LASIK Waiver for Army Aviation

[Chuvak]

I'm currently an MSIII in my second semester and I'll be going to LDAC this summer. I want to list aviation as my first choice but I'm very concerned about issuing dealing with my vision. My vision is currently 20/50 and 20/100 so I'm DQ. I've been speaking with my cadre and I've gotten slightly vague answers... something to the effect of "there's a pilot program for those that have just gotten LASIK" but they ellude any questions as to whether or not this is competitive or if there is limited space.

I was wondering if anyone with knowledge of this could comment. My specific concerns include:

1. From the time I receive LASIK, how long before I can take the flight physical.
2. Do you know any details concerning the waiver for those that have LASIK.

Any other comments are welcome.

[USP455]

Here are a few links. By the way, nice research on this. Took about 2 seconds to google it.

There are several that are here and have had the surgery. They are currently in some kind of study. I can only assume that it is the one referenced in the previously mentioned "hard to find info".

Best bet besides continuing the initial research would be to contact the medical department conducting this study. I believe they are referenced in the second article. You realize you have to study and do research to be an aviator. That was fun.

http://www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/TNSarchives/January04/012904.htm

http://usasam.amedd.army.mil/_AAMA/apls/pdf/RefractSurg.pdf

NSDQ, DE OPPRESSO LIBER

BT
BTAR

[Chuvak]

Thank you for responding. Will continue research.

[USP455]

Was just browsing on USAARL site and saw this. It should pretty much answer all questions or point you where you can find them.

http://www.usaarl.army.mil/PRKLASIK/Refrac%20Surgery%20APL.pdf

BT
BTAR

[Chuvak]

Thank you, sir. My waiver for PRK is in the works. Surgery is done and my eyes are fine. LASIK waivers take approximately 7 months and I'll be at LDAC in 3 months. I joined 3-140th AVN last weekend.