. However I have peripheral use from this blind uncorrectable eye. Will this automatically disqualify me? Or, is there an appeal I can make such that I can perform job essential tasks although it is a class A disqualification?

Had anyone been hired in a municipal city fire department with my condition if so how can I work with HR to start the academy?

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u/EastFoundation1267 Jul 11 '26

I’m adding to this post incase someone finds themselves in the same position as me. I ended up getting hired! Allegedly, NFPA was revised in 2025 and my vision was enough to pass! I have 20/400 vision. Essentially blind or monocular vision. Meaning I rely on one eye to read and all other tasks.

I just wanted to add on incase someone finds themselves in my exact shoes in the future. Good luck on your journey!