Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/27/2009

Question
Mr. Howell-

Im kind of unclear as to how PRK surgery works for people wishing to become a pilot. Im 19 years old and I really really want to go to flight school, only thing is, I have 20/200 vision and wear contacts. Ive read a lot about how the Midshipmen at the Naval Academy have PRK surgery available to them, but what about people not at the Academy? Im not in NROTC at the moment but Im in the process of enlisting, with the hopes of getting a rate in the aviation field in the reserves in order to gain experience while Im still in college. After I graduate Id like to go to OCS and earn myself a spot in flight school. I have two options at the moment according to my recruiter: A) enlist in the reserves like normal and get my enlisted rate or B) Since I scored high enough on my ASVAB, hes submitting paperwork for me to have an officer interview and possibly be picked up by the navy as an officer in the reserves immediately; both would be done in conjunction to completing my college degree. Dyou know if I would be able to get PRK surgery for either of those options, or is it something available only to MIDN? Or can I have it done in the private sector?

I hope I was clear enough and I really appreciate your time.

Respectfully,
Chris

Answer
Chris,
The option you mentioned of entering the Reserves immediately as an officer is definitely the way to go.  Even after you've earned your Bachelor's Degree it's very difficult to be accepted into OCS after enlisting.  My advice is to always enter as an officer if you hope to be an officer.  Transitioning from enlisted to officer is like winning the lottery, despite what your recruiter may lead you to believe.

As far as becoming a pilot, with your eyesight, forget it.  Pilots must have excellent eyesight before becoming a pilot.  Having PRK or LASIK surgery BEFORE you enter the military disqualifies you.  AFTER you're in the Navy for a few years you can apply for eye correction surgery.  It's granted on a priority basis.  Those with the most important jobs have first priority and so on down the list.  They usually make you wait a few years before applying because they don't want to give you free surgery and the have you leave the military.  After they're sure you're going to stick around and become a valuable asset, they let you apply.  I had it done after wearing glasses for 40 years, and it's great.  Quick, easy, and painless.

I hope that's what you're looking for.
Thanks for wanting to join the military.
Colonel H