Worsening eyesight

taymcg12

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Joined
Apr 21, 2015
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264
So I have had contacts for a while and my eyes are steadily getting worse. Currently my contacts are -5.25 in one eye and -5.75 in the other. I am aware that you must not be any worse than -8 to pass the DoDMERB exam, but what if you get in the Academy and then your eyesoght gets worse than -8? I am worried this may be my case.
 
There are physical/medical requirements for acceptance, and commissioning. A broken leg or a separated shoulder COULD keep you from being accepted. Once you're in, the process is different. There's more of a vested interest to correct the illness or right a wrong.

Having said that, somethings will lead to a medical discharge. I had a classmate who had a detached retina our 2/c year (I think it was that.... he went blind in one eye and had surgery to get his sight back). While he hoped to still get his commission, and work at a unit that could support such a physical disability, the Coast Guard, after some thought denied him his commission. It's too bad because he would have been a great officer, and he really really wanted to serve. He even was selected for a unit, but eventually was medically retired. While we wore our Coast Guard hats, he got a "Coast Guard Retired" hat.

I don't know specifically about your vision issues, and I wouldn't venture to guess what could happen, or what will happen. I also have no idea how quickly vision gets worse. I had many many classmates with glasses.

I think you're thinking too far ahead right now though. You're a junior. Think about doing well in high school. Think about being prepared for the application process and understanding what the physical requirements are for the Coast Guard Academy. Think about getting in and what that will mean. Once you've checked those boxes, and you're in and you're wearing a Coast Guard uniform with 4/c collar devices, then think about this and discuss with a doctor at the CGA Clinic (it's only 30 or so feet from Chase Hall...)


NOTE: I thought this was under USCGA's area, so sorry for making this so CGA-specific. Either way, think about your application process to USNA.
 
Agreed. Let medical handle it when you're a midshipman. Worry about getting there first.

My vision was much worse than the standard going in. I got waivers. I signed, got PRK, and now I'm glasses-free.
 
The DODMERB process brings paranoia! HAHA. It's natural to be worried about the unknown. I was lucky enough to have an M.D. dad who could translate the DODMERB letters enough to calm me down. But I won't lie, my heart broke 5-10 times, compliments of DODMERB. Every time a letter came it was like a knife through the heart.
 
Yeah DODMERB is a pain, Im already havong problems with them, as you saw in my last post, and I just started applying!!! I'm sure Il get it all figured out and be a Mid one day! Thanks for the insight!
 
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