PRK

[pknguyen44]

Hi everybody, I was medically qualified back in March for USNA. No waiver or anything like that was stated on the letter. Now that comes as a surprise because my eyes are nearly 20/400. I was wondering if I would be able to qualify for PRK or even be eligible for a pilot slot? My mid host at my CVW told me that if my eyes are correctable to 20/20 with contacts or glasses then I should be ok. Thanks!

 

[RetNavyHM]

The decision about PRK will be made after your commissioning physical early your Junior year. There are many different variables that are looked at to determine of you are a candidate for PRK.

If you are selected for PRK, and the procedure is normal, then you could apply for a pilot slot. With your current vision (based on what you have stated here), you would only be eligible for NFO at this point in time.

 

[pknguyen44]

Interesting, thanks RetNavyHM. So when you say "you would only be eligible for NFO at this point in time," does that mean I still could possibly eligible for pilot in the future?

 

[VMINROTChopeful]

Interesting, thanks RetNavyHM. So when you say "you would only be eligible for NFO at this point in time," does that mean I still could possibly eligible for pilot in the future?

flight medical requirements and waivers are controlled by NOMI/NAMI and not DODMERB.

the current rules definitely don't allow SNA's to have 20/400 uncorrected vision. there was a brief time when apparently they allowed waivers with contact lenses or glasses, but that went away again. now the only way is to get PRK or LASEK (which is a form of PRK). right now LASIK is a permanent DQ- don't ever get it without talking to a flight surgeon first.

you can really read all about PRK for Naval Aviators here:
http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=56

in particular, there are some sticky threads on vision requirements for SNA's here:
http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11533
http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136669

be careful though- the first of these threads talks about a contact lens waiver that was happening back in 2006. this is gone now.

by the way, depending on your uncorrected vision, there may be an enforced waiting period of up to 6mo after you get PRK before you can even apply for a waiver. since you can't get PRK until you are 20yo, i've seem some recommendations for early junior year as the best time for PRK for those that want ot be SNAs- it allows enough waiting time after the surgery to get a waiver and select SNA in time.

i know a lot about this because i've been researching it since i'll need a PRK waiver myself.

 

[pknguyen44]

VMINROTChopeful, I still don't understand what the ppl at airwarriors are talkin about..so when i'm a 2/c mid at USNA, i'll be about 23, so can i get PRK or not? I read over at collegeconfidential some individual had PRK done when he was a 2/c mid and his vision was about the same as mine.

 

[VMINROTChopeful]

VMINROTChopeful, I still don't understand what the ppl at airwarriors are talkin about..so when i'm a 2/c mid at USNA, i'll be about 23, so can i get PRK or not? I read over at collegeconfidential some individual had PRK done when he was a 2/c mid and his vision was about the same as mine.

people get ppk from age 20 on up. since you will already be 23 as a 2/c, you could really get it anytime. anyways, if you go to the USNA, they will do it for you for free, so you just wait until USNA does it for you and you'll be good to go. just be sure to do it early enough that you'll have enough time for the waiting period before you have to select SNA.

 

[pknguyen44]

sweet! when i was at USNA, i saw some mids that jus got PRK..man this is killin me..i jus hope i'm qualified to get this surgery..