Eyesight requirements for all academies?

T

TheMochiKid

Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2019
Messages
18
Hey all,

I was wondering if there's a limit to how bad your eyes can be, or if they just have to be correctable to 20/20. My current prescription is -8.00 in my left eye and -7.75 in my right eye, however they are both corrected to 20/20 with glasses with slight astigmatism in both. Based on this, would I be medically disqualified from any of the service academies?
 
You are more likely to get a detailed response on the DoDMERB forum.
 
I am a civilian ophthalmologist with a story that is about 18 years old. I examined an 18 year old applicant to a SA whose correction mirrored yours (assuming your astigmatism is what I'd consider slight.) I referred him to a reputable corneal surgeon whom I know would refuse to operate if there was even the slightest contra-indication as this much myopia borders on the limits of refractive. He had the surgery, did well, and I wrote a letter confirming the excellent health of his eyes. He received his waiver and appointment and was recently promoted to O-6. I know times have changed and this matter is handled much differently now. I would, however, recommend starting to get your ducks lined up now. First, find out if a specific academy would accept you with this myopia. If not, would an academy accept you and have you get refractive surgery as a cadet? Can you get LASIK before entering? But you need a thorough exam to find out if you are a candidate for surgery as there are contra-indications. To repeat, I am not knowledgeable on the rules and regulations today. But I do know this can involve a long process and it's better to start as early as possible so you're not chasing points later.
 
25Grad said:
Hey all,

I was wondering if there's a limit to how bad your eyes can be, or if they just have to be correctable to 20/20. My current prescription is -8.00 in my left eye and -7.75 in my right eye, however they are both corrected to 20/20 with glasses with slight astigmatism in both. Based on this, would I be medically disqualified from any of the service academies?
Click to expand...

If you haven’t yet researched the primary sources at the SA websites by reading every page, dropdown and linked item, I strongly recommend it.

In addition, go to the DODMERB website and work your way through the menu items on the left.

Here on SAF, go to the Stickies at the very top of the DODMERB forum.

Here’s a sample of what is on USNA.edu:
 
It depends based on the Academy, I believe at WP it just has to be correctable to 20/20. and from what i've heard DO NOT get corrective eye surgery until you're at the academy, this can completely ruin your application if something goes wrong, plus the Army will pay for it here. All in all though, there is no saying for sure anything until you contact DoDMERB with this process and possibly start a waiver if they say you need one. Start early and stay in touch with the medical professionals
 
My daughter was measured at over -8 and was granted a medical waiver for Air Force ROTC (June 2020). The key was the eye exam itself. The concern is the possibility of a detached retina. Here is an example of the comments we received from two different eye doctors.

Summary of DOD-contracted Dilated Fundoscopic Exam with Dr. X (26 May 20)
- OD and OS Vitreous: Clear without hemorrhage, cells, or pigment.
- OD and OS Vessels: Normal contour, caliber without neovascularization.
- OD and OS Macula: Normal contour without heme, edema, drusen, or exudate.
- OD and OS Periphery: Normal appearance without retinal tears, breaks, holes, or mass.

Summary of Dilated Fundoscopic Exam with Family Eye Doctor, Dr. Y (14 May 20)
- Optic nerves, maculae, and retinal vasculature all revealed optimal ocular health.
- Retinal peripheral exam revealed no ocular pathology.
- There are no hemes, exudate, scars, opacities, or retinal degeneration.
- Of specific interest in this case, no thinning or lattice degeneration of the retina 360 (OD or OS).

Although we had great results from both exams, it important to note that the needs of each Service shift from year-to-year.

Best wishes during the process. It is long and difficult but most definitely worth the effort.
 
I'm going to "cut/paste" a post from a different forum...it would be applicable here as well.
**********************
"I'm the medical guy. Google "DoDMERB." Hit "Questions about the process." Read the document completely

Larry Mullen
Deputy Chief, DoDMERB
**********************

I highly recommend you go read Mr. Mullen's sticky notes...and contact him directly with very specific questions. It's even better if your applicant does the contacting.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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