when to get PRK?

[hai24]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading up on airwarriors a lot, but this is finally my first post.

My application for NFO for OCC-195/PLC-Comb is almost complete, and I have a confusion about PRK. I know that the Marine Corps requires a 6-month recovery period after PRK is performed.

Does it also require that PRK be performed and approved before entering OCS, or can that procedure be done after OCS? I'm trying to get a timeline as to when if/when I should get PRK done, and what class I should submit the application for. My vision is 20/50 right eye and 20/200 left eye. I spoke to my OSO about this, and it seems like he's unsure about it. Just thought I could consult more sources who'd know better, maybe someone who's been in this situation.

Thanks all,
Mui

 

[Mustang83]

You can get PRK done anytime as long as it fufills some requirements. The Marine Corps needs three months of follow-ups with your doctor to prove your eyes have stabilized, not six as you mentioned. Second, this will require paperwork that must be done well in advance to your commissioning date. They accepted you into the PLC/OCC program as you are. PRK counts as voluntary surgery, highly frowned upon, but not unallowed, by the Marine Corps for canidate applicants.

I am an NFO contract and got my surgery after commissioning but prior to TBS. That was a horrible idea, but it worked out. I got my ass chewed and had a mountain of paper work and pissed people to deal with to get it done. Do it before your a canidate, easiest route by far.

 

[hai24]

Not that I don't believe you, but where can I confirm that the Marine Corps needs 3 months of follow-ups and not 6?

I spoke to my OSO and he recommended that I get PRK after OCS/commissioning, as the Corps will pay for it. Sounds like I'd be saving a good 3-5 grand if I did it this way. Will I run into any trouble other than paperwork if I went this route?

I assume by: "They accepted you into the PLC/OCC program as you are" you mean that a candidate can be selected to OCC with a NFO/flight contract whether "correctable to 20/20" vision was corrected or not yet.

 

[mts4602]

So if you want become a pilot/nfo but need PRK done to meet the requirements, when should you talk to a recruiter? After you've had the surgery done and the 3 or 6 months have passed or before?

Matt

 

[Slammer2]

I would talk to a recruiter ASAP. Theres certain pre-op requirements that the Navy wants to see, and also they want to see some info about the surgery afterwards. The Flight Doctor down in Pensacola told me that sometimes doctors dont like to release certain records... so I would just go talk to a recruiter first to see what all is needed so you can do it right from the start.

 

[Jeff29]

I spoke to my OSO and he recommended that I get PRK after OCS/commissioning, as the Corps will pay for it. Sounds like I'd be saving a good 3-5 grand if I did it this way. Will I run into any trouble other than paperwork if I went that route?

If you do it after comissioning, you may not have enough time to jump through all the hoops before selecting your MOS at TBS. Also, if you haven't signed your life away to the Corps yet, getting surgery now would allow you to get a guaranteed pilot slot through PLC.

 

[MotoZuki]

Jeff29,

Very interested in what you've said about getting PRK done prior to commissioning. I've been pro-rec'd for SNA and have slight myopia. Totally correctable w/ PRK. They may final select me even with my not-so-bad vision, however, I'd still like to have PRK done so I won't have to worry down the line (fix it and forget it). My question is:

Is it allowable for me to get PRK now (prior to commissioning) and not have to completely reapply to OCS? Also, what is PLC?

Thanks,
Moto

 

[Lonestar]

Mui: I don't believe you can go to OCC pending a PRK waiver. If you did the PRK today you would need at minimum three months before you can submit for a wiaver. It is fabled to take another three months to get it approved. You won't be able to go to 195 with this timeline

MotoZuki: PLC is a Marine commissioning program for college students.