PRK while enlisted

[crazyaviatrix]

Does anyone have any idea who I need to speak to about doing PRK? I'm currently enlisted and on hold waiting on "A" school. I went to MEPS looking to be a pilot but my vision is 20/50 in my left eye. I was told I qualified for NFO but I wanted to be the driver. Because of my age and the wait time required after surgery it was suggested I enlist because it will push the age limit from 27 to 29 for prior service. I have no problem paying for PRK myself but I've been told I can't do anything in student status. My chain of command is pretty much clueless about who to do or who to talk to. Can anyone point me in the right direction so I can have a plan of action for cutting through the Navy's red tape?

 

[BrandonJ1780]

There's a good chance PRK in A-School won't happen; I was told the same thing, and waited until I'd done a little time at my next station to put in for it.
First, I went to the NNMC (National Naval Medical Center) Eye Clinic website--they've got a consult form on there for you to print out and take to your on-base eye doctor to get the ball rolling. Get an eye appt with him, have him fill it out, and if he says you're good to go, you'll need to run a special request chit up...When I did mine, I included a memo explaining why I wanted the procedure--it's elective, and for my rate blazingly good eyesight isn't a job requirement, so you want to try and score the best priority level you can. I was still on the list for a solid 7 months, but that's alot better than some...If your CoC approves your chit, once you get the signed form back, you fax it to NNMC (or San Diego, or wherever your command says), and you're put on their list. I know at NNMC now, the list is ridiculous...Just had another guy try to get on, and they told him the wait is up to 2 years. Sounds crazy, but I think it's pretty standard...Likely not what you wanted to hear, but that's the process in a nutshell. Go ahead and try when you're able, but also explore financing the procedure yourself. You'll still need permission, but the wait time to get the surgery done will undoubtedly be less...Weigh your options, and research them into the ground.

 

[crazyaviatrix]

Thanks for the advice, I'll go check it out. What is your rate? I have been quoted $2100 an eye to pay for it myself which is manageable I just need permission.