If I get eye surgery to correct my vision (was denied at MEPS after my eye test), what are the chances of my being able to enlist?

Danielle McNamara — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:25:33 -0500

I went to MEPS and got sent home after my eye test, I went back for a consult and did not get my waiver approved, but I am still determined to enlist. if I get my eye surgery and it corrects my vision, does anyone know what the chances of being able to enlist would be?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 12:51 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:51:10 -0500

Danielle McNamara Good question, and thank you for trying to enlist. SFC Jason Boyd will be able to provide you with an answer.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 31 at 2019 12:54 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:54:24 -0500

Danielle McNamara Eye surgery is a mile wide and a mile deep. You may try and look at AR40-501 (google it and use the copy at http://www.adp.army.mil) for the exact medical condition you have. understand there are initial entry standards and retention standards. Your desired MOS may have supplemental standards. Understand that this regulation is written by and for medical people and will be confusing to a lay person. What did your recruiter tell you?

The single largest determinant is if the corrective surgery is acceptable by the regulation and the desired outcome is achieved that will solve the medical disqualification. Some surgeries themselves are medically disqualifying. Talk to your recruiter. Unless they worked in this process specifically, no one on RP can accurately say yes or no.

Engage with your Recruiter and medical provider.

www.adp.army.mil)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 1:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 01:03:09 -0500

As far as I know, as long as your vision is corrected to an acceptable rating, you will meet enlistment standards.
There may be some jobs you won't qualify for.

Response by 1SG Jason Rose made Feb 1 at 2019 2:57 AM

1SG Jason Rose — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 02:57:59 -0500

If my memory serves me correctly I remember having an applicant who had corrective surgery. She was able to enlist but had to wait a period about 6 months to a year. AR 40-501 should be the regulation that governs medical enlistment standards. Rules and regulations change all the time so you would need to speak to your recruiter. Weigh your options and if you are getting the corrective surgery, make sure you are able to obtain all surgery records. You will still require a med read before enlisting. Don’t lose determination and best of luck to you!