Posted on Dec 27, 2023
PV2 Motor Transport Operator
4.1K
31
14
1
1
0
Is it possible for me To wear my color blind glasses that is from a doctor?
Posted in these groups: Ar Army Regulations
Avatar feed
Responses: 6
COL Randall C.
6
6
0
Edited 12 mo ago
I like the new rank .. PV2 SGM .. is that along the lines of "Corporal Captain". You need to fix your profile information or your account is subject to deletion.

Yes. medical necessity is an accepted reason for deviation from the standard uniform regulations (AR 670-1).

But if you're asking if "can I wear day-glow orange EnChromic lenses because I have a civilian optometrist that wrote me a prescription", then the answer is no.

If the optometrist at the MTF requires that the tint be so strong it is significantly outside of the uniform regulation, then I would carry that prescription on me at all times because you know your non-PV2 SGM counterparts will be stopping you every 20 feet.
(6)
Comment
(0)
PV2 Motor Transport Operator
PV2 (Join to see)
12 mo
They are aviator style glasses with bright red lenses because I'm red and green color blind
(1)
Reply
(0)
COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
12 mo
PV2 (Join to see) - The base answer is no. For "bright red", you'll have to go through approval for a military accommodation request.

"Red tinted" might be acceptable as a "medical personal enhancement" that a commander could sign off on, but unless you're performing functions that the wear of "bright red" glasses would be a "medical necessity", I don't see it happening.

As you wouldn't be allowed into certain MOSes if you're color blind, the "medically necessary" aspect would be hard to prove. It's possible that there are some functions where you would be granted 'limited use' while performing those functions, but a blanket exemption for 'wear anytime while in uniform' is unlikely.

What is the real question you are asking? Your profile is incongruent with your question as it indicates you are a veteran. Are you a newly joined soldier? Are you asking on behalf of someone that is looking to join? Did someone tell you no and you're looking for regulatory or policy backup to get that 'no' changed to a 'yes'?
(1)
Reply
(0)
PV2 Motor Transport Operator
PV2 (Join to see)
12 mo
Ya I'm newly joined I just don't know how to work this site yet
And I was told that is might be able to depending on my unit commander and a doctor paper
(1)
Reply
(0)
COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
12 mo
PV2 (Join to see) - Gotcha. First, welcome aboard belatedly. Should have sent you the welcome fruit basket first, especially since you're correcting your profile as you get feedback. To change your account from "Veteran" to "Service member", click on your profile (upper right) and select 'settings'. Down under 'account type', chose "service member". After that, suggest you 'verify' your account.
------------
The uniform regulation (AR 670-1*) is punitive in many sections which means those sections are to be obeyed as general orders. The wearing of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses are such a section (para 3-10).

Per para 3-10a(3), "Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy or have lenses or frames with conspicuous initials, designs, or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include, but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange."

When it comes to medical accommodations, the commander is the governing authority. The medical side will make recommendations, and often the commander will grant accommodations when requested by a medical practitioner, but it is the commander who will use their judgement of the impact such an accommodation will have in their decision to grant or deny it.

There may be a middle road between "yes, you can wear the fire-engine red glasses" and "no you can't". The commander may consult with the optometrist to determine if there is a 'less conspicuous" option or may restrict when you could have the exception ("while in uniform, you can only wear them when working on the computer").

The first step is to see a military optometrist and get a documented medical opinion on the impact or necessity of wearing the lenses as well as the color/tint of them. If they have a solution that is within regulatory guidance, then you don't have an issue. You might not have a solution you prefer, but as long as you have a workable solution, no accommodation would be needed.

Next approach your command. Tell them you understand the color/tint isn't within the guidelines of the regulation but that you need them for ___________ and the solution that the optometrist from the MTF gave was ___________ and you'd like him to grant a medical accomodation for you to wear them.

If they aren't too "loud", and I had a junior enlisted approach me this way back when I was a company commander, I would have been inclined to grant the accommodation.
-----------------------------------
* AR 670-1 - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Erik Marquez
4
4
0
Edited 12 mo ago
To enter the Army your color perception issues had to be mild at worse.
(4) Color vision, as follows:
(a) Three or more errors in reading the 14 test plates of the pseudoisochromatic plate (PIP) set.
(b) Computerized color vision tests, as follows: Rabin cone contrast test with any score of less than 55 in the red, blue, or green cones in either eye. Wagonner computerized color vision test with a score of moderate or severe deficiency for red, green, or blue. A score of mild is not disqualifying.

You can ask your military treatment facility provider. They may write a positive profile that authorizes you to wear them for specific reasons, say driving. I would not expect the MTF to authorize you to wear some wild-colored glasses 24/7 though.
(4)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MSG Intermediate Care Technician
4
4
0
I've seen two new things this morning. Talk of color blind glasses and Privates who are Command Sergeants Major. Wild times we live in.

To answer the question:

Civilian doctor 'script-No. (Unless reviewed/approved by a military doctor.
Military doctor 'script-Yes
(4)
Comment
(0)
CPT Staff Officer
CPT (Join to see)
12 mo
There is the rank we are, and the rank we plan to eventually get to. According to the accounting firm for Enron (Arthur Andersen) it's called theoretical promotions. However, it's for use in the bars with the ladies and not for use while on post.
(1)
Reply
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
12 mo
So apparently there are color blind glasses and this is new to me.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/do-color-blindness-correcting-glasses-work
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close