CRO vision waiver?

[ns1234]

Hi all,

I know it’s very competitive, but am hoping to branch into one of the AF special ops officer careers, preferably combat rescue officer. My health is great aside from my vision. My vision is not good - I believe 20/300 and 20/500 - however, it is correctable to pretty nearly 20/20 in both eyes. Is there a waiver possibility, especially if I get LASIK? I’ve contacted a recruiter just to get info on this but have yet to hear back.

Thanks!

 

[Hut234]

If you get appointed into the Academy, they will give you any corrective eye treatment that you need when it is called for. Just DONT DO IT YOURSELF.

 

[Pima]

I agree with Hut, especially the part of don't DO IT YOURSELF! That is the fastest way to get a DQ because it takes time for your eyes to heal, and it might not be long enough between the surgery and your DoDMERB exam.
~ Additionally, one reason USAFA waits until you or @20 is your eyes will change. My DS's vision was not as bad as yours, he was on the cusp of surgery. He pleaded with his Dad and I to let him get it done when he was entering his sophomore yr. in college. My DH said NO. DH flew fighters for 20+ yrs and he knew the last thing you mess with is your eyes unless it is a must. FFWD DS's eyes did change and he never had the surgery. He is a C130J pilot.

I would also say to remember that recruiters job is not to recruit officers, but enlisted airmen. The point being that although both will serve ADAF, but their medical requirements can be different for an enlisted airmen than officers and you need to make sure that for your career goal as an officer that the recruiter gives you the answer for officers and not enlisted.

 

[fencersmother]

Lots of cadets have their eyes "done" at USAFA. My dtr in law did. Don't know the current regs but it used to be auto disqualifier if one had his eyes "done" outside of USAFA.

 

[GoCubbies]

Hi all,

I know it’s very competitive, but am hoping to branch into one of the AF special ops officer careers, preferably combat rescue officer. My health is great aside from my vision. My vision is not good - I believe 20/300 and 20/500 - however, it is correctable to pretty nearly 20/20 in both eyes. Is there a waiver possibility, especially if I get LASIK? I’ve contacted a recruiter just to get info on this but have yet to hear back.

Thanks!

Based on your visual acuity, your refractive error may be high too. There are standards out there for refractive error that you may need a waiver for if you're not within standards.