By Lawrence 
Date 07-13-2010 19:38
Edited 07-13-2010 19:42
The only AWS code that deals with "Welder" vision requirements is D17.1 Aerospace Fusion Welding spec.
"4.2.1 Physical Requirements. Welders and welding
operators shall have vision acuity of 20/30 or better in
either eye, and shall be able to read the Jeager No. 2 Eye
Chart at 16 in. Natural or corrected vision may be used to
achieve eye test requirements..."
Edit:
David... I keep a selection of Cheaters (mangifying lenses) in the lab.. from 1.5 to 2.5... When I see students struggeling and it's obvious they can't see what they are doing.. I will let them try out the cheaters... It can be a real epiphany to suddenly be able to see the puddle clearly... They are only a couple of bucks each.
Even experienced welders often don't think about vision getting worse over the years. They just think.. "I used to be able to do this and now I can't"
My suggestion is the same as jrw159's