Vision waiver info

[Guest JoeMama]

Just wanted to see if anyone else knows about the new astigmatism waiver for the FC1.

You can now receive a waiver for astigmatism up to 3.0 (regs allow up to 1.5, and the old waiver was up to 2.0).

Anything between 2.0 and 3.0 is waivable provided all other tests are within limits, AND they require corneal topography BEFORE Brooks to rule out Keratoconus.

I don't have the new reg (it was just approved and finalized yesterday), but that's the news!

[Guest JoeMama]

They said corneal topography is easy enough to do (it only takes a few seconds), and to get the waiver for astigmatism "that bad" they want to make sure you don't have keratoconus before giving you the waiver, rather than waiting for Brooks.

I got mine done at Keesler.

As far as your 20/30 near vision, that itself is disqualifying, but if that's the only problem you have, I think you can get a waiver for it (I THINK they'll waive up TO 20/30, but you'd have to ask someone to make sure). Those waivers don't require corneal topography before Brooks though.

What I'm not sure about is if you have near vision worse than 20/20 AND astigmatism worse than 2.0. I'll have to look at the new waiver reg when it's available.

[aspec]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you have a waiver for your eye vision?

I'm 20/50 and 20/70 right now (only graduating H.S. this year) so I know it will be a lot worse four years down the road when I hope to be shooting for my UPT slot. I've heard mixed answers about getting waivers for eye vision and I just wanted to hear some first hand stories. =)

Also, what was your eye sight when you recieved the waiver? Thanks!

[USAF Pilot]

The AF published new vision requirements for pilot apps on 22May01 to read as follows, distance vision must be 20/70 for better and no more that a -1.50 refraction error. Ref

AFI48-123. This doc can be obtained at

https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/

and has in it the medical requirements for entry into the AF for everyone. I also recommend obtaining AFI48-133. This pamphlet explains the rules on how the tests are to be administered so you can be sure 18yo Airman Smith is administering the test properly and recording the results properly.

With that said, there is the possibility of an auto-waiver if your refractive error is no worse that +/- 3.00. To qualify for the waiver you must have a full optometry eval IAW AFI 48-123 A.7 the only thing they can find wrong with you is your refractive error. For example, if your refractive error is -2.0 and you fail the depth perception test (looking for the floating circles kind of like a drivers licence test) you don't get the waiver. You must pass all vision/eye tests except distance visual acuity and refractive error. In my case I could see around 20/100. At times maybe a little worse. However because my refractive error was -2.25 and I passed all other tests I was eligible for the auto-waiver.

Here come the needs of the AF. Just because you qualify for the auto-waiver, doesn't mean the AF has to give it to you. I went started this process in the summer of 2001. Pre 9/11 the AF was (so they told me) short of pilots. I got in. Now they may not be as short of pilots since the economy sucks and may not give you the waiver even if you qualify.

Good Luck!

[Guest JoeMama]

CT takes about 15 seconds each eye...the tech should be able to tell you yes or no on keratoconus (you also may be able to read it right off the color paper..mine said NORMAL).

Also, check out this website:

https://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/2001/maps.html

That should give you an idea of what keratoconus looks like.

[Guest beckmatj]

I just got back from my FC1/MFS at Brooks. I had a problem with the eye doctors. But, I got conflicting information.

The Air Force eye doctor that looked at me said this:

I have Posterior Polymorphous Dystrophy in my right eye. (Abnormal Corneal Endotheliom) He said that it was a DQ and that I would probably have a slim to zero possibility for a waiver but still try and put in for it but he said the chances aren’t too good.

The Flight Doc that did my Physical said:

Don't even worry about it, they give waivers for that stuff all the time.

When I got home (Thursday) I went to my eye doctor that I see for yearly check-ups.

She said that I have better than 20/20 in my right eye and the spot they were talking about is small and at the top of my eye almost out of the cone of vision. (to quote "wow, that’s really faint, it's hard to see and I wouldn't have seen it if you hadn't said something.) She also said that this vary rarely affects your vision(something like 1 or 2%). Most cases that are affected only get as bad as 20/30. She also mentioned that since it hasn't shown up till now its not progressing very fast (since it usually shows up around age 10) She said that she would refer me to a specialist and was willing to help with any sort of waiver process.

My question is this, what do I need to do? What are the regs/policies on this? Is their any hope for me to go to UPT? I've made it this far and worked really hard, I would hate to lose it over something that isn't a problem and probably won't be. Also, how dose the waiver process work? Where do I go from here? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. I am worried and confused at this point. Sorry for the long post.

Thanks in advance

Mat

[Guest F16PilotMD]

I have no idea what posterior polymorphous dystrophy is but the waiver process works something like this. You need to have an ophthalmologist examine you and give their opinion as to your current condition and likely future progression. Then submit this info with you waiver application. The bottom line on any waiver is are you a risk to safety and will your problem likely cause the USAF to lose you in the future after they have invested in your training.

The issue for you is WHO does this for you. For the ROTC folks doing everything at Brooks, I have no idea who oversees your IFC-1 application/waiver. I would guess you would start at your det and they will know who to talk to. ??

If you are at UD, you should be able to go to WPAFB for the eye exam, etc. But as far as who the flight doc is that will write your waiver and such...I just don't know.

[Guest beckmatj]

Thanks for the quick reply, I am going to start at my Det. on Monday. Will I need to wait till my physical comes back to find out specificly what I need for a waiver? Thanks again, I appricate your help.

Mat

[Guest Greg Forrester]

I took the FC1 physical and passed everyting with flying colors except for my near vision. I applied for a waiver and a few months later I received it back saying that I was declined.

I am wondering can I re-apply for the waiver, if so how long do I wait to re-apply. And how do I go about re-applying for the waiver. I appreciate any help I can get on this situation.

Fighter Bound

[Guest F16PilotMD]

Re-applying for a waiver doesn't make much sense. NO is NO. DQ is DQ. They won't reconsider unless you have additional information to give them. Just asking again will be tossed in the trash.

[Guest CrewDawg1]

I know this subject has been brought up time and time again, but I did a search and looked over all the vision threads I could find and have not seen the vision limits. From what I understand your vision can be up to 20/70 and -1.50, without a waiver. But does anyone know what the limits are with a waiver it terms of 20/? and diopters, with a wiaver? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Guest CAVOK]

Direct from the source document.

Physical Qualifications. The physical examination performed by the initial examining facility is only a tentative qualification. Final authority for disqualifying applicants selected for space and missile operation duty (13S1) rests with HQ AFSPC/SGPA. All other must be certified by HQ AETC/SGPS. Physicals are valid for 24 months from the date of the initial physical date. See Table for a guide to applicant physical screening information.

(From Table)

Minimum vision is:

Pilot (92T0)

distant visual acuity to be not more than 20/70 each eye correctable to 20/20; near vision to be 20/20 each eye without correction.

Navigator (92T1)

distant visual acuity no worse that 20/200 each eye, correctable to 20/20; near visual acuity no worse than 20/40 each eye correctable to 20/20; normal color vision.

Height standards are: (both pilot & nav)

standing--64 inches to 77 inches;

sitting--34 inches to 40 inches;

(weight may not exceed 232 pounds)

Notes:

"Contact lenses will not be worn for 90 days preceding examination for flying class 1 and 1A physicals." (1=pilot; 1A=nav).

"Use exact sitting and standing height measurements. Do not round off fractions."

"Correction of visual acuity by photorefractive radial keratotomy is a disqualifying factor for all Air Force program applicants; however, waivers may be considered. Radial keratotomy and lasik surgery is not waiverable."

My notes:

1. The Academy has been know to waiver as low as 20/200 during a "pilot shortage" but don't expect that. There may be exceptions to the rule, but above is what the actual source document says. I have not found anything that further restricts or loosens it, etc.

2. The copilot with 20/400 may have gotten worse after already in UPT or on the line.

3. Because it is a "waiver" you are smart not to have the surgery (in my opinion) if you can avoid it.

4. Yes, there is lots more on this in the reg, but this is all the basics.

Good luck.

CAVOK

[Guest CAVOK]

Direct from the source document attachment:

(This is written for the recruiter).

Guide for medical screening of applicants

Purpose of screening. This guide should help you to screen out applicants who may or will be disqualified at MEPS. By screening applicants for medical problems, you should be able to sort out some or most of the applicants who will be disqualified. Prescreening and obtaining needed records before the applicant goes to the MEPS may save several hours or days. Each recruiter must ensure proper records arrive at MEPS ahead of the applicant. (etc.)

Eyes. There are many disqualifying factors, many of which are rarely seen. The common ones are:

1. Blind in one eye.

2. Absence of lens in an eye (aphakia) congenital or surgical, unilateral or bilateral, pseudophakia, or lens implant.

3. Corneal scars (severe) or ulcers.

4. Torn or diseased retina.

5. Opacities of cornea or lens.

6. Night blindness.

7. Nystagmus (eye vibrations).

8. Strabismus (crossed eyes) if of large degree, or surgery for in past 6 months.

9. Double vision (diplopia).

10. Refractive error of 8.00 dioptrers or more. (NOTE: Suspect this if applicant wears very thick glasses.)

11. Vision requiring contact lens for correction.

12. History or keratorefractive surgery accomplished to modify the refractive power of the cornea, or of lamellar and or penetrating keratoplasty. Laser surgery to reconfigure the cornea is also disqualifying.

13. Glaucoma, primary, or secondary, or preglaucoma as evidenced by intraocular pressure above 21 mmHg, or the secondary changes in the optic disc or visual field loss associated with glaucoma.

My notes.

1. It is almost all Greek to me. So please direct questions to the Moderators (experts).

2. To answer the question about 20/? with dioptics, from reading this, I think as long as it is correctable to 20/20, then the 20/70 limit is still in effect. But once again, I am far from the expert on anything medical.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

CAVOK

[Guest m7flight]

I am graduating with a degree in Aviation (Have all of my ratings from Private to CFII and Multi) and I was planning on going to OTS with a Pilot slot, however I just found out that I have 20/25 nearsighted in my left eye. The regs state 20/20. Everything else is excellent. Ive tried and tried to get a waiver, but everyone says there are no waivers.

Any help would be great! Ive always wanted to go AF, as well as fly.

[Guest dumaisj]

Dude, you don't need a waiver...unless you are confusing near and farsighted vision. If your distance acuity is 20/25 in the left, there is NO NEED for a waiver. If you are, instead, slightly farsighted and your near vision is 20/25, you will need a waiver. However (but don't quote me on this), I've heard that such a waiver has a good chance of being approved.

[ 24. November 2004, 00:52: Message edited by: dumaisj ]

[Guest av8tor55]

dumaisj, good point.

m7, if your distant acuity is at least 20/70 you are good to go. if your near acuity is not 20/20 you will need a waiver. there is not much to the waiver: the eye doc at the clinic where you take your IFC-1 will submit the refraction info to the appropriate office. the waiver should come back within a couple of months. then they submit your entire package for approval.

hk, i think it depends if you are applying for AD or reserve/guard. for the reserve/guard you can apply without a completed FC-1.

[ 24. November 2004, 08:47: Message edited by: av8tor55 ]

[Guest m7flight]

I dont think that I am getting it confused...my wife works at an eye clinic. My distant vision is 20/30 in my left eye and my near, upclose vision is, what I just found out is 20/25 in my left eye. That 20/25 is what is keeping me from a pilot slot. I havent had a flight physical yet, I just got that from the meps and then an eye doc. And the regs state 20/70 far or otherwords distant vision and 20/20 for the near vision. People here and other places have told me that I can get a waiver, however my recruiter is saying that there are no waivers for that.

Av8tor55 are you going active duty? If so how did you get excepted with 20/25 and how would I go about getting that waived? Was yours 20/25 before getting excepted or were you already in and did you go academy, ROTC, or OTS? I am about to submit my paperwork, but as a NAV, so any help would be great.

[Guest dumaisj]

Your recruiter is incorrect...you can get such a waiver. In his defense, he may just not know, but he is also in a quota-related job; it's just easier for him to get guys through without a waiver and it requires less hands-on time. Go get your IFC-1 AND THEN if your are indeed DQ, pursue the waiver.

[Guest doctidy]

The AF standard is much higher than FAA standards. We don't accept the light gun at all. Also, the FAA accepts 7 of 14 PIP I plates as color normal. Color normal for our pilot applicants includes:

PIP I (minimum passing score 10/14 in both eyes...tested monocularly - one eye at a time).

PIP II (minimum passing score 9/10 tested monocularly).

PIP III (minimum passing score 9/10 tested monocularly).

F2 Pass or Fail.

Since you are obviously a sharp guy and have reviewed the posts...you've seen me write before that the AF has really gotten tough on color vision ever since a color deficient commercial pilot crashed a cargo jet and his color vision problems were sited as a contributing factor.

[Guest clanyi]

Hello, all.

Despite all the information available on this site, I haven't been able to figure this one out: can somebody get a vision waiver if one eye is fine and the other is

farsighted +3.00

astigmatism -.75

? PRK is out of the question, right?

[Guest doctidy]

Probably can't get a waiver. That's a lot of difference between one eye and the other...which will trip you up when trying to do depth perception testing.

I don't know if PRK will fix the depth perception problem. Over the years, your brain has learned to suppress the image in the bad eye...so they essentially have monocular vision. So, even after the eye is fixed, the brain will not readily accept the input.

[Guest clanyi]

Thanks for the information, Rage. However, I went to the eye doctor and got a contact lens for the bad eye, which I've been wearing for some time now. It appears that I can see depth just fine. I know the tests at Brooks will be more vigorous, but if we show that with the contact lens I can in fact see 20/20 in both eyes near and far with depth perception, do you think there's a slight chance for a waiver? (or PRK?)

[Guest clanyi]

One more thing: in your reply you made it sound as if the depth perception problem was the thing holding me back from PRK. But why would you bother to mention that, since as I understand it Air Force won't let you get PRK to fix any farsightedness at all, anyway? Do you mean to say that if there was no depth perception problem, one could get PRK (say if he was +3.00 in BOTH eyes) and then go fly for the Air Force??

[Guest P27:17]

Assuming that the refraction you posted is from a cycloplegic exam, I would advise you to take your chances for a waiver as your eyes are now and not get PRK. Your waiver chances are better with your eyes right now (with the depth perception as you stated) because PRK corrected farsightedness is not waiverable at this time.

Good luck.

[Guest doctidy]

Troy - I'll be honest...you've really got some vision problems.

- you've had corrective eye surgery...which means your depth perception is probably screwed up because you intermittantly suppress vision in the bad eye

- you don't have central vision in one...which means your depth perception is probably screwed up and who knows what your central vision is like

- you are out of standards due to the amount of correction necessary in the right eye

- you have a large difference in correction between eyes...which means your depth perception is probably screwed up

I'm really surprised you are even in the Air Force. You have cleared many hurdles to get where you are, and I'm sure you can be successful at many things. I think you could fly recreational aircraft safely. But I don't think you would be successful as a professional pilot or navigator due to these problems. I hope you give this some more thought and explore some other professions where your vision problems would not hinder your probability of success.