Good Afternoon, My DS had his DoDMERB medical and eye exam in August. He was disqualified for Strabismus-esotropia. He is 17 years old and I had never noticed the condition. Actually, he has never been to an eye doctor in his life and the only eye test he has ever had was for his drivers license. I was shocked that after his eye exam that he has a lazy left eye. His vision is 20/20 with no astigmatism. He is currently Pending waiver review was all the academies. Is this condition waiverable? I do understand that if the academies do ask for a waiver that it can take up to six months to review. Does anyone have any insight on strabismus-esotropia? Thank you!
Strabismus - Esotropia
- Thread starter wrsetness
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kp2001
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It's likely going to depend on the amount of esotropia and whether he has any suppression (meaning he essentially turns one eye off to avoid seeing double).
Someone with suppression may still have 20/20 vision when each eye is tested singly. I have to wonder how much he actually has though if none of his doctors, or you, noticed it before. It's tough to miss an esotropia that is large enough to really matter.
If you really want a definitive answer you should have him see a pediatric ophthalmologist who also does strabismus. They'll be able to tell you how long this has been there and if it's of an amount that actually matters. DODMERB may or may not request this.
Someone with suppression may still have 20/20 vision when each eye is tested singly. I have to wonder how much he actually has though if none of his doctors, or you, noticed it before. It's tough to miss an esotropia that is large enough to really matter.
If you really want a definitive answer you should have him see a pediatric ophthalmologist who also does strabismus. They'll be able to tell you how long this has been there and if it's of an amount that actually matters. DODMERB may or may not request this.
Good Morning and thank you for your response. My DS has completed the application process for all five service academy and two of the ROTC programs. At this time, it is a waiting game to determine his competiveness and whether they will ask for waivers. I am very glad that you received your waivers quickly. Reading the forums, it appears that the timeline is 1 to 6 months. I figure since he has all of his information in at this point, it gives the SA's plenty of time to make a determination. Take care
EOD/SEALmom
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Just reading threads and noticed this one. My younger son was diagnosed with strabismus when he was 9yrs. The surgeon said it's usually present from birth. My son had the surgery, and it was out-patient and extremely fast recovery, with no pain (although his eyes were blood red for a couple weeks, lol! ). I do know that sometimes more than one surgery is needed for correction, although my son was fine with one. I have no idea if this is waiverable, but it might be worth asking if he can get a waiver after surgery. Also, it may be worth asking if he had the surgery could he reapply again the next year. Btw, this son is still young (only 11yrs), but he has hopes for USNA too. God luck!
EOD/SEALmom
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^^^GOOD luck
Thank you for the reply,
I had never noticed my son's strabismus, so correcting it never was considered and since it is not an issue for him, we are leaving it along. He plays competitive water polo and has great eye had coordination.
It is a totally waiverable condition depending on the Service Academy. My son was not granted a medical waiver from USMMA, but was granted a wavier from USMA and the USAFA. The Service Academies must determine whether you are a competitive candidate to even request a waiver on your behalf. I am just thankful that at least two of the SA thought he was worth considering and granted him a waiver. The USNA academy has still not requested a waiver. What I have learned from this website is have many backup plans and never assume anything. I thought my son was a perfect candidate for USMMA and they were the first to turn him down.
My son has applied to all the service academies, Army ROTC and Navy ROTC has well as 25 universities that fall under the ROTC system and some that do not. Always hope for the best, but plan for the worst. He wants to be a military officer, so any path that leads him to that goal is fine with him, as long as he gets to serve this great country.
Take care
I had never noticed my son's strabismus, so correcting it never was considered and since it is not an issue for him, we are leaving it along. He plays competitive water polo and has great eye had coordination.
It is a totally waiverable condition depending on the Service Academy. My son was not granted a medical waiver from USMMA, but was granted a wavier from USMA and the USAFA. The Service Academies must determine whether you are a competitive candidate to even request a waiver on your behalf. I am just thankful that at least two of the SA thought he was worth considering and granted him a waiver. The USNA academy has still not requested a waiver. What I have learned from this website is have many backup plans and never assume anything. I thought my son was a perfect candidate for USMMA and they were the first to turn him down.
My son has applied to all the service academies, Army ROTC and Navy ROTC has well as 25 universities that fall under the ROTC system and some that do not. Always hope for the best, but plan for the worst. He wants to be a military officer, so any path that leads him to that goal is fine with him, as long as he gets to serve this great country.
Take care
mbergq9632
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Hi all, I was browsing through and I also have this condition, for those that got waivers for the condition, may I ask how many diopters your eyes refract? Thanks.