The Eyes have it - All things Vision-related

[Flash]

Hello, I'm currently at OCS sitting in TMG. I just got denied from SNA due to my pre-lasik correction being out of standards. I believe the standard is +3.00, I was +3.75. I was told thats pretty much end of story, though I am still cleared for NFO as far as I can tell. I just wanted to come on here and ask if anyone has successfully fought a DQ for lasik? My surgery was over 4 years ago and I've been 20/20 since.

No I wasn't, I got cleared through MEPS and they never mentioned any pre-lasik requirements for SNA. The first I heard about it was from the eye doctor at NHCNE while we were getting our flight physicals, who mentioned that technically I was outside the standard for NAMI but I could put in for a waiver.

As far as I know I was not the only one in my class who didn't meet this standard, I was the only one DQed for it so far though. I understand it goes on a case by case basis.

I didn't realize there was a limit pre-surgery, and I just looked it up and indeed there is (Ophthalmology page 31):

a. Class 1 (SNA) applicants: A history or corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is considered disqualifying if pre-operative refractive limits exceed +3.00D (SE) hyperopia or -8.00D (SE) myopia for PRK orLASIK/SmlLE. Pre-operative cylinder limit is 3.00D. Pre-operative anisometropia must not exceed 3.50D. Procedures performed outside these refractive parameters are considered disqualifying (CD) but may be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis.

So yes, you can put in for a waiver and get considered for one. Best you can do is try.

 

[szalona]

Howdy, sorry if this question has been asked already - I’m at my wits end and don’t really know what to do.

I got ISEL for SNA and my vision in my left eye is 20/40 uncorrected, the cut off for SNA. I’m waiting to hear back for a class date from my recruiter and was told approximately after July. I want to get PRK because I’m worried I’ll fail my eye exam at OCS/NAMI and get 20/50. I can sleep wrong the night before and knock out a 20/50, and I’d rather get surgery instead of risk getting my flight contract cut and get a redes.

My recruiter is not willing to discuss surgery with me and I don’t know if I should just hold back my application and get surgery now, or attempt to do it after OCS. Anyone been in the same spot?

If I score 20/50 in one eye would they be willing to let me get surgery or would it be an automatic redes?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DamGrenning]

Howdy, sorry if this question has been asked already - I’m at my wits end and don’t really know what to do.

I was in this exact position. My uncorrected was 20/40 but my astigmatism would’ve pushed me into DQ territory.

I decided to push, get surgery quickly, and get a new OCS date after the 6 month wait. Giving myself the best SNA chance is very important to me.

I ship in two weeks. I wish I had more pipeline specific info about what happens at OCS etc; but, even outside of service, PRK is one of the best things I’ve ever done (other than the first 36 hrs).

PM me if you want to talk about it more. Wish you the best.

 

[mutanttrout100]

Howdy, sorry if this question has been asked already - I’m at my wits end and don’t really know what to do.

I got ISEL for SNA and my vision in my left eye is 20/40 uncorrected, the cut off for SNA. I’m waiting to hear back for a class date from my recruiter and was told approximately after July. I want to get PRK because I’m worried I’ll fail my eye exam at OCS/NAMI and get 20/50. I can sleep wrong the night before and knock out a 20/50, and I’d rather get surgery instead of risk getting my flight contract cut and get a redes.

My recruiter is not willing to discuss surgery with me and I don’t know if I should just hold back my application and get surgery now, or attempt to do it after OCS. Anyone been in the same spot?

If I score 20/50 in one eye would they be willing to let me get surgery or would it be an automatic redes?

Thanks in advance!

I would highly recommend getting the surgery before you go, as the flight chart you have to read at NAMI/OCS is much more difficult for some reason compared to the traditional eye test you take at MEPS/a regular optometrist. The letters are much closer together and I believe a different font so it felt to me like reading the 20/20 line on the flight chart was like reading the 20/15 line on a regular vision chart. You aren’t gonna be able to get LASIK if you fail at OCS, best case you get another try or two to pass, but you’re gonna be super sleep deprived where it’s hard to be at your best vision wise. At OCS right now they’re giving people letters for people who are NPQ for vision but finish OCS to deny their commission, separate and get LASIK, and reapply allowing you to not have to go through OCS again but that’s a huge hassle. I’ve heard stories down in Pensacola if you pass at OCS but fail once you get down to NAMI about potentially getting lasik/PRK, but have never met anyone who’s done that so YMMV.

 

[szalona]

Thank you everyone for the advice!!

If I’m currently ISEL and want to get PRK before OCS, am I still eligible to hold that ISEL status or does it get revoked? Tried googling it and couldn’t really find anything.

 

[Mouselovr]

I’ve heard stories down in Pensacola if you pass at OCS but fail once you get down to NAMI about potentially getting lasik/PRK, but have never met anyone who’s done that so YMMV.

I know a girl who did it. But a lot of right place at the right time. Super long wait for NIFE + she was stashed with an admiral who pushed her paperwork.

A lot more people passed OCS/NAMI with min 20/40 then voluntarily got surgery. The thing is, it’s kinda unnecessary unless you don’t want to wear glasses but IMO, once you’re in, you’re in. Corpmen help out with vision tests at annual flight physicals. If your eyes are that bad, theyll have you come back on another day. If you still can’t pass, they’ll give you surgery. Once you get that first upchit, everything gets easier.

Thank you everyone for the advice!!

If I’m currently ISEL and want to get PRK before OCS, am I still eligible to hold that ISEL status or does it get revoked? Tried googling it and couldn’t really find anything.

If you do surgery before you go, you’ll have to go back to MEPS for the 6 month waiver post LASIK/PRK but you won’t have to re-apply to the SNA/NFO board if that’s what you’re asking.

Also, I agree, the vision test at OCS was blurry af. At least it was several years ago

 

[szalona]

I know a girl who did it. But a lot of right place at the right time. Super long wait for NIFE + she was stashed with an admiral who pushed her paperwork.

A lot more people passed OCS/NAMI with min 20/40 then voluntarily got surgery. The thing is, it’s kinda unnecessary unless you don’t want to wear glasses but IMO, once you’re in, you’re in. Corpmen help out with vision tests at annual flight physicals. If your eyes are that bad, theyll have to come back on another day. If you still can’t pass, they’ll give you surgery. Once you get that first upchit, everything gets easier.

If you do surgery before you go, you’ll have to go back to MEPS for the 6 month waiver post LASIK/PRK but you won’t have to re-apply to the SNA/NFO board if that’s what you’re asking.

Also, I agree, the vision test at OCS was blurry af. At least it was several years ago

I just don’t know where the line is between being offered surgery versus getting a redes and slotted into NFO or a different designator.

I don’t want to lose my SNA contract. I’m worried I won’t even pass my first upchit for vision because it’s 20/40 on a good day, haha. I’ve heard that people who NPQ opt for a DOR if they can’t get their SNA slot after they fail vision and I’d rather just wait a little longer than risk going through the hassle of separating and then recommissioning. : ( It doesn’t really seem like there’s another way through.