Comparing the Academies vision requirements

futurepilot22

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What are each services requirements for uncorrected vision? Which academies tend to be the most stringent about vision requirements?
 
What are each services requirements for uncorrected vision? Which academies tend to be the most stringent about vision requirements?

US Coast Guard Academy

Common Disqualifications

Eyes and Vision: Uncorrected visual acuity worse than 20/400 in either eye. Vision not correctable to 20/20 in either eye. Refractive error exceeding plus or minus 8.00 diopters (spherical equivalent). Astigmatism exceeding 3.00 diopters and anisometropia exceeding 3.5 diopters. Refractive error corrected by orthokeratology, kerato-refractive, PRK, laser, or any other corneal enhancement.

Color Vision: Color perception deficiency, either complete or partial. Candidates who fail the American Optical Company PIP test shall be considered qualified if they pass the FALANT test.
 
I am not sure how the academies compare on all the other vision specifics (I think they are pretty much the same on everything else), but the Naval Academy is the most stringent with regard to refractive error:
Refractive error exceeding plus or minus 6.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) is a disqualification for USNA.

Refractive error exceeding plus or minus 8.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) is a disqualification for USMA, USAFA, and USCGA.

I do not know the refractive error limit for USMMA.
 
FaithfulMom, I remember reading one of your posts and you said that your son was DQed because of vision problems. If you don't mind, could you specify on what his vision problems are? I have a terrible refractive error, and I'm pretty sure I will have to rely on a waiver. (I'll be doing the medical exams this summer as I am a 2015 candidate)
 
Wang93 and future pilot22 - cut and paste your postings; provide your full name and last 4 SSN; and send me an email to Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. I can assist you better from there:thumb:
 
Because, the misinterpretation of technical medical information has caused disappointment and angst in the past...everday. Anyone on the Forums knows that they can come to me for information that concerns their particular case.

The Forums is a fantastic vehicle to share experiences, opinions, etc. I am here to give factual information as it relates to a particular applicant. Not everyone comes to their questions with the same level of understanding and knowledge. Personal contact with me, steers them to HOW that information applies to them directly.:thumb:
 
I've found my answer elsewhere, which leads me to a new question. How do the services compare in terms of the numbers of waivers granted for uncorrected vision not at an acceptable standard? I know that navy is the most strict, how do AF and Army compare with one another?
 
Because, the misinterpretation of technical medical information has caused disappointment and angst in the past...everday. Anyone on the Forums knows that they can come to me for information that concerns their particular case.

The Forums is a fantastic vehicle to share experiences, opinions, etc. I am here to give factual information as it relates to a particular applicant. Not everyone comes to their questions with the same level of understanding and knowledge. Personal contact with me, steers them to HOW that information applies to them directly.:thumb:

Thank you for clarifying the mystery of why the request of specifics off-line. I would think that in your professional role, you would stick to specific facts about specific cases only with the individuals involved which can only be handled privately. I appreciate your professionalism in this duty.
 
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