In commercial transportation, vision standards aren’t just a medical formality, they’re central to safety and job eligibility. As of 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial drivers to meet updated visual performance benchmarks during their DOT physical exam. These rules aim to reduce risk on the road while also modernizing how drivers with certain vision conditions are evaluated.
At MedPhysicals Plus, we perform DOT physicals at our clinics in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla. We help both drivers and employers navigate the latest FMCSA requirements with confidence and efficiency.
Current FMCSA Vision Standards
To qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), drivers must meet specific vision criteria. These include having 20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a horizontal field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. Drivers must also be able to distinguish red, green, and amber, which is essential for interpreting traffic signals and ensuring safe vehicle operation.
These standards must be verified during the DOT physical exam. According to the American Optometric Association, protecting and maintaining eye health through regular exams is essential, as untreated vision issues can impair performance and increase the risk of injury, especially for those in safety-sensitive occupations like commercial driving.
This focus on visual fitness reflects a broader shift in DOT physical requirements, which increasingly prioritize individualized medical evaluations over blanket disqualifications. For drivers evaluated under newer vision standards, such as those with monocular vision, employers are now responsible for conducting road tests.
Preparing for the DOT Vision Exam
To avoid delays or disqualification, drivers should come prepared. This means bringing corrective lenses if used, recent eye exam records if applicable, a note from an optician or their personal physician if there are any medical conditions that need to be clarified, and the completed MCSA-5871 form if required. Routine vision care is highly recommended, especially for drivers managing conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 93 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only half have visited an eye doctor in the past year. For commercial drivers, this can mean the difference between a passed or failed physical and continued employment.
How Vision Standards Affect Employers
Employers must ensure their internal policies account for these revised standards, especially when hiring drivers with nontraditional medical qualifications. Candidates who were previously disqualified due to monocular vision may now be eligible, provided their evaluations and road tests are properly documented.
For employers operating in Alaska, this is especially important, as state-specific transportation laws must be considered alongside federal guidelines. Proper recordkeeping is essential, particularly during DOT audits, where incomplete files can result in penalties.
Keeping drivers medically certified is not only a legal obligation but also a long-term investment in workforce stability and risk reduction. Regular exams help minimize absenteeism, insurance claims, and turnover across transportation-based operations.
DOT Physicals at MedPhysicals Plus
DOT vision standards are evolving, and staying compliant requires more than just showing up. Whether you’re renewing a CDL, onboarding a new driver, or adapting to FMCSA updates, MedPhysicals Plus makes it easy to meet every requirement accurately and on time.
Our certified medical examiners in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla are trained in the 2025 standards, including vision evaluations and documentation support.
Let’s keep your drivers certified, your fleet compliant, and Alaska’s roads safe.