The FMCSA Vision Exemption Program is for monocular vision. The vision exemption is issued for a maximum of 2 years and is renewable.
The driver must be otherwise qualified under 49 CFR 391.41(b)(1-13) or hold another valid medical exemption to legally operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Provisions of the vision exemption include an annual medical examination and an eye examination by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
At the annual recertification examination, the driver should present the current vision exemption and a copy of the specialist eye examination report. Certify the qualified driver for 1 year and issue a medical examiner's certificate with the "accompanied by" exemption checkbox marked and write "vision" to identify the type of Federal exemption.
The motor carrier is responsible for ensuring that the driver has the required documentation before driving a commercial vehicle. The driver is responsible for carrying both the vision exemption and the medical examiner's certificate while driving and keeping both current.