Date: 201812
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: CHO.Airport, VA
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Night
Aircraft: Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Initial Approach
Airspace: Class D CHO
ATC / advisory: TRACON PCT
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Police / Security Involved
Contributing factors: Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: We were on approach to CHO below 10;000 feet and were given direct SIPME which is the FAF. Approximately 18NM SW of SIPME; we were between 8;500-6;000 feet in the descent when I got a flash of blue light from 10-11 o'clock and low below the aircraft light up my window. I glanced down and a second flash occurred right into my eye. I said to the First Officer that I thought we had just had a laser event. I was Pilot Monitoring and immediately advised ATC who asked the direction (I stated 10 o'clock low); distance (I stated close from underneath the aircraft and slightly to the left of our course); color (it was blue) and if there were injuries (I stated no but I was stunned at the moment). The flight continued. We were given a visual to RWY 3 and the First Officer was able to visually acquire the airport earlier than I did. As we continued; I noticed I had a halo visual effect like having looked at a flash bulb when a picture is taken from my left visual field and that it seemed like my vision was a little 'fuzzy' from that side. We configured the aircraft normally; intercepted the ILS approach course and landed without any further incident. I let the aircraft slow and we taxied to the ramp normally. I told the First Officer that I was concerned about the effect on my vision and to pay attention as we taxied into the ramp area. We parked normally; set the brake; [and] ran the Shutdown Checklist. I told the First Officer that I was going to talk to the Tower about sending out EMS or someone after all the passengers had deplaned and were in the terminal. He met the passengers in the door at deplaning. During that time; I explained what had happened; asked the Tower if they could send someone out but only after checking with me and AFTER all passengers had deplaned and left the ramp. I didn't want a bunch of commotion or to worry the passengers. They agreed. After everyone deplaned; an Airport Police Officer came aboard with first responder training. By this time; I had called Dispatch and was talking to the Duty Pilot about the event. I went to the local hospital to have my left eye checked out.Laser pointed at the aircraft while we were in flight on approach outside the final approach fix.Find the person who did this. Frankly; the startle reaction was to look at 'what is that light?' and before you know it; I was looking at a second shot of laser light. It was bright enough my First Officer saw it and it lit up my side. Maybe there's a way to let folks know to try to NOT look if there is a flash of unknown light. Not saying the normal response of attending to the flash will be overcome by that; but maybe it could prevent injury. Since my First Officer was already Pilot Flying; aircraft control wasn't an issue but maybe suggest transfer of controls if the Pilot Flying is lased as I wasn't aware of the effects immediately and I can imagine a scenario where if it were worse it would be better to transfer to the non-affected pilot.


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


Synopsis: CRJ-200 flight crew reported the Captain's vision was affected after being targeted by a laser on approach to CHO airport.