PRK on the Gubment's dime

[DSL1990]

Looks like it's a way to cater to lifers. Doesn't sound like an innately bad idea at all.

If all bases are covered, it will be yet another sweet deal to look forward to. As if BAH, free PRK surgery, and STA-21 weren't sweet enough. Those are just the things which I have benefited from personally (or planning to benefit from, in the case of STA-21).

how do you get "free" PRK surgery outside of a service academy?

 

[LivinMyDream]

how do you get "free" PRK surgery outside of a service academy?

You get on active duty.

 

[SkywardET]

how do you get "free" PRK surgery outside of a service academy?

It is offered free to active duty under certain conditions (such as time left at a particular duty station). I am guessing it is used as a way of keeping up doctor's proficiency with it as well as offering a huge morale boost and medical benefit to its recipients.

I was offered it prior to Christmas stand-down in 2006 because at the time I had more than 18 months left to serve at my command, was over 21, and didn't have any disqualifiers (medically or otherwise). It was done at an Army clinic and on the forms it asked whether I was a combat troop, combat auxiliary, or support. That was the order of priority to recipients. Obviously most Sailors count as support.

 

[usmarinemike]

I started the process when the program was in its infancy. There were only two excimer lasers used for PRK in the whole Navy at the time so the lines were long for a Pfc like me. I kept on it though, and the supply pretty much caught up with the demand. Every servicemember that qualifies medically for it should be able to get it. Hell, I think it should be required. They spend an equivalent amount of money and much more time working miracles getting everybody to class I dental readiness when they first come in, why not class I visual, too?

 

[eddie]

They spend an equivalent amount of money and much more time working miracles getting everybody to class I dental readiness when they first come in, why not class I visual, too?

If they can shorten the full healing process, maybe.

Then again, it's eyes. I feel like it's hard to make teeth worse...

 

[Schnugg]

1. Be on active duty.

2. Timing, timing, timing...no upcoming deploymehts, not in a ready status, etc...

3. Have a supportive command willing to give you the convalescent time you need.

4. Submit paperwork, get evaluated for procedure, get in line based on needs of the Navy.

 

[skim]

Gubment??

 

[eddie]

Gubment??

That thing that took all of your money seven days ago...

 

[skim]

actually, they gave me money back. Givement?