About Eric Shangle Expertise I am able to answer any questions you have concerning the United States Naval Academy
(USNA). I graduated from USNA and have served as an officer in the US Navy. My experience
at the academy, as a student-athlete, and as a naval officer will help me answer your
questions.
Experience
Graduate of the Naval Academy.
Education/Credentials B.S. Ocean Engineering, US Naval Academy, 1997
M.A. Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, 2002
MBA, Naval Postgraduate School, 2005
Expert: Eric Shangle Date: 1/7/2007 Subject: Vision
Question I am interested in attending USNA. I currently have 20/50 (left eye) and 20/60 (right eye) vision. Would this preclude me from aviation even if I did get corrective surgery?
Answer Cameron,
First of all, thank you for asking your question. Also, good choice on wishing to attend the United States Naval Academy. Obviously it's my school!
As for your vision question, this is a tough issue. Currently midshipmen are not allowed to get vision corrective surgery while at the Naval Academy. In other words, the Navy will not pay for the surgery (lasik, etc). However if you wish to get the surgery, you are more than welcome to do so. You will have to foot the bill.
So long as your eyes are within the standard limits required to fly, you will be fine. It doesn't make a difference how your eyes got to that point. If you had corrective surgery or if you did exercises, you will be fine. There is also the option of being a Naval Flight Officer if you are unable to be a pilot. You would still be flying and receiving flight pay, but you wouldn't not be a pilot. Many people with vision issues go this route instead.
Basically what I am saying is that there are many options if you wish to fly. The standards for flight physicals change often. I was unable to find the OPNAV Instruction that highlights the vision requirements for pilots and naval flight officers. I am searching on my personal computer and don't have access to the official navy sites anymore.
I think you will be fine though Cameron. I would suggest you get the surgery (or corrective procedure) sooner than later. It's better to enter the Academy with good vision.
I hope that this answered your question to some extent. I think I talked around what you really wanted to know, however it's not a simple question. Basically all that is important is what your eyes test at during your Pre-Commissioning Physical (PRECOM). This is given a few times at the academy. You will go through a DODMERB physical prior to starting the academy. This is the Department of Defense Medical Examination and Review Board. They basically say whether you are heathy enough to serve. The big physical which can preclude you from certain warfare areas is your PRECOM. This will be given to you on your senior (firstie) year. This is a comprehensive medical evaluation. Even if your eyes weren't good before that, you can still go and be a pilot if they are good at your PRECOM.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Also, you can rate my service on this site. Please be honest and put in a good word or two for me.
