MEPS Refraction Inconsistency

[Foxtrot20]

I was recently pro-rec NFO and generally have pretty bad vision. My prescription from a civ ophthalmologist is -5.00 sphere and -0.75 cylinder. However, at MEPS I'm sure I saw that they put down -7.25 sphere OD/OS and -1.00 cylinder after using the machine there. That would put me at -8.25 diopters for manifest refraction, which does not meet standards. To me, that seems a little strange since I haven't had any vision problems and a 2-diopter difference seems quite large.

Using MEPS numbers I'm afraid that I'm borderline when the tests come again at OCS. I already have my PQ letter, which I believe means that the refractive error wasn't a problem to be NPQ on the spot. At this point, I am not sure what to do. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[Sapper!]

They do all that at MEPs?! When I went through a couple months ago it was just reading the lines through that machine and the wierd dots to test colorblindness. Was 20/12.5 but I don't think they were checking refraction on anyone so it wasn't my eyesight that kept me from that screening.

I don't think that MEPS has much to do with the NAMI physical but I could be really wrong on that. Regardless, I have heard that using a phoropter can be very subjective in determining refraction. Why? Heck if I know. If a second and third opinon don't work though, threaten to burn their house down. joke, just a joke.

I take it they used the retniscope thing to actually get those diopters in your case.

 

[TruckieFD]

I wouldn't worry too much about MEPS dropping your Flight Physical PQ, that's why they do a Flight physical in addition to the MEPS or whatever path you go. if NAMI says you can fly....I'd say you are good to go. MEPS is just to make sure you are Qualified for OCS.

 

[MGoBrew11]

I wouldn't worry too much about MEPS dropping your Flight Physical PQ, that's why they do a Flight physical in addition to the MEPS or whatever path you go. if NAMI says you can fly....I'd say you are good to go. MEPS is just to make sure you are Qualified for OCS.

I don't think that is true. MEPS sends your physical paperwork to N3M. Even if you pass MEPS but N3M decides they don't like something in the MEPS physical, they will issue your recruiter a letter saying that you are NPQ for the job. Just getting through MEPS does not mean you are qualified to go to OCS in the designator that you want.

When I was at MEPS they did not check my diopters either. However, I was at 20/20 and all my paperwork for PRK surgery was right there...so maybe they just didn't have to. Ask your recruiter, but if they NPQ you, you will need to get a second opinion and send it to N3M.