USAF vision waiver rejected -- Navy/USMC option?

[eggmit]

I was accepted for a Navigator slot in the Air Force earlier this year. Since I didn't meet the Air Force's requirement that uncorrected vision be no worse than 20/200, I had to apply for a vision waiver. My recruiter just informed me that my vision waiver was not approved due to excessive refractive error.

Another option I had seriously considered before applying to the Air Force was the Navy. None of the sources I've read about the Navy's NFO vision requirements indicated a requirement for uncorrected vision -- i.e., as long as my corrected vision is 20/20, I'm fine. Can anyone verify or comment on this? Also, I understand that the Marine Corps has NFOs as well. Are the vision requirements the same for them?

Some more details for those interested: My refractive error was measured at MEPS as -4.00/-4.25 (left/right eye) and during my flight physical as -4.00/-4.00. My distant uncorrected vision was 20/400 (i.e., I couldn't read the 20/200 line). With glasses, I correct to 20/20.

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer. No matter what happens, I'm going to pursue a position as an officer in the US military -- it's something I respect and would be proud to be a part of. The job I'm most interested in is being a member of a flight crew, so I just want to exhaust all possibilities before writing it off.

Zach

 

[JayManC]

well its a far shot, but you could see if the navys still accepting PRK waivers. i dont remember the specs on vision for NFOs but i believe that there is a corrected (20/20)and uncorrected (diopter/refraction) limit. to the best of my knowledge the AF doesnt permit any CRS (corneal refractive surgery) but the navy had a limited study for ascending officer wannabes. at home i have the link to NOMI where the standards are set, if you would like it, send me a PM and ill fire it your way.

 

[eggmit]

Originally posted by JayManC
well its a far shot, but you could see if the navys still accepting PRK waivers. i dont remember the specs on vision for NFOs but i believe that there is a corrected (20/20)and uncorrected (diopter/refraction) limit.

Hey, thanks for the reply. You know, this is actually something I considered seriously before deciding on the Nav route. It turns out that I'm not an ideal candidate for PRK because I have large pupils. I'll spare you the details, but it can cause night vision problems, which would be potentially disqualifying for any position.

 

[wink]

There is an uncorrected limit for NFO but i can't find the resource here at home. Call a recruiter. Just from memory, it looks like you would be ok as far as vision. I highly recommend NFO, either Navy or Marine, over AF Nav. Very different programs. Much better opportunity as a NFO. Getting turned down by the AF is probably a good thing. You will do much better in the navy or Marines.

 

[eggmit]

Originally posted by wink
There is an uncorrected limit for NFO but i can't find the resource here at home. Call a recruiter. Just from memory, it looks like you would be ok as far as vision. I highly recommend NFO, either Navy or Marine, over AF Nav. Very different programs. Much better opportunity as a NFO. Getting turned down by the AF is probably a good thing. You will do much better in the navy or Marines.

Thanks -- it's really encouraging to hear that. Is the uncorrected limit that you're thinkin of -8.00 diopters? I think this is the full NFO vision requirement:

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/exams.htm#nfo

 

[stevew]

I think PRK is still a go. I just got my waiver from MEPS, but I'm still waiting on the okay from the district office. The -8.00 you are reffering to is your maximum refractive error to be eligible for a PRK waiver.

 

[riley]

eggmit - someone upstairs is watching out for you - trust me, you don't want to really be in the Air Force anyway.....