..:: Vision Requirements ::..

SWCC members are required to perform a variety of tasks that require a high vision aptitude.  SWCC candidates may qualify for Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) Surgery to correct their vision.  You can read more about the PRK policy on the BUMED PRK Refractive Surgery web site http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil.  Eyesight requirements:  Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye.  Both eyes must be correctable to 20/20 (Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c)).  No waivers for deficiencies.  (Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c)).

NOTE:  BUMED waiver request:  Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a.  For more information on current requirements, contact your local recruiter or reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a, or http://navymedicine.med.navy.mil.

Eye Waivers

Ref:  (a)  Manual of the Medical Department P-117 
        (b)  COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8 (SERIES)

I.  Eye Sight waivers (Active Duty/Reservist)

1. Per reference (a), Eyesight Requirements: (Vision check. Not a complete eye exam) Uncorrected visual acuity no worse than 20/70 in worst eye, 20/40 in best eye. With corrected visual acuity 20/25 worst eye. (No waivers for color deficiencies)
   
   
2. BUMED waiver request:  See reference (a) Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a.
   
   
3. The eyesight waiver must be included with the medical package per reference (a) to the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS 401D) for review.
   
   
4. The eyesight waiver request must be included with the completed SWCC package for final approval from the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS-401D).
   
   

II.  Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or In-Situ Keratomileusis (Lasik) surgery (Active Duty/Reservist)

1. Per reference (a) PRK or Lasik surgery waivers are granted case by case by BUMED.
   
   
2. An approved PRK or Lasik surgery waiver must be included with your medical package per reference (a) to the Naval Special Warfare Center Medical Department for review.
   
   
3. The PRK or Lasik surgery waiver must also be included with the completed SWCC package for final approval from the SPECWAR Assignments (PERS-401D).
   
   

NOTES:

Navy personnel or prospective recruits to the Navy who choose to have surgery performed by a civilian surgeon, should complete the following checklist items:  review the Navy message that outlines refractive surgery policy for the Navy and Marine Corps (R 101331Z APR 00).

If planning to apply for SWCC training, review the Navy message that outlines the requirements for new accessions into training (BUMED/30MAR2000/SER 25/NOTAL; refractive surgery policy in the Navy and Marine Corps for new accessions) and as specified by approved LASIK study protocols.

Complete the pre-op counseling form for active duty service members prior to getting PRK from a civilian provider (This document is posted as a link on the BUMED home page:  http://www-nmcp.mar.med.navy.mil/Ophthal/PRKSurgery.asp (Appendix 3).

Complete the post-op medical clearance for return to duty form after having PRK.  (This document is posted as a link on the BUMED home page:  http://www-nmcp.mar.med.navy.mil/Ophthal/PRKSurgery.asp

Get a clearance for return to full and unrestricted duty.

Questions regarding corrective eye surgery can be directed to:

Deputy Research Director,
Navy Refractive Surgery Center
Ophthalmology, NMCSD
2650 Stockton Road
San Diego, CA 92106
(619)524-6733, FAX (619)524-1731
Clinic (619)524-5515