Expert: Lian Shoemake - 2/19/2007

Question
Hi.  I want to box, but I don't see 100% clearly.  I wear glasses, but I can see up close.  I wasn't sure if this would automatically disqualify me from getting a boxing license.  I have actually sparred twice in the gym and I seemed to see okay.  Thanks for your time.  

Answer
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the question.
You would have to pass a pre-bout physical to participate in an amateur contest, and that physical includes a vision-testing component. What you really need to do, it seems, is get an actual eye exam by an optometrist or opthamologist to learn the depth and cause of your vision problems. That obviously falls into an area outside of my expertise. However, a doctor can suspend your boxing license (passbook) for medical reasons if he or she detects a medical problem while examining you.

I hope this helps, Matt.
Thanks again for writing!
Regards,
Lian