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LASIK/PRK

S

skibum

Member
I've been trying to use the search function to find threads on this, but I think search may be broken. It keeps turning up with an error. Maybe it's just me.

As someone with their package still at board, I'm massively putting the cart before the horse, but I was curious if any 1820/1830 (or any other designators that likely aren't deemed "high priority") has had their LASIK/PRK covered by the Navy. What was the process like? How long did it take to get the operation after you first expressed interest? I have a minor prescription (-1.25 in both eyes), but I'd like to never wear glasses again.
 
skibum said:
I've been trying to use the search function to find threads on this, but I think search may be broken. It keeps turning up with an error. Maybe it's just me.

As someone with their package still at board, I'm massively putting the cart before the horse, but I was curious if any 1820/1830 (or any other designators that likely aren't deemed "high priority") has had their LASIK/PRK covered by the Navy. What was the process like? How long did it take to get the operation after you first expressed interest? I have a minor prescription (-1.25 in both eyes), but I'd like to never wear glasses again.
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In short yes, but you may have to wait as you won’t be prioritized compared to others who may need it due to their job (ie naval aviators). You also need command approval and similarly, if you’re in an operational command might not have the support to get it done right away. Below is the form you’ll fill out:


As an IW Officer you’ll likely be a priority level 3 or 4.

When you do your annual eye exam with the military that is when you can request an eye consult, assuming your eyes are eligible/candidate.
 
skibum said:
I've been trying to use the search function to find threads on this, but I think search may be broken. It keeps turning up with an error. Maybe it's just me.

As someone with their package still at board, I'm massively putting the cart before the horse, but I was curious if any 1820/1830 (or any other designators that likely aren't deemed "high priority") has had their LASIK/PRK covered by the Navy. What was the process like? How long did it take to get the operation after you first expressed interest? I have a minor prescription (-1.25 in both eyes), but I'd like to never wear glasses again.
Click to expand...
Similar Rx to you in one of my eyes. I wear glasses in the cockpit.

It's very straightforward to get the procedure done once you're in. In Pensacola, talk to flight doc who sends you to the eye doc who sends you to the surgeon.

Unlike the civilian side, where you need to wait 6 months post op for an entry/NAMI waiver, once you're in, the wait times are exponentially shorter. If you have a long wait time in Pcola, do it there. Otherwise, you can likely get command approval in between training commands/PCS.

Personally, I opted not to get surgery due to potential side effects that could arise from a purely aesthetic procedure. I'd recommend trying to fly with glasses, and if you hate it, the door is always open to get corrective surgery.
 
skibum said:
I've been trying to use the search function to find threads on this, but I think search may be broken. It keeps turning up with an error. Maybe it's just me.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately the search engine won't search for things with terms 3 characters or less. It's annoying, which is why we just suggest using Google.

Mouselovr said:
In Pensacola, talk to flight doc
Click to expand...

Um...

skibum said:
but I was curious if any 1820/1830... designators...
Click to expand...
 
Mouselovr said:
Similar Rx to you in one of my eyes. I wear glasses in the cockpit.

It's very straightforward to get the procedure done once you're in. In Pensacola, talk to flight doc who sends you to the eye doc who sends you to the surgeon.

Unlike the civilian side, where you need to wait 6 months post op for an entry/NAMI waiver, once you're in, the wait times are exponentially shorter. If you have a long wait time in Pcola, do it there. Otherwise, you can likely get command approval in between training commands/PCS.

Personally, I opted not to get surgery due to potential side effects that could arise from a purely aesthetic procedure. I'd recommend trying to fly with glasses, and if you hate it, the door is always open to get corrective surgery.
Click to expand...

OP isn’t pursuing aviation. He was just asking overall once commissioned as a non 13XX.
 
Gatordev said:
Um...
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FormerRecruitingGuru said:
OP isn’t pursuing aviation. He was just asking overall once commissioned as a non 13XX.
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Edit* I’m a dummy who did not read and used to answering SNA/NFO posts.

Going to leave my original answer for laughs/info.
———
For OP, once you’re in, talk to a REGULAR doctor to get the ball rolling. Should be the same process minus all the aviation hoops I listed above.
 
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