I went to a PRK/LASIK consultation today and was told my astigmatism is too high (3.75 diopters) to have either corrective surgery done. I'm trying to be a pilot in the USMC. They suggested refractive lens exchange as an option but I'm not sure if I can get a waiver. I asked my recruiter who said he would look into it. Has anyone been through a similar situation and give some advice?
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Refractive Lens Exchange
- Thread starter smn8
- Start date
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
Best bet would be to browse and check the NAMI guide. Should be an easy google search.
It says ICL surgery is not waiverable but mentions intraocular lens implants are okay. I’m unsure though because it doesn’t specify whether it’s for designated aviators or SNA applicants. I also read that you can apply for a waiver with soft contact lenses. I asked my recruiter and am waiting on a response. Has anyone tried this? I understand I’m may not be eligible based on vision or even have my waiver approved if I apply but I would like to try first. Hope for the best!
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
Are you asking if they will waive the 20/40 uncorrectable vision requirement?
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
The first attachment seems cut and dry in terms of it's applicable to SNA applicants and attempting a waiver. A waiver is just that... it'll be a case by case decision. Could be yes, could be no.
Ok thank you. In the first attachment, there is a list of medical requirements. The 6th one has an approved range for refractive error. My vision is beyond the listed +3.00D hyperopia and -3.00D astigmatism. Is it still possible for me to use this policy and try for a waiver somehow? I’m corrected to 20/20 with glasses and 20/300 uncorrected.
Like I mentioned, my hyperopia prevents from laser corrective surgery. Do you know of any other successful alternatives?
Like I mentioned, my hyperopia prevents from laser corrective surgery. Do you know of any other successful alternatives?
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
I have never seen or heard of anyone getting a waiver for vision requirements that wasn't already a winged aviator.
Can I get a waiver for an intraocular lens implant if I meet vision requirements after the procedure.
“Surgery with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant usually provides a sufficiently acceptable VA result for military flying duties.”
This was mentioned in one of the links I attached above but I’m not sure if it’s for designated aviators or applicants. Has anyone successfully become a naval aviator with an IOL implant? If it’s approved for designated aviators, would it be possible to get a waiver? Any advice would be appreciated!
“Surgery with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant usually provides a sufficiently acceptable VA result for military flying duties.”
This was mentioned in one of the links I attached above but I’m not sure if it’s for designated aviators or applicants. Has anyone successfully become a naval aviator with an IOL implant? If it’s approved for designated aviators, would it be possible to get a waiver? Any advice would be appreciated!
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
The part you are looking at is under "Cataract" and it specifically says "the aviator should be grounded until....."
This is talking about winged aviators not applicants.
Based on your experience, what other options do I have to become naval aviator?
I have no other major vision or health issues and I’m corrected to 20/20. I would get PRK or LASIK but my doctor said my vision might regress due to my astigmatism and farsightedness.
Should I just apply for a ground contract? I did read that waivers are “typically not recommended” for SNA applicant so can I still try?
I have no other major vision or health issues and I’m corrected to 20/20. I would get PRK or LASIK but my doctor said my vision might regress due to my astigmatism and farsightedness.
Should I just apply for a ground contract? I did read that waivers are “typically not recommended” for SNA applicant so can I still try?
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
I was hesitant to reply and wanted to gather more details and look at the references but I don’t recall any sort of waiver to SNA vision requirements, particularly 20/40 uncorrectable vision requirements.
Exceptions are the member getting lasik / PRK and vision now being within standards.
Exceptions are the member getting lasik / PRK and vision now being within standards.
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
Why not just try for the NAMI physical in Pensacola, if you can. At this point you have nothing to lose.
If you’re DQ for aviation, then try for ground options.
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
Ditto on @FormerRecruitingGuru answer, since you are trying USMC try and get that NAMI physical and then ask them questions when you are there.