What eyesight do you need to be a police officer?
Not perfect eyesight, but good corrected vision and a reasonable unaided baseline.
Every Australian police force tests your vision as part of the pre-employment medical. You don't need 20/20 eyesight without glasses. What forces want is clear vision once corrected (usually 6/6 with both eyes), a minimum level without your glasses so you can function if they're knocked off, adequate colour vision, and stable eyes after any surgery.
Glasses
OK
in every force
Contacts
OK
12-hour wear in Vic and AFP
Laser surgery
3 months
typical minimum wait
Colour blind
Maybe
mild deutan often accepted
Five forces publish full numeric standards: Victoria, Queensland, WA, Tasmania and the AFP. SA's figures are only visible to us through search summaries, the NT publishes general wording, and NSW's own medical guidelines aren't public. For NSW we use the vision form its medical provider has published, which may be out of date.
Eyesight standards in every force
Here's each force's published standard side by side. "Unconfirmed" marks figures from a secondary source or a search summary rather than the force's own page.
- Distance acuity
- Commercial driving medical standard unconfirmed
- Near
- N9 unconfirmed
- Colour vision
- Ishihara; 4+ errors referred to UNSW; protan defect unlikely to proceed unconfirmed
- Laser surgery
- Ophthalmologist report likely needed; no period stated unconfirmed
- Distance acuity
- 6/9 each eye and 6/6 both eyes (unaided, or with current glasses or contacts)
- Near
- N8
- Colour vision
- Ishihara 24; 3+ errors means further tests; mild deutan judged individually; protan unsuitable
- Laser surgery
- More than 3 months after LASIK, LASEK, PRK or SMILE
- Distance acuity
- Corrected 6/6 both eyes and 6/9 better eye; uncorrected at least 6/36
- Near
- Corrected N8
- Colour vision
- Ishihara 24; 4+ errors fails, then further testing
- Laser surgery
- 3 months after LASIK or LASEK
- Distance acuity
- Unaided 6/9 better eye and 6/18 other; else soft contacts to 6/6 both or 6/9 each
- Near
- Not stated
- Colour vision
- Not stated on official pages
- Laser surgery
- Not stated
- Distance acuity
- 6/9 or better; 6/18 or better in the worse eye unconfirmed
- Near
- Not found
- Colour vision
- Only mild deutan accepted unconfirmed
- Laser surgery
- Not found
- Distance acuity
- 6/9 or better both eyes, with or without correction
- Near
- N8
- Colour vision
- Must pass Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15
- Laser surgery
- 3 months after LASIK or LASEK; 6 months after PRK
- Distance acuity
- Corrected vision 'within parameters' (no figures published)
- Near
- Not published
- Colour vision
- Case by case
- Laser surgery
- Not published
- Distance acuity
- Unaided 6/36 each eye and both; corrected 6/6 both and 6/9 each
- Near
- N8
- Colour vision
- Protan fails for police; deutan passing D-15 likely OK
- Laser surgery
- At least 3 months (some cases 6)
| Force | Distance acuity | Near | Colour vision | Laser surgery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Police | Commercial driving medical standard unconfirmed | N9 unconfirmed | Ishihara; 4+ errors referred to UNSW; protan defect unlikely to proceed unconfirmed | Ophthalmologist report likely needed; no period stated unconfirmed |
| Victoria Police | 6/9 each eye and 6/6 both eyes (unaided, or with current glasses or contacts) | N8 | Ishihara 24; 3+ errors means further tests; mild deutan judged individually; protan unsuitable | More than 3 months after LASIK, LASEK, PRK or SMILE |
| QPS | Corrected 6/6 both eyes and 6/9 better eye; uncorrected at least 6/36 | Corrected N8 | Ishihara 24; 4+ errors fails, then further testing | 3 months after LASIK or LASEK |
| WA Police | Unaided 6/9 better eye and 6/18 other; else soft contacts to 6/6 both or 6/9 each | Not stated | Not stated on official pages | Not stated |
| SAPOL | 6/9 or better; 6/18 or better in the worse eye unconfirmed | Not found | Only mild deutan accepted unconfirmed | Not found |
| Tasmania Police | 6/9 or better both eyes, with or without correction | N8 | Must pass Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15 | 3 months after LASIK or LASEK; 6 months after PRK |
| NT Police | Corrected vision 'within parameters' (no figures published) | Not published | Case by case | Not published |
| AFP | Unaided 6/36 each eye and both; corrected 6/6 both and 6/9 each | N8 | Protan fails for police; deutan passing D-15 likely OK | At least 3 months (some cases 6) |
WA and SA did not state near-vision rules in the pages we could read. 'Not published' means we found nothing, not that there's no standard.
The headline difference is the unaided minimum. Queensland and the AFP accept unaided vision as low as 6/36 if it corrects well, while WA wants 6/9 in your better eye unaided, unless you wear soft contact lenses. If you have quite poor uncorrected vision, that's the number to check first.
What do 6/6, 6/9 and N8 mean?
Visual acuity is written as a fraction. The top number is the testing distance in metres (6), and the bottom is the distance at which a person with normal vision could read the same line. So 6/6 is normal distance vision, 6/9 is slightly below, and 6/36 means you see at 6 metres what a typical person sees at 36.
6/6
- What it means
- Normal distance vision (equivalent to 20/20)
- Where it's used
- Corrected, both eyes: Vic, QLD, WA (contacts), AFP
6/9
- What it means
- Slightly below normal
- Where it's used
- Each eye in Vic and the AFP; better eye unaided in WA; both eyes in Tasmania
6/18
- What it means
- Moderately reduced
- Where it's used
- WA's unaided minimum for the weaker eye
6/36
- What it means
- Significantly reduced
- Where it's used
- Unaided minimum in Queensland and the AFP
N8
- What it means
- Ability to read small print at reading distance
- Where it's used
- Vic, QLD, Tasmania, AFP
| Measure | What it means | Where it's used |
|---|---|---|
| 6/6 | Normal distance vision (equivalent to 20/20) | Corrected, both eyes: Vic, QLD, WA (contacts), AFP |
| 6/9 | Slightly below normal | Each eye in Vic and the AFP; better eye unaided in WA; both eyes in Tasmania |
| 6/18 | Moderately reduced | WA's unaided minimum for the weaker eye |
| 6/36 | Significantly reduced | Unaided minimum in Queensland and the AFP |
| N8 | Ability to read small print at reading distance | Vic, QLD, Tasmania, AFP |
"Binocular" means both eyes together and "monocular" means each eye separately. Several forces set both, so a strong eye can't fully make up for a weak one. Ask your optometrist to record each eye and both eyes, with and without correction, so you can compare your numbers with your force's standard.
Can you wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Every force that publishes a standard tests corrected vision, so glasses or contacts are fine as long as you meet the corrected level and any unaided minimum. A few forces add practical conditions, because officers need to function in rain, fights and long shifts.
Correction rules forces publish
- ✓ AFP: glasses must be polycarbonate, with written proof; contacts must be wearable for up to 12 hours.
- ✓ Victoria: contacts must be wearable for 12 hours, and you must keep current-prescription glasses. No monovision (one eye for distance, one for near) and no multifocal contacts.
- ✓ WA: if your unaided vision is below standard, you must be able to wear soft contact lenses, with a history of 10-hour tolerance. Glasses aren't mentioned as an alternative.
- ✓ NSW (provider form): anyone needing correction must own coated polycarbonate glasses, even if they plan to wear contacts on duty.
- ✓ Queensland: glasses or contacts are both acceptable.
Victoria also wants you to meet the national commercial driver vision standard, apart from its unaided requirement. That reflects how much driving the job involves, including at night.
Can you join the police if you're colour blind?
It depends on the type and severity. Police need to describe vehicles, clothing and signals accurately, so colour vision is tested in every published standard. Most forces screen with the Ishihara plates and refer anyone who makes too many errors for further tests such as the Farnsworth D-15.
Victoria
- Screening
- Ishihara 24; 3+ errors means Medmont C100 and Farnsworth D-15
- Who is accepted
- Mild deutan judged individually; moderate or severe deutan and any protan unsuitable
Queensland
- Screening
- Ishihara 24; 4+ errors fails, then further testing and a specialist
- Who is accepted
- Colour-correcting lenses not allowed
Tasmania
- Screening
- Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15
- Who is accepted
- Perfect colour vision, or pass both tests: Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15.
AFP
- Screening
- Optometrist report for any deficiency
- Who is accepted
- Protan fails for police (may be considered for PSO); deutan passing D-15 likely OK; severe of any type fails
SA
- Screening
- Formal testing advised if you know you're affected
- Who is accepted
- Only mild deutan accepted (search summary)
NT
- Screening
- Asked on the application form
- Who is accepted
- Case by case
NSW
- Screening
- Ishihara 24 or 38; 4+ errors referred to UNSW (provider form)
- Who is accepted
- Protan unlikely to proceed
WA
- Screening
- Not stated on official pages
- Who is accepted
- Ask recruiting
| Force | Screening | Who is accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Ishihara 24; 3+ errors means Medmont C100 and Farnsworth D-15 | Mild deutan judged individually; moderate or severe deutan and any protan unsuitable |
| Queensland | Ishihara 24; 4+ errors fails, then further testing and a specialist | Colour-correcting lenses not allowed |
| Tasmania | Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15 | Perfect colour vision, or pass both tests: Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15. |
| AFP | Optometrist report for any deficiency | Protan fails for police (may be considered for PSO); deutan passing D-15 likely OK; severe of any type fails |
| SA | Formal testing advised if you know you're affected | Only mild deutan accepted (search summary) |
| NT | Asked on the application form | Case by case |
| NSW | Ishihara 24 or 38; 4+ errors referred to UNSW (provider form) | Protan unlikely to proceed |
| WA | Not stated on official pages | Ask recruiting |
"Deutan" and "protan" are the two kinds of red-green deficiency. Deutan (green-weak) is the most common and, when mild, is often accepted. Protan (red-weak) makes red lights appear darker, which matters for driving and identifying signals, and it's generally unsuitable for police roles. Tinted or colour-correcting lenses aren't allowed during testing.
If you know you're colour blind, get a formal test from an optometrist before you apply, so you know your type and severity.
Can you join the police after laser eye surgery?
Yes. Laser surgery is common among applicants and every force that addresses it accepts it after a waiting period. The wait lets your vision stabilise and lets any complications show.
Victoria
- Waiting period
- More than 3 months after LASIK, LASEK, PRK or SMILE, with stable acuity on two tests at least 21 days apart
- Other conditions
- Radial keratotomy excluded; lens implants and clear lens extraction need more than 6 months
Queensland
- Waiting period
- 3 months after LASIK or LASEK, plus a report from your treating doctor
Tasmania
- Waiting period
- 3 months after LASIK or LASEK; 6 months after PRK
- Other conditions
- Radial keratotomy, retinal detachment and glaucoma assessed case by case
AFP
- Waiting period
- At least 3 months (6 in some cases); treating doctor's report if surgery was in the last 6 months
- Other conditions
- History of retinal detachment or radial keratotomy excluded, even if repaired
NSW
- Waiting period
- An ophthalmologist report is likely to be needed (medical provider's form)
- Other conditions
- No waiting period stated
WA, SA, NT
- Waiting period
- Not published in the pages we could read
- Other conditions
- Ask recruiting
| Force | Waiting period | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | More than 3 months after LASIK, LASEK, PRK or SMILE, with stable acuity on two tests at least 21 days apart | Radial keratotomy excluded; lens implants and clear lens extraction need more than 6 months |
| Queensland | 3 months after LASIK or LASEK, plus a report from your treating doctor | – |
| Tasmania | 3 months after LASIK or LASEK; 6 months after PRK | Radial keratotomy, retinal detachment and glaucoma assessed case by case |
| AFP | At least 3 months (6 in some cases); treating doctor's report if surgery was in the last 6 months | History of retinal detachment or radial keratotomy excluded, even if repaired |
| NSW | An ophthalmologist report is likely to be needed (medical provider's form) | No waiting period stated |
| WA, SA, NT | Not published in the pages we could read | Ask recruiting |
If you're planning surgery to meet a standard, time it so you're well past the waiting period when your medical is booked, and keep your surgeon's report. Bring documentation showing your pre-surgery prescription, the procedure, and your post-surgery results. Radial keratotomy, an older procedure, is excluded by Victoria and the AFP.
Don't rush surgery to meet a deadline
Have surgery for the right medical reasons, on your surgeon's advice. If the timing is tight, ask recruiting whether you can defer your medical rather than test too early.
Peripheral vision, depth perception and double vision
Acuity isn't the only test. Officers need wide peripheral vision for driving and situational awareness, depth perception for judging distances, and no double vision. Several forces set specific limits.
Victoria
- Visual field
- Binocular field of 140° horizontal and at least 70° vertical, with no blind spot within 20° of the horizontal (tested if a relevant condition exists)
- Depth and double vision
- Stereopsis of 200 seconds of arc or better; no double vision; no prism lenses
Queensland
- Visual field
- More than 70° each side horizontally and more than 20° above and below
- Depth and double vision
- Stereopsis of 40 seconds of arc on screening; double vision fails
WA
- Visual field
- At least 70° horizontally on each side
- Depth and double vision
- Not stated
Tasmania
- Visual field
- At least 85° either side of horizontal and 20° vertical, no significant blind spots
- Depth and double vision
- Squint over 10 prism dioptres and any double vision excluded
NSW (provider form)
- Visual field
- Yes/no check; any 'no' needs an ophthalmologist report
- Depth and double vision
- Yes/no checks
| Force | Visual field | Depth and double vision |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Binocular field of 140° horizontal and at least 70° vertical, with no blind spot within 20° of the horizontal (tested if a relevant condition exists) | Stereopsis of 200 seconds of arc or better; no double vision; no prism lenses |
| Queensland | More than 70° each side horizontally and more than 20° above and below | Stereopsis of 40 seconds of arc on screening; double vision fails |
| WA | At least 70° horizontally on each side | Not stated |
| Tasmania | At least 85° either side of horizontal and 20° vertical, no significant blind spots | Squint over 10 prism dioptres and any double vision excluded |
| NSW (provider form) | Yes/no check; any 'no' needs an ophthalmologist report | Yes/no checks |
Most people never notice these tests because they pass them easily. If you've had an eye injury, a squint, glaucoma or a retinal problem, get a specialist report before your medical so the assessor has what they need.
NSW and Victoria: what's published
NSW Police Force
NSW doesn't publish its Medical Recruitment Guidelines, and its medical pages blocked our reader. The best available detail is a vision assessment form published by its medical provider. That form asks the optometrist or ophthalmologist to check against the commercial driving medical standard, near vision of N9, colour vision with Ishihara plates, fields, depth and stereo. It may be out of date, so treat these as indicative and confirm with NSW recruiting.
Victoria Police
Victoria publishes a full Visual System Medical Standard (updated October 2025). You need 6/9 in each eye and 6/6 with both eyes, unaided or with your current correction, plus N8 near vision. Victoria's process asks you to arrange the test yourself: "Hearing (audiologist), vision (optometrist or ophthalmologist), GP holistic assessment and 5-year history; the applicant pays." See our Victoria joining guide for the full medical stage.
Queensland and WA: what's published
Queensland Police Service
QPS publishes a Health Standards extract (dated November 2025). You need at least 6/9 in the better eye with correction, at least 6/36 uncorrected, and corrected 6/6 with both eyes. Near vision is corrected N8. The test is done through the pre-employment medical screening (PEMS) provider; the cost isn't stated. See the Queensland joining guide.
WA Police Force
WA's recruiting pages state the standard plainly: Medical to standard 'P58'. Vision unaided at least 6/9 in the better eye and 6/18 in the other; contact lens wearers corrected to 6/6 binocular or 6/9 each eye; peripheral vision at least 70 degrees each side. WA sends you the form for a qualified person to complete. Costs for the medical and vision assessment are reimbursed for applicants who reach the final stage. Colour vision and laser surgery aren't mentioned on WA's official pages. See the WA joining guide.
SA and Tasmania: what's published
South Australia Police
SAPOL's eligibility page and medical FAQs blocked direct reading, so we could only see search summaries. They indicate 6/9 or better and 6/18 or better in the worse eye, with only mild deutan colour deficiency accepted. We couldn't confirm whether the worse-eye figure is with or without glasses, or find any laser surgery rule. Ask SAPOL Recruiting to confirm before relying on these figures. See the SA joining guide.
Tasmania Police
Tasmania publishes its Physical Health Standards for Police Applicants (February 2026). You need 6/9 or better with both eyes, with or without correction, and N8 near vision. Seeing with only one eye is excluded. Colour vision must be perfect or you must pass both the Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15. Laser surgery needs three months (LASIK or LASEK) or six months (PRK). See the Tasmania joining guide.
NT Police and the AFP: what's published
NT Police
The NT publishes no numeric vision standard. Its recruiting FAQ says corrected vision within certain parameters is acceptable and colour blindness is assessed case by case, and our data file records the medical step this way: "Against NTPF police medical standards: some conditions are disqualifying, others assessed case by case; corrected vision within parameters is acceptable; colour blindness assessed case by case." The application forms ask about glasses, contacts, colour defects and past eye operations. For specifics, contact NT recruiting. See the NT joining guide.
Australian Federal Police (and ACT Policing)
The AFP publishes Recruitment Health Assessment Standards (January 2026), which we assume also cover ACT Policing since it's an AFP function. Unaided vision must be 6/36 or better in each eye and together; corrected, 6/6 with both eyes and 6/9 in each. Near vision is N8. Blindness in one eye fails. See how to join the AFP.
Weighing up forces?
If one force's vision standard suits you better, our free quiz compares all eight on pay, location, fitness and lifestyle.
How to prepare for the police eye test
Vision problems are among the easiest medical issues to sort out in advance, if you know about them. Get tested before you apply, not after you've passed the exam and fitness test.
- 1
Book an optometrist
Ask for each eye and both eyes, unaided and corrected, near vision, and an Ishihara colour test. Bring your force's standard with you.
- 2
Compare your numbers
Check them against the table above. If you're borderline, ask the optometrist about further tests.
- 3
Sort out correction
Get polycarbonate lenses if your force needs them, and build up to 10–12 hours of contact lens wear if you'll use contacts.
- 4
Gather reports
Collect surgeon or specialist reports for any surgery, injury or eye condition.
- 5
Ask recruiting
If anything is borderline or unpublished, email the force's recruiting team before you apply.
Vision is just one part of the medical. Our police medical requirements guide covers BMI, hearing and health conditions, and the eligibility guide covers every other rule. Worried about something else in your background? See tattoo rules and criminal records.
Check the rest of your physical readiness
Enter your beep test level and push-ups to see which forces' fitness standards you already meet.
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Get told when a force changes its medical standards
Vision and medical standards are revised every year or two, and several forces updated theirs in 2025 and 2026. We'll email you when any force publishes a new standard, plus new intake dates.
- ✓Medical and vision standard updates
- ✓New intakes in all 8 forces
Frequently asked questions
Can you be a police officer if you wear glasses?
Yes, in every force. Most standards test your corrected vision, typically 6/6 with both eyes, and many also set a minimum unaided level. The AFP requires polycarbonate lenses and the ability to wear contacts for up to 12 hours if you use them. WA is the outlier: if your unaided vision is below its standard, you must be able to wear soft contact lenses.
What eyesight do you need to join the police?
Typically 6/6 with both eyes once corrected and 6/9 in each eye, plus near vision of N8. Unaided minimums range from 6/36 (Queensland and the AFP) to 6/9 in the better eye (WA). Victoria wants 6/9 in each eye and 6/6 together, with or without correction. Check your force's own standard.
Can you join the police if you're colour blind?
Sometimes. Mild red-green deficiency of the deutan type is often accepted after further testing: Victoria judges mild deutan individually, SA accepts only mild deutan, and the AFP says deutan that passes the Farnsworth D-15 likely meets its standard. Protan defects are generally unsuitable. Tasmania requires you to pass both the Ishihara and D-15.
How long after laser eye surgery can I join the police?
Usually three months. Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania all set three months after LASIK or LASEK, and the AFP sets at least three months, or six in some cases. Tasmania wants six months after PRK. Victoria also wants stable results on two tests at least 21 days apart. Radial keratotomy is excluded in Victoria and the AFP.
Does the police test your eyes?
Usually you arrange the test. Victoria asks you to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist at your own cost. NSW uses a vision form completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Queensland tests through its pre-employment medical provider. WA reimburses the vision assessment for applicants who reach the final stage.
Can you join the police with one eye?
Not in the forces that address it. Tasmania excludes applicants who see with only one eye, and the AFP says blindness in one eye fails its standard. Victoria and Queensland set minimum acuity for each eye, which rules out monocular vision. If you have reduced vision in one eye, ask the force's medical team before applying.
Can I wear contact lenses in the police?
Yes, with conditions. Victoria and the AFP want you to be able to wear contacts for 12 hours and to keep a pair of current-prescription glasses. Victoria bans monovision (one lens for distance, one for near) and multifocal contacts. WA asks for a history of 10-hour soft lens tolerance.
What is the Ishihara test?
It's the standard colour vision screening test: a book of 24 or 38 plates with coloured dots forming numbers. Forces set an error limit. Victoria refers you for more testing at 3 or more errors; Queensland and NSW at 4 or more. Further tests include the Farnsworth D-15, which asks you to arrange coloured caps in order.
Evidence
Sources and how we checked them
Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.
- Victoria Police: Visual System Medical Standard (PDF, October 2025)
- Victoria Police: Police recruitment process
- QPS Recruiting: QPS Health Standards (Extract), PDF dated 20 November 2025
- Let's Join Forces (WA Police Force): Entry-level officer recruitment process
- Let's Join Forces (WA Police Force): FAQs
- Tasmania Police: Physical Health Standards for Police Applicants (A20/89042, February 2026)
- AFP: Recruitment Health Assessment Standards (PDF, January 2026)
- AFP: Eligibility
- SAPOL: Eligibility — Search summary only; the page blocked direct reading.
- SAPOL: Medical FAQs (PDF) — Search summary only.
- NTPFES: Recruitment FAQ
- NSW Police Vision Assessment form (medical provider, 'Version 8') — Secondary and possibly out of date; NSW Police's own medical pages blocked reading.
Related guides
Joining the police
More in this series
General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.