What type of eye surgery is acceptable before RASP with an option 40 contract?

Max Steinhauser — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 23:21:17 -0400

I’m considering getting refractive surgery such as PRK, Lasik, Lasek, etc. I’m hoping to secure an option 40 contract and I’m wondering what type of surgery is acceptable and if I should get it before or after RASP/ Enlistment. Thank you in advance.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 17 at 2020 12:17 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:17:18 -0400

Research is my best advice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 1:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 01:44:08 -0400

Why?

Just get it once you get into the Army and it's free rather than before and delaying your enlistment

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 6:40 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 06:40:46 -0400

The Army will give you PRK for free after your in.
If you want it done before you go to training, be prepared to spend several thousand dollars and be on recovery for a month.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 9:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 09:18:43 -0400

I agree with the previous comments, wait for the Army to pay. That being said you will most likely get PRK. When I got mine they said get PRK if you are on jump status or part of the special operations command.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 18 at 2020 2:35 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 14:35:13 -0400

Let the Army pay for it, but keep an ear out. Batt does them in batches and they aren't vocal about the opportunity. I missed the on formation the information was put out and had to wait till my next unit and years later. I just barely got it before getting out. (Almost exactly the 18 month minimum before ETS.)
And it was iLASIK, by the way. Some of the older ones are risky for airborne, but it is mostly not a problem now.

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Apr 18 at 2020 2:53 PM

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 14:53:55 -0400

Getting any sort of surgery prior to enlistment will delay your enlistment process, typically by a matter of months. Not only do you have to have a predetermined amount of recovery time after any surgeries in accordance with Army Regulation 40-501, you would also need to have a med read submitted by your recruiter to MEPS prior to being able to take the physical. This is because any current or previous medical condition that has an answer of YES on the DD Form 2807-2 (medical prescreening questionnaire) requires permission in advance from the MEPS doctor before the physical.

My understanding, unless things have changed in the 18 months I've been retired, is that if you have a PULHES (physical profile) of at least 111121 ( where E is for eyes), then you can be qualified for Ranger. You could likely get at least a 2 in the eyes without Lasik or PRK beforehand. Like everyone else has said, if you want to be a Soldier more quickly, get in now and get the eye surgery performed on the Army's dime.

Response by SGT Bleddyn Wilson made Apr 20 at 2020 2:03 AM

SGT Bleddyn Wilson — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 02:03:28 -0400

These days I don’t know, come on those high speed viewmasters are hip