09/17/2001 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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has received a packet from Riley, Resar & Associates Attorneys at Law that Mr. Gates has hired to represent him. The packet indicates that Mr. Gates does meet North Olmsted vision requirements. Mr. Gates attorney had him tested by two other doctors. Attorney Pat Reily came forward to represent Mr. Gates. Mr. Reily indicated that ophthalmologists as well as his personal doctor have examined Mr. Gates. Each Doctor has indicated that Mr. Gates has 20/20 corrected vision. The material that has been submitted shows a history of Mr. Gates being in the fire fighters forces and his vision ability has never been a hindrance. He has his paramedic certification and has practiced in the field of fire fighting for some time now in Amherst. The Civil Service vision requires an applicant to have 20/20 corrected vision. Mr. Gates private optometrist Dr. Ruh conducted a standard set of tests and found that Mr. Gates has 20/20 binocular vision corrected with contact lens. An ophthalmologist by the name of Dr. Gressel found that Mr. Gates vision was 20/20 binocular corrected with contact lens as well. His opinion is that Mr. Gates stereo acuity would in no way interfere with his ability to function as a firefighter. As far as contact lens Mr. Gates has wore contact lens for 20 years which would entitle him to a contact lens waver. There are letters from his Fire Chief in Amherst, which indicates that his vision has never hindered him in his job. He has received his Firefighter training, paramedic training and is an ambulance driver in Lorain. His client notified NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) They have done studies and by their standards For Visual Acuity: Far visual acuity is at lease 20/30 binocular, corrected is at lease 20/100 binocular for wearers of hard contacts or spectacles. Successful long-term contact lens wearers are not subject to the uncorrected standard. His client contacted other municipalities in the area to find if they had a vision requirement and if so what it was. It was found that Westlake, Bay Village, Avon Lake and Rocky River follow the NFPA 1582 standard. His Clients uncorrected vision is 20/200 by his ophthalmologist. Mr. Gates ophthalmologist indicates that he has been a successful contact lens wearer for 20 years now. The commission's book allows for waivers and this candidate meets those requirements. We ask that this board allow for the waiver. Mr. Farrell questioned what the vision requirements were for Amherst. Mr. Gates indicated that he was not aware of any eye requirements for Amherst. Mr. Farrell questioned Mr. Gates if his vision was tested when hired by Amherst and if so has his vision changed since he started working there. Mr. Gates suggested that he did not remember having a vision test when hired by Amherst. Mr. Farrell questioned if the applicant had changed prescriptions since the North Olmsted doctor examined him. Mr. Gates indicated "no" that he did not think his prescription changed. Mr. Thomay questioned if the assistant fire chief knew if there were any reasons that the vision requirements were set for the fire department. Mr. Kleckan indicated he believed that the fire department just went with the police department requirements. Mr. Thomay questioned the clerk about doctor Hershner being contacted. The clerk reviewed that she tried to notify Dr. Hershner to ask him to be present at tonight's meeting. His secretary indicated he was not available for one week. Mr. Thomay questioned if Mr. Gates would object to Dr. Hershner reevaluating his documents. Mr. Farrell indicated that the board would like to have Dr. Hershner review Mr. Gates doctors documents and if he needs to reexamine Mr. Gates to make a determination he would be available. Mr. Reily suggested that Mr. Hershner be instructed to talk to the ophthalmologist Dr. Ruh. Mr. Dubelko suggested that the current issue is very similar to the issue before the board a few months ago. He recommend that the board get the professionals together to discuss Mr. Gates corrected and uncorrected vision. Once the Doctors agree to what his vision acuity is then the fire chief should be given an opportunity to review the findings and indicate whether or not he wishes to grant the contact lens waiver. Mr. Farrell indicated that he is concerned about Dr. Hershner indicating that Mr. Gates is unable to obtain 20/20 corrected vision if it is only a matter of prescription. Mr. Farrell reviewed that in the past the board has the doctors that have performed the eye exam submit a copy of their files to Dr. Hershner and then he writes an opinion to the board.