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BUMED PRK Question

Dive_pilot

New Member
INTRODUCTION: I'm a recent graduate from the University of Florida looking to commission in the Marine Corps via OCC. I began the whole process back in Jan and hit a snag last month at my flight physical when my left eye which was already borderline (20/40 at MEPS) was out of standards. Talk about a kick to the nuts after my package was ready to go before the board. Anyhow I'm a longtime lurker on these forums and wanted to say hi and give some background info before going into my question.

RELEVANT STUFF: I sprung out to setup a prk surgery date which is scheduled for this Wednesday. I talked to my OSO before deciding to take the prk route and he informed me that I would need to have my paperwork from my consultation sent to BUMED for approval. I gave him the paperwork back on Apr 14th and even had him resubmit it to BUMED via fax around 3 weeks ago but still have heard nothing back. Is there anything I can do to get an answer or see what criteria BUMED will make the decision on? I understand the waiver process takes a long time and would hate to reschedule the surgery, or have it and find out that it was not approved and that I cannot even be a Marine officer. Thanks for any input.
 

jtmedli

Well-Known Member
pilot
I was in the same boat as you are. As long as you meet the requirements ( 20/40 astigmatism < -1.00 in each eye after surgery) then you will get approved. Look them up online and make sure your surgeon and consulting doctor understand that you have to meet them for your future USMC career. They will be able to advise you further.

FYI...I paid for my own PRK and still not sure how BUMED waiver process goes.
 

nugget61

Active Member
pilot
...had him resubmit it to BUMED via fax around 3 weeks ago but still have heard nothing back. Is there anything I can do to get an answer or see what criteria BUMED will make the decision on?...

I had to wait 5 weeks to hear back from them to wait 6 months post op, not 3.
 

Dive_pilot

New Member
Thanks for the replies. I ended up postponing even though I know I'll meet the requirements after the surgery. I didn't want to rock the boat by getting it done without that "ok". I suppose I just need to have faith and give it some more time although the wait is killer.
 
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