Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/2/2010

Question
Hello sir,
   I enlisted in the Marines in May 19 of 2009. During my enlistment process I was sent to a medical consult for my left eye. The refraction of my eye was off and I had an implant in it from when I had my cataract taken out when I was five. The medical consult deemed me fit to serve and sent me back to the Pittsburgh MEPS. The MEPS doctor cleared me and I swore into the DEP. However in my ship date (June 14 2010) I was told by the same MEPS doctor that the refraction was too high, the lenses was disqualifying and they had to put in for a waiver.  And even after that and a month of waiting, my waiver was rejected by Navy BUMED. So my question is what are my options? Do other branches accept artificial lenses? Or should my eye doctor submit a report with another waver? Or should I write my congressmen? Or is there something else I am unaware of? I really want to join because it's the only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life. I also spent over a year prepairing for it. Thank you very much for your time  

Answer
Rick,
Normally a lens implant of any kind is disqualifying for any Service, therefore I'm surprised the MEPS doctor initially cleared you.  The MEPS physician must have a better explanation than the refraction is off.  Nearly everybody's refraction is off, that's why so many people wear glasses.  He needs to explain the cause, such as a corneal ulcer, Macular Degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal
vessel occlusion, or Retinitis.  But I imagine he can't explain it because he's not an Opthamologist, just a General Practioner.  He looks at hundreds of sore toes and back pains daily, and can't be expected to be proficient in everything.

Writing your Congressman is an excellent idea, and just what you should do.  But before you do, obtain a report from your eye doctor (Opthamologist) and attach it as supporting evidence.  Also, your recruiter can help you file an appeal with the Navy Surgeon General.

Write to your Congressman now, but wait a few days until October 1st before you see your recruiter again.  The military's new quota for waivers comes out on October 1st.  Right now the waivers are all used up and you'd just be wasting your time.

Good luck,
Colonel H