PRK/LASIK while in DEP?

[Hman123]

This is a copy of an e-mail I sent to clearpawn about the Navy's vision policies....If anybody on this board can help I could really use it.

Hey clearpawn this is Hman123 from navyseals.com. I writing regarding your post in the BUD/S prep forum on vision policies. You say that you got PRK done not even a year before you shipped out to Basic. I have been in the DEP since August 23rd 2004 and my ship date is August 16th 2005. Right now I wear contacts and my vision is 20/300 in one eye and 20/400 in the other eye. Im really want to get this surgery done now before I go to Basic so I can get to BUD/S as soon as possible. I have been talking to all my recruiters and I'm litteraly getting five different answers from five different people. Some say I cant get it done by a civie, some say I can but it's a year wait, some say you cant get it while in DEP. Nobody can give me a straight answer. I'm starting to get a little frustrated. I was wondering what information you can give me about this. Also what are the rules regarding which surgery I can get, PRK or LASIK. Any and all help is greatly appriciated. Thanks a lot.

Unless your 100% sure.....please dont post. Ive heard enough maybes.

[FutureEnlisted]

hello,
only part I can answer is that you need PRK for the Teams. Lasik creates a flap that can be dislodged due to sudden pressure changes. PRK is the only way to go.
http://www.seal.navy.mil/seal/req_vision.asp


Will

ADDED: just got mine done in Feb. 20/25 left, 20/40 right, both are still healing. If anyone is around OR, I recommend Dr. Kemp. prk charge is $3980 for both eyes. any touch-ups, if needed, are free. He also does CustomeVue prk.

[Hman123]

Thanks for the reply. I was recently given the same information from my recruiters. They finally came through for me. PRK with a 3 month wait till u go to Basic. So Im good to go. I actually live in OR. But the only people that could get me in for surgery on time are up in Vancouver, WA.

[FutureEnlisted]

hello,
Make sure you ask them if they are using the latest prk laser. not all offices use the latest technology, hence the low cost for prk. I saw one for only $2000 with a stupid rebate..haha..if you see any deal like that, their laser will most likely suck and not give you good results. plus u'll probably see halos all over the place at night..haha
The best one, not really my opinion, over the internet info, also the latest and FDA approved, is the VISX STAR S4. You should make sure that that's what they are using. The doctor was able to squeeze me in for PRK in a week. Their main office is in portland on Stark. Their laser center is in gresham.
web location where you will find info: http://www.ehnpc.com/locationssoutheast.html <----- main office.
You will most likely talk to a lady named Sharon, she's the main scheduler. If you tell her your situation, she will do her best to squeeze you in. She did the same thing for me. Good luck!


Will


IMO: you get what you pay for in this case. Fact: "you get what you pay for" applies to computer hardware.

ADDED: Doctor's name is Dr. Kemp. what city are you in? hit me up with an email if you get the chance.