Hey I think I need some clarification about the pre-op requirements for PRK my prescrition is as follows:
#s
It says in the guide that refractive error must not exceed -8.00 t0 +3.00(SE) and 3.00 diopters of cylinder
Anisometropia should not exceed 3.50 diopters (using SE for each eye)
What I'm trying to find out is if I'm okay to get the surgury because it look like the cylinder part on my perscription might be out of standards.
My optometrist did say that my vision was correctable but that doesn't mean I meet the Navy's standards for the surgery or does it?
As I was told, and if feddoc doesn't chime in soon I'd send him a PM, but those values are for each eye, not total (I'm assuming that's how you're looking at it and thinking you're not eligible for prk).
You also didn't include your prescription power, which is the refraction. Seeing as how you are, I'd be surprised if you're too far from -1.5, which is well within standards.
What I would do - print out the waiver guide section, get a (free) prk eval and have the doc study the sheet and determine if you are eligible. Just keep in mind that he wants your money, so get copies of all the paperwork they generate and double check it with your regular eye doc. He won't want you to get the surgery, so see if he spots a problem.
I am currently applying for Pilot and NFO in the BDCP, but I have 20/100 in both eyes with slight astigmatism. From what I'm hearing, there's pretty much no way I would be selected for SNA with my vision, so should I just drop the Pilot choice alltogether and not waste the board's time?
Also, I know that soft contact lens waivers are required for SNA, but are they required for NFO as well? I just started wearing soft lens less than a month ago, but if they require the waiver with 6 months paperwork, I might as well just go back to wearing glasses.
You won't be accepted with your
current vision. You can get it fixed on your own dime and apply in 6 months - BDCP pays a ton, so you'll recoup the 4-5k cost of the surgery.
It sounds like you need to decide what your dream job is - if its controlling the plane, it'd be well worth it to get the surgery and get what you want. Once you're in it'll be hard to switch over. If not, then just apply NFO - just know that this'll be your job for a while, so you'd better really want it.
WRT the contacts - the old SCL waiver was for vision worse than 20/40 and you could wear the contacts and still fly (no prk needed), as I understand it. I don't know of a 'new' waiver.