Posted on Jun 22, 2015
Is there a way to work around the minimum age requirements for PRK?
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So I'm very close to completing my warrant packet, and I've hit a wall in the process. Apparently my astigmatism in my right eye is too great to even be a pilot at all, and I need corrective surgery to put in a packet. This isn't going to stop me, flying is my dream. Now my problem though is that the age requirements for military prk is 21 and I'm 20 until March. Is there a way around this or am I forced to wait til I'm 21? This is a huge setback since it takes 6 months to even get the prk once the ball gets rolling.
Thank you for any feedback!
PFC Todt
Thank you for any feedback!
PFC Todt
Posted in these groups: 
Warrant Officers
153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Warrant Officers 153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Can you go get it done on your own dime? Although, I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps there is a delay for a purpose (to be revealed later).
I had a vision-related issue many moons ago. I was stationed in Hawaii. The DoD sponsored service member procedures at Crippler, I mean, Tripler Army Medical Center. Lol. They would only preform PRK on AF members with the assumption that we were all flyers. I paid out of pocket and went off base and had LASIK done. Best money I ever spent!!
I would research the sh*t out of it and, if possible/legal/viable, go to GOOD civvie doctor. If not, the skies aren't going anywhere--you will fly if that is what you are destined to do!
Good luck!!
I had a vision-related issue many moons ago. I was stationed in Hawaii. The DoD sponsored service member procedures at Crippler, I mean, Tripler Army Medical Center. Lol. They would only preform PRK on AF members with the assumption that we were all flyers. I paid out of pocket and went off base and had LASIK done. Best money I ever spent!!
I would research the sh*t out of it and, if possible/legal/viable, go to GOOD civvie doctor. If not, the skies aren't going anywhere--you will fly if that is what you are destined to do!
Good luck!!
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Ever consider that there may be a reason WHY there is a minimum age...? And it's not to make your life hard. If flying is your dream, it will still be there next year.
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SPC (Join to see)
Yes sir that is true. I just had a good momentum going until this. But like anything else with the military I guess there will be setbacks.
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SPC (Join to see)
Yes you are right. I am 100% willing to wait and and yes in that time I do plan on taking actions to better my acceptance chances.
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You asked for a way around the age requirement. There is: pay for the PRK yourself.
But you should wait for your eyesight to stabilize. My anecdotal experience: my eyes didn't stabilize until I was about 25-26. I got PRK at 32.
But you should wait for your eyesight to stabilize. My anecdotal experience: my eyes didn't stabilize until I was about 25-26. I got PRK at 32.
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SPC (Join to see)
I used to have 20/30 until a few years ago. My dad told me his vision worsened the same age as mine did so I assume mine won't be getting any better. My father settled for lasik in his 40s. Thank you for your input chief, I have debated paying out of pocket but as an e3 that's a pretty penny.
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