The Eyes have it - All things Vision-related

[TF7325]

So I’ve got 20/20 but a slight astigmatism. -0.50 in my left eye and -0.25 in my right eye. I only wear my glasses when driving/ flying at night. It’s not even on my license that I need them nor my aviation medical. I know I’m good when it comes to SNA limits but my question is. Does the navy issue you a new prescription/ glasses or can you rock your civilian ones lol

They’ll issue you a few pairs that will fit underneath your helmet.

 

[Gatordev]

I only wear my glasses when driving/ flying at night.

Why do you do this? Is it so you can, so you can see the light...?

 

[cgoss99]

Why do you do this? Is it so you can, so you can see the light...?

so I can taxi…without askin for progressive taxi, damn airport lighting ?

 

[wink]

As you age, night vision is usually the first vision impairment. Rods, the night vision receptor in the eye, age faster than the cones. Years ago I complained to my AME about the poor lighting in the MD-80. I could read fine in the day light, but under cockpit lighting I was straining. He said it was just my eyes aging. Sure enough, I ended up with bifocals for farsightedness. "Brightened" up the cockpit.

 

[cgoss99]

As you age, night vision is usually the first vision impairment. Rods, the night vision receptor in the eye, age faster than the cones. Years ago I complained to my AME about the poor lighting in the MD-80. I could read fine in the day light, but under cockpit lighting I was straining. He said it was just my eyes aging. Sure enough, I ended up with bifocals for farsightedness. "Brightened" up the cockpit.

Basically the same run down I was given except I was told I’m ever so slightly nearsighted. So slight that it’s unnoticeable unless it’s night !

 

[hkairalla]

SNA select just graduated from NROTC. I was recommended for a waiver for an Optic Nerve drusen but was denied. Is there anything else to do or is it a SWO life for me.

 

[ea6bflyr]

SNA select just graduated from NROTC. I was recommended for a waiver for an Optic Nerve drusen but was denied. Is there anything else to do or is it a SWO life for me.

I'm not an eye doc, but the waiver guide is pretty clear: link

WAIVER: ODD is considered disqualifying for all aviation duty. Waivers may be considered for applicants on a case-by-case basis provided the member has no other optic nerve pathology, no significant visual field loss (mildly enlarged blind spot typically is not significant), and otherwise meets the visual standards appropriate for his or her duty. Waivers for designated members will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

[Rycast]

I have 20/15 vision in both eyes. However, a doc previously found an "eye scar" and gave me a waiver. After getting it checked out, it turned out to be Salzmann Nodular Degeneration. I had the nodule removed. NAMI disqualified me, even after seeing two opthamologists (one a flight surgeon and one a corneal specialist) who said I should be good to go for a waiver. Is there any path forward? My recruiter says I'm done.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I have 20/15 vision in both eyes. However, a doc previously found an "eye scar" and gave me a waiver. After getting it checked out, it turned out to be Salzmann Nodular Degeneration. I had the nodule removed. NAMI disqualified me, even after seeing two opthamologists (one a flight surgeon and one a corneal specialist) who said I should be good to go for a waiver. Is there any path forward? My recruiter says I'm done.

People always assume waivers are automatically approved, which is never the case. While Navy/NAMI will review the records including recommendations from specialists, it’s up to them to make the final decision.

Also, you’re 32? For Navy that age is DQ.

 

[Citation3]

Good afternoon. I'd like to ask a question for a friend.

My friend's son is working his way through the USNA appointment process. His long term goal is to get into aviation. She told me today that her son has some color recognition issues seeing browns and greens.

Will the color recognition issues forbid him from a future in aviation as a pilot? Would it not be an issue if he tried the WSO route?

Any insight would be appreciated to pass along to her.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Good afternoon. I'd like to ask a question for a friend.

My friend's son is working his way through the USNA appointment process. His long term goal is to get into aviation. She told me today that her son has some color recognition issues seeing browns and greens.

Will the color recognition issues forbid him from a future in aviation as a pilot? Would it not be an issue if he tried the WSO route?

Any insight would be appreciated to pass along to her.

“Your friend’s son” will do an eye exam and the results of that might impact the ability to serve in certain officer designators / job.

 

[Citation3]

“Your friend’s son” will do an eye exam and the results of that might impact the ability to serve in certain officer designators / job.

Fair enough answer. I’ll pass it along and thanks for the time to respond.

 

[Mouselovr]

“Your friend’s son” will do an eye exam and the results of that might impact the ability to serve in certain officer designators / job.

Will do an eye exam, then another and another and another just to double-triple-quadruple check.

He will know very quickly on the first exam if he is eligible for service or not.

 

[sevenhelmet]

Fair enough answer. I’ll pass it along and thanks for the time to respond.

Any measurable color-vision deficiency is likely NPQ, so it's either waiverable, or it isn't, but be wary of anyone telling you it's OK for service. NAMI is infamous for booting otherwise healthy recruits for far less than this sounds like. If his color-vision is waiverable, get an opinion from NAMI or MEPS, and in writing.

 

[Flash]

Good afternoon. I'd like to ask a question for a friend.

My friend's son is working his way through the USNA appointment process. His long term goal is to get into aviation. She told me today that her son has some color recognition issues seeing browns and greens.

Will the color recognition issues forbid him from a future in aviation as a pilot? Would it not be an issue if he tried the WSO route?

Any insight would be appreciated to pass along to her.

I would recommend what I always do for an applicant who has questions about their eyes, have them see an ophthalmologist. If they have any specific queries take along the relevant parts of the Aeromedical Reference and Waiver Guide, there is a section specific to ophthalmology, and ask the doc to see if they have possible issues.

That is by no means foolproof as they aren't the Navy, though if you can find a former military doc that might be more helpful, but it might give folks a decent idea if they do have any issues that may crop up when doing the military medical stuff.