Vision Questions Megathread, Categories, Problems etc.

[sksteve]

Quick question if any one can help. Please note, went through the pages and haven't located the exact answer to my question.

I believe my vision will be a V1 or V2 category. 6/6 left and 6/9 right eye. So i will possibly need to provide a current refractive error measurement if i fall into V2 category. My question is i recently had a routine eye exam completed to insure my eyes indeed where healthy and no issues. Was given a very minor prescription following my routine exam (is that my refractive error?) and was wondering if it is, is that all i need to bring for a current refractive error measurement or do you need additional forms following your CF medical exam?

Thanks and all the best!

 

[BrewsKampbell]

I did my medical last Oct and I'm V2. Since you've had an eye exam within the last year you just have to bring in a copy for the medical staff. Had it been more than a year they would provide you with a form to have an optometrist to fill out.

Edit: Adding to my last, there was a minor test they don't normally do in an annual exam that I had to get my optometrist to check. It took about 3 mins and they didn't even charge me for it, signed my form and I handed it back into the recruiting centre.

 

[sarahsmom]

I'm currently waiting for my medical to clear up in ottawa. From what I've gathered I'm V2, 6/12 and 6/15 both corrected to 6/6, prescription is -1,00 and -1,25. I never wore glasses and fonction well without any. Is there any point where they require you to wear glasses or is it required for pretty much anyone in V2? My trade choices are V3, armoured and infantry.

I know I'll get an answer eventually, but still I'd like to know in advance in case I need to buy glasses.

If you are going Reg F, you will be given glasses in week 2 of BMQ. and every 2 years after that.

 

[BCstangWA]

Hi,

My names Ilyas im from Steveston, Richmond, BC ill post a bio in the bio section. I am a new recruit for the Air-Force, I already did my physical testing and passed with good times. I am just studying for my aptitude test & getting ready to knock it out the park. I was just wondering about the medical exam and more specifically the un-corrected vs. corrected part. If my eyes are bad without glasses or contacts on, but 20/20 vision with them on or in, will I be okay? I read around and saw the standards and stuff but it still is not clear, I also read that doesnt matter whether its 20/20 vision when you put them on or in, but that doesn't make sense, why would they test with it on if it doesn't matter?

Thanks Godbless

 

[sarahsmom]

This link may answer some of your questions:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-policies-standards-medical-occupations/cf-visual-acuity-testing-instructions.page
I think if you are not correctable to 20/20 with your glasses, you are a risk in combat (since you can't see clearly with or without your glasses.)
If you prescription is higher than +/- 7 then you are automatically a V5 and your vision will make you unsuitable for all trades,

 

[BCstangWA]

Ah that is around my prescription I think a -7 and a -8. I decided to get laser eye surgery anyway. Thanks. I guess god has a plan for me.

Godbless.

 

[highmyopiarecruit]

Hello all,
Was unable to find any concrete listing anywhere detailing whether or not Implantable Contact Lenses/ Phakic Intraocular Lens (used for correcting nearsightedness) were acceptable if someone has the procedure done prior to applying.
These are procedures usually utilized for those whom arent ideal candidates for LASIK/PRK but unlike LASIK/PRK are entirely reversible.

Long story short, the only way for myself to qualify as V4 or higher is to have this procedure. Beyond that every other metric or measure of my health is fine and well. If this procedure is considered ineligible by military standards for NEW Recruits or if it disqualifiies me then it will leave me searching for alternatives in regards to what can be done.

I have also heard of medical appeals/waivers given a candidates circumstances and with supporting documentation. Could someone enlighten me on how that might work?

Option 1) Get ICL/IOL Procedure before enlisting. Completely reversible. Wait 1 or 2 years for stability and apply. May get rejected and then have to appeal

Option 2) Get PRK/LASIK. Long term risk of regression and no guarentee of perfect vision. Non reversible as well. I am stuck with the results.

Option 3) Get in with ICL/IOL without any questions asked (lol long shot i know)

 

[mariomike]

I have also heard of medical appeals/waivers given a candidates circumstances and with supporting documentation. Could someone enlighten me on how that might work?

Challenging a medical decision/Requesting second review 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/37404.25
2 pages.

Medical rejection seems strange 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/121893.0

appealing medical rejection 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/119953.0

Medical appeal 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/68680.0

Asked and answered in Ask a CAF Recruiter,

re: appeals
http://milnet.ca/forums/threads/123090/post-1440632.html#msg1440632

Q: I have finally sent in an appeal because it takes to long to get in to see a psychiatrist.

A: To appeal any type of Medical disqualification, will require reports from your civilian health care professionals. 

Medical appeal 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/68680.0

appealing medical rejection
http://army.ca/forums/threads/119953.0

Appeals
http://army.ca/forums/threads/83309.0

Failed to meet Medical Standards
OP: I'm planning on appealing their decision
https://army.ca/forums/threads/110159.50.html
3 pages.

Ottawa Medical
OP:  is there any way I can appeal this decision? 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/35629.0

"Does not Meet Common Enrolment Medical Standards"
OP: Two weeks ago I received my notice that my appeal was successfully over turned.
http://army.ca/forums/threads/113415.0
2 pages.

etc...

Was unable to find any concrete listing anywhere detailing whether or not Implantable Contact Lenses/ Phakic Intraocular Lens (used for correcting nearsightedness) were acceptable if someone has the procedure done prior to applying.

Implantable lenses
https://army.ca/forums/threads/36740.0;nowap

As always,  Recruiting is your most trusted source of up to date information.

 

[medicineman]

Hello all,
Was unable to find any concrete listing anywhere detailing whether or not Implantable Contact Lenses/ Phakic Intraocular Lens (used for correcting nearsightedness) were acceptable if someone has the procedure done prior to applying.
These are procedures usually utilized for those whom arent ideal candidates for LASIK/PRK but unlike LASIK/PRK are entirely reversible.

Long story short, the only way for myself to qualify as V4 or higher is to have this procedure. Beyond that every other metric or measure of my health is fine and well. If this procedure is considered ineligible by military standards for NEW Recruits or if it disqualifiies me then it will leave me searching for alternatives in regards to what can be done.

I have also heard of medical appeals/waivers given a candidates circumstances and with supporting documentation. Could someone enlighten me on how that might work?

Option 1) Get ICL/IOL Procedure before enlisting. Completely reversible. Wait 1 or 2 years for stability and apply. May get rejected and then have to appeal

Option 2) Get PRK/LASIK. Long term risk of regression and no guarentee of perfect vision. Non reversible as well. I am stuck with the results.

Option 3) Get in with ICL/IOL without any questions asked (lol long shot i know)

https://army.ca/forums/threads/118331/post-1356912.html#msg1356912

Having issues getting into the formal guidelines, but the last set I had mirrored this post.

MM

 

[highmyopiarecruit]

https://army.ca/forums/threads/118331/post-1356912.html#msg1356912

Having issues getting into the formal guidelines, but the last set I had mirrored this post.

MM

Thank you sir for replying,

Based on the language used is this the same guidelines for new recruits (individuals whom have had the procedures done before enlisting?) 

The language through my interpretation states that these are restrictions for active personnel?  What about civilians whom have had these procedures in the past and are now interested in a career within the armed forces?

Thank you again. 

 

[medicineman]

Those are for people being assessed as recruits and for people serving currently.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ed.C]

Hello fellow members.

I finally decided to open an account and ask a question that has been bothering me since I decided that I wanted to join the CF.

Currently I'm in High School, I graduate next year. Just a brief background story of where I am and where I want to be in the future. I love my country and I've always wanted to serve so since Grade 9 I've been reading a lot of information about the CF, the requirements and BMQ. I love computers, one of my passions and hobby is programming. I love to code and design things so I was thinking maybe I could put my skills to a great use and serve my country. Only problem is that I had a major eye surgery when I was 5 y/o. I was born with Cataracts so they doctors decided to remove the lenses from both eyes. Ever since the surgery I've used glasses. I would like to mention that I'm not blind, without the glasses I can see but not with great details. I can run, exercise without glasses but I cannot 100% dsitnguish faces from far away. With glasses I can perfectly see things in great details.

My biggest concern. Getting auto disqualified and I'm pretty sad about this. I want to join the CF so badly, I want to work hard and gain experience in the field.

Have anyone heard any similar stories? Should I be concerned?

Any info would help.

Thanks!

 

[medicineman]

If your vision with and without glasses is within acceptable limits and the Recruit Medical Office doesn't feel that there is any concern of likely deterioration, then you likely will make it medically.  Last person I saw with congenital cataracts was denied entry because they only had monocular vision - one functioning eye.

No guarantees of course...hope that helps.

MM

 

[Ed.C]

If your vision with and without glasses is within acceptable limits and the Recruit Medical Office doesn't feel that there is any concern of likely deterioration, then you likely will make it medically.  Last person I saw with congenital cataracts was denied entry because they only had monocular vision - one functioning eye.

No guarantees of course...hope that helps.

MM

Thanks for sharing. It's gonna be so depressing if I get denied.

 

[RADOPSIGOPACCISOP]

Hello fellow members.

I finally decided to open an account and ask a question that has been bothering me since I decided that I wanted to join the CF.

Currently I'm in High School, I graduate next year. Just a brief background story of where I am and where I want to be in the future. I love my country and I've always wanted to serve so since Grade 9 I've been reading a lot of information about the CF, the requirements and BMQ. I love computers, one of my passions and hobby is programming. I love to code and design things so I was thinking maybe I could put my skills to a great use and serve my country. Only problem is that I had a major eye surgery when I was 5 y/o. I was born with Cataracts so they doctors decided to remove the lenses from both eyes. Ever since the surgery I've used glasses. I would like to mention that I'm not blind, without the glasses I can see but not with great details. I can run, exercise without glasses but I cannot 100% dsitnguish faces from far away. With glasses I can perfectly see things in great details.

My biggest concern. Getting auto disqualified and I'm pretty sad about this. I want to join the CF so badly, I want to work hard and gain experience in the field.

Have anyone heard any similar stories? Should I be concerned?

Any info would help.

Thanks!

There's lots of trades with lower vision requirements. Like said before, as long as your eye issues aren't degenerative then you do the test and see how you score, but again, a lot of trades I've seen people that look more like Bubbles from Trailer Park Boys and they seem to do fine.

 

[dingpiano]

I've checked the CAF's vision requirements found at: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-policies-standards-medical-occupations/cf-visual-acuity-testing-instructions.page. From the uncorrected and corrected vision columns, I should be a V4. However, on the Refractive Error (Rx) column, it says the BETTER eye must be below +/- 7.00. One of my eyes is below -7.00 (using their sphere + 0.5*cylinder formula), but one is above. Would that still be okay since it says better eye, or would one eye being above -7.00 automatically drop me to a V5? Thank you!

-AD

 

[sarahsmom]

No one can answer for sure except the RMO.
Even if WE said sure you are OK, the RMO could turn around and say no.
Also make sure your trade accepts V4. While the common enrolment standards say V4, infantry needs V3, for example. So even if you get in with V4, some trades are not acceptable with your vision.

 

[Candyman457]

2 Questions:

1. I have v4 vision and applied for infantry, my CFAT is in 3 days. What is the possibility of an exception for the vision standards?

2. Does reserve infantry have the same visual acuity standards as regular force?

I don't know if I'm wasting my time. Hoping to get corrective surgery soon but I'm 19 and unsure if I'm eligible for that yet.

 

[medicineman]

2 Questions:

1. I have v4 vision and applied for infantry, my CFAT is in 3 days. What is the possibility of an exception for the vision standards?

2. Does reserve infantry have the same visual acuity standards as regular force?

I don't know if I'm wasting my time. Hoping to get corrective surgery soon but I'm 19 and unsure if I'm eligible for that yet.

2 Answers - 1.  No.  2.  Yes.

If you're unsure about the eye surgery, talk to your optometrist or most LASIK places do free consultations - talk to them.

MM

 

[Dok_kaebi]

I've recently done my medical exam and interview to join the Canadian Forces. Everyone seems to check out but my vision isn't the best. I have done to an optometrist in a while. My current vision is ~ 20/30, will this effect my acceptance?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk