PRK after commissioning thru AFROTC

T

Theallmighty

New Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2016
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I just commissioned out of Air Force ROTC and would like to get PRK before I go on active duty. I know there's some forms and procedures to go through if you're on active duty, but I am still in the IRR as a 2nd LT and won't go on AD for a few more months. On the other hand, I'm not considered a cadet anymore so my cadre technically can't submit any requests for me to have it done, if I am correct? I'm not trying to get the procedure done via the military, just by a civilian doctor of my choice and out of my own pocket. Also I am heading into a non-rated career field so there is no issue there.
 
Why are you going to go pay thousands of dollars out of your own pocket when you can wait just a few months to have refractive surgery done at no cost AND with likely the best technology? The military refractive surgery centers are considered to be some of the best in the world as noted by their participation in FDA studies and reports. There's a reason the military has their own symposium at the American Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual conference....

But, if you're in the IRR you can pretty much do whatever you want. If you end up with a complication the prevents you from coming on active duty then there is a possibility they could ask for recoupment of your scholarship costs.

Also, unless you are staying in the area where you get surgery done you definitely want to let the surgeon know this beforehand. Some may tell you they won't do it because you don't have enough follow-up time (will depend on how long until you leave).

If you want an official answer find out who it is you would contact if you were in some accident or something that was going to delay your report date.....those are probably the same folks that can give you the official answer to your question.
 
kp2001 said:
Why are you going to go pay thousands of dollars out of your own pocket when you can wait just a few months to have refractive surgery done at no cost AND with likely the best technology? The military refractive surgery centers are considered to be some of the best in the world as noted by their participation in FDA studies and reports. There's a reason the military has their own symposium at the American Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual conference....

But, if you're in the IRR you can pretty much do whatever you want. If you end up with a complication the prevents you from coming on active duty then there is a possibility they could ask for recoupment of your scholarship costs.

Also, unless you are staying in the area where you get surgery done you definitely want to let the surgeon know this beforehand. Some may tell you they won't do it because you don't have enough follow-up time (will depend on how long until you leave).

If you want an official answer find out who it is you would contact if you were in some accident or something that was going to delay your report date.....those are probably the same folks that can give you the official answer to your question.
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I understand your point fully. The only reason I would like to get it done privately is that I have found a surgeon who I trust completely to do the procedure accurately and safely. He's an AF reserve flight surgeon and has done many refractive surgeries on government VIP's and generals, and graduated first in his class from one of the top medical schools in the country.
 
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