admcdonald said:Hello,
I applied to the military in October 2009 in the direct entry officer programme. I've been slowly, but surely winding my way through the application process. I rather terrified myself about the aptitude test and fitness levels and therefore completely overlooked my lack of good vision, which has me kicking myself because I could have fixed this issue months ago.
I recently did my medical and interview. The gentleman who did the medical stated that I would pass medical easily if not for my poor eyesight. He suggested that I might need to get laser eye surgery to get passed. He also gave me a form to fill out from my optometrist about my level of vision. I went to my optometrist today who laughed at the notion that I could ever function without my glasses or contact lenses (which is quite correct). He told me that both of my eyes are in the -5 range and that I have astigmatism (which I knew about previously). He said that although he doesn't know the exact standards of the military he doesn't believe that I would be accepted if I needed to function at all without corrective lenses.
I am perfectly happy to get laser eye surgery (my parents are even paying for it as a birthday present) and I am willing to get it done as soon as possible. I understand that there is a minimum three month waiting period after the surgery is completed to check to make sure my eyes are in good shape and this does not upset me in the least.
My question is, however, should I wait to have the form filled out until a week or two after I get the eye surgery done and then return it to the recruiting centre (the time limit on the form is 90 days with an extension of 30 days on top of that) and explain about the surgery at that point or should I ask for the extension and return it at the three month point (and tell them about the surgery at the 3 month point)? Also, when I go through with the surgery will that put a full stop on my application process and will I have to wait for positions to open up at the point I am cleared, or will they continue with the process because in all likelihood I will not be sent off to training in the next 3-4 months regardless?
Basically, I am asking how I can do this eye surgery requirement with the least amount of disruption to my application process as possible.
Thank you for any advice or comments.
I was just wondering what you're trying to get into? Infantry, or something else because I heard for non-related combat trades the eye sight restriction is a bit different. I was wondering if anyone knew what the vision requirements for Medical Technician are? Any input would help thanks!