81L BLR

Waivers for myopia are usually very easy to get. There are no published waiver limits for visual acuity. 20/80 uncorrected distant vision is usually not a problem as long as the refractive error falls within the waiver limits.

It will be used at MFS.

Visual acuity, corrected and uncorrected, is tested with the OVT (Optec Vision Tester). I don't think anyone will be watching your eyes to see if you are squinting or not. Remember that you must get every letter in a row correct to receive credit for that level.

The form you were given is an old form that was never correct. Attached is the current form. CRS_Checklist(Feb 15).pdf

If you had PRK and your pre-surgery refractive error exceeded +3.00 diopters, then a waiver for any USAF flying class cannot be recommended. There is no flight doc discretion involved. The waiver authority can choose to waive whatever they want, but it is very unlikely if a waiver is not recommended at the IFC I physical.

If you don't meet vision standards with spectacles,the ACS evaluation will most likely take 3-4 days because you may need a rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting. If you meet standards with spectacles, you may only be there for 2 days. Their goal will be to get you to meet standards as quickly and easily as possible so you can be returned to flight duties. For a trained flyer it is almost impossible to not get a waiver.

The Medical Standards Directory (MSD) 6 Feb 2014 C48 has the same verbiage as the 2009 AFI 48-123. However, it should not be an issue as the glial remnant in the photo is overlying the optic disc and should not be a cause of any visual field defects. If it was covering a larger area of the retina, it would have a corresponding visual field defect and would be disqualifying with no waiver. In your case it should not be disqualifying and no waiver will be needed.

If you want to be a pilot, you must meet FCI waiver standards. If you had your physical at your local base, you must still go to Wright Patterson for the MFS part of the physical. They can review the physical and make a recommendation for a waiver, if you meet the requirements. The initial FCII you were approved for is most likely for RPA pilot. Depending on your time line, you may also consider refractive surgery to get under the refractive error limits for pilot.

Unfortunately there is no waiver potential for initial FCI (pilot) or IA (CSO). The only potential for an initial FC II (RPA) or III would be if you had a normal MRI and then wait 10 years without having any other episodes.

Deaddebate is correct. You will need to be rechecked for stability (no more than 0.50 D shift over at least 2 weeks). You also must be 12 months post-op before the waiver can be considered. Most likely, the refraction has stabilized and you will be fine. You are not "unwaiverable". You just cannot apply for the waiver yet. If the refraction does not stabilize, then, generally speaking, you would not be waiverable.

There is no requirement for stereopsis (depth perception) for RPA pilots. If you fail the "circle test" at WPAFB, you will have additional depth perception testing completed. Even though there is not a requirement for depth perception, some conditions that lead to defective depth perception may be disqualifying. If you have a disqualifying condition listed in AFI 48-123 section 6.45.4.8., it would require a waiver.

Short answer: It is not disqualifying to need corrective lenses after refractive surgery as long as the postoperative refraction is within the refractive error standards listing in AFI 48-123.

One possible reason: Do you have any other condition that may have needed a waiver (don't list it/them in response)? Disqualifying conditions are all submitted together and the waiver authority addresses each condition.

PRK enhancements are available for active flyers. The application process is the same as for an initial surgery. The following link will help to get you started. https://kx.afms.mil/kxweb/dotmil/kj.do?functionalArea=RS_USAF Completing the application process is the only way to know if a touch-up is an option for you.

Yes. That is it. I cannot speak for the waiver authority, but I have never seen a FC I waiver for that level of myopia. There is always a possibility that you are overcorrected and the cycloplegic (dilated) refraction would be within the waiverable standard. However, that is highly unlikely. With that said, you are still young enough to get refractive surgery and have one year post surgery before your FC I evaluation. The prescription you listed is within the allowable preoperative standards. It is your money and, of course, there are no guarantees.

No. You should be good. As a trained pilot you are eligible for a waiver. Your case should be reviewed by the aerospace med consult service and a recommendation will be made to AFMSA. AFMSA makes the waiver decision depending upon the circumstances of the case. You should receive a FC IIC waiver which will restrict you to previously flown aircraft. If you cross train into a new airframe, you will need to undergo an operational evaluation of your ability to correctly use the display.

It should not have any impact on the blood work next week.

IFC I/IA/IIU and III(certain career fields) are not eligible for waivers for color deficiency. IFC II flight surgeon and IFC III without color vision requirements can be waived for color deficiency. Trained aviators with a FC II can be waived with FC IIC rating restricting them to their current airframe unless they go through the required process to qualify in another. Trained FC III can also be waived. I will be more specific in the future since my response caused the confusion.

Agreed. Was specifically responding to the current thread requesting info on FCI.

There are no waivers for defective color vision. If you do not score 75 or higher on each eye/each color on the CCT at WPAFB, you will be tested using additional color vision testing platforms to determine the type and level of color deficiency.

There isn't any physician's discretion. The waiver authority is AETC. Decisions are made at the MAJCOM level. When there is no formal waiver guidance, there is usually some informal guidance. In my experience 20/200 can be waived, 20/400 will not. JakeFSU is correct that if someone is worse than 20/200 uncorrected, they most likely are worse than -3.00 and would not be waiverable anyway. See your optometrist and find out where your prescription and uncorrected vision is and then you can make a better decision.

This is technically correct as a book answer. However, in practice the uncorrected acuity does matter. 20/400 uncorrected visual acuity at the I FCI physical, even if the refractive error is -3.00 or less, will, most likely, not get waived for a FCI but will get returned as qualified for FCIIU.

If you are an AD Aviator, you can be waived to resume flying duties in as little as 3-4 months. However, if you want to apply for UPT, you MUST wait 12 months for your FCI physical. You will not be seen earlier than 1 year after your surgery date. Why do you "need" PRK? Do you fall outside the waiverable refractive error limits for FCI?