Lasik

kimschueller

cfmama
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
2
I have been browsing these forums and find them extremely helpful!

Question:
My daughter has a nomination to USNA and USMMA but has been DQ'd due to vision. We have submitted all the documentation to DoDMERB seeking a waiver.
I'm wondering about lasik at this time for her. Good idea? Bad idea? Would documentation stating that she will be seeking lasik treatment at some point in the near future be helpful in the waiver process?

She has also been nominated for an NROTC scholarship - we expect another DQ due to vision - are the standards as strict for obtaining a waiver?

Thanks so much!
 
What about "intent to get lasik"?

I'm not quite sure what you mean here; however, please be aware that just because you are done with DODMERB doesn't mean you can then go get procedures done without worry. If your health status changes at all between having the physical complete and reporting you are required to report it.

Also as a physician I would not advise a 17/18yr old to have LASIK or PRK or any other refractive surgery procedure done. It is rare to see someone of that age who does not have any further changes to their prescription so by having the surgery at that age you are usually guaranteeing yourself another surgery or going back to wearing contacts/glasses (repeat surgery is not always an option.)

Having LASIK can also limit your career choices in the military. A history of LASIK is currently disqualifying (no waiver allowed) for naval aviation.

My $0.02, stick with the glasses/contacts, it isn't common to see someone with a refraction outside the waiverable limits unless they also have some other eye disorder.
 
I'm not quite sure what you mean here; however, please be aware that just because you are done with DODMERB doesn't mean you can then go get procedures done without worry. If your health status changes at all between having the physical complete and reporting you are required to report it.

Also as a physician I would not advise a 17/18yr old to have LASIK or PRK or any other refractive surgery procedure done. It is rare to see someone of that age who does not have any further changes to their prescription so by having the surgery at that age you are usually guaranteeing yourself another surgery or going back to wearing contacts/glasses (repeat surgery is not always an option.)

Having LASIK can also limit your career choices in the military. A history of LASIK is currently disqualifying (no waiver allowed) for naval aviation.

My $0.02, stick with the glasses/contacts, it isn't common to see someone with a refraction outside the waiverable limits unless they also have some other eye disorder.
I can't speak for DODMERB but we've been told to tell our candidates for USAFA that if they go off on their own and get LASIK/PRK/ETC...and then try for admissions, they will be DQ'd with no waiver possible.

So naturally we tell them: DON'T DO IT!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
^^^^^
Ditto.
Though eye correction surgery is available to those who are currently at an Academy I would NOT suggest any candidate to have corrective surgery prior to or during the appointment process.
Best bet is to contact Larry Mullen directly, medical dis-qualifiers aside, it could be possible that there is a waiting period prior to being admitted to an SA or ROTC if an applicant has had corrective surgery prior to applying.
Since she is currently DQ'd for vision this could be a very slippery slope.
 
kimschueller = The right Answer? Cut and paste your posting; send full name and last 4 SSN to Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. I can assist U from there and give you the most accurate answer:thumb:
 
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