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Introduction and an eye question

robp0105

New Member
Before I even get to the introduction, there is something very important I would like to say. One thing that simply isn't said enough - to those currently serving and those who have served - is thank you. Thank you for doing your part to let me live in the best country one could possibly ever want to live in. I hope someday in the near future to live up to the high example of those who have come before me.

Now for a brief introduction of myself, and what I would like to accomplish. With some luck and lots of hard work, I'm hoping to attend OCC-202 in October. For the last four years after graduating in the spring of 2005, I have worked in the finance/accounting field. Yeah, it's a great career field, with ample room for growth and income, but for me, the job satisfaction has never been there. What's one to do then? That answer came in the form of realizing #1 I needed a job that impacted more than just myself and #2 I love to fly and have wanted to become a pilot since taking those flying lessons 8 years ago (in a 1964 Taylorcraft - FUN).

Currently, my application is submitted, my MEPS physical is done, and I'll take my PFT and contract on Monday. It's all very exciting. There is one problem, however. If anyone has any information or guidance, I'm all ears!

In March 2008 (before I got bitten by the Marine Aviator bug), I had Lasik surgery. At the time, I didn't realize that PRK even existed as an option. So, I now realize that I'm disqualified from contracting as an aviator. Of course I'm disappointed, but my desire to serve transcends my aviation ambitions - there are still lots of MOS choices that rank high on my wish list, just not as high as aviator. My OSO mentioned that I may be eligible to compete for an open aviation slot once I'm at TBS and already have my commission. Is it possible to get a Lasik waiver as a commission officer that isn't available to candidates? Any help would really be appreciated!

Oh, and before I get yelled at too severly, I have been lurking about and searching the site for several weeks, but haven't yet found any thread that addressed this topic. If there is one I missed in a search, please let me know and I'll look there too.
 

amr88

New Member
Rob, I cant agree with you more in your descesion to get out of the finance feild, Im a junior in college studying finance and decided to put my corprate job offers on hold and go try to fly planes for the Marine Corps. Its all about what makes you happy right?

Ive looked over the waiver guides pretty throughly: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navme...Pages/AeromedicalReferenceandWaiverGuide.aspx

Click Opthalmology and look over "Corneal refractive surgery"

hope this helps
 

robp0105

New Member
Thanks for all the help and the links. Apparently, I'm going to need to work on my search skills a bit more, but the help was great.

I'm certainly not going to give up on flying yet. I'll take some of the information with my on Monday when I meet with my OSO, and see what he has to say. It's encouraging to read stories of others that have had the same surgery (custom wavefront lasik with intralase). Now I'm really glad I went all out and got the extra options on my surgery.
 
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