United States Naval Academy Vision Waiver (VANITY)

March 9, 2006 | Zebra

[Zebra]

My son is a high school junior who has been interested in the United States Naval Academy. He is an excellent student (4.0 in all honors courses) and a National Merit Semi-Finalist (99%+ SATs). He is a good athlete (varsity wrestling) and citizen. Here is the issue: he has slight amblyopia of his left eye. His vision is 20-20, but only becuase his dominant right eye takes over for his 20-60 left eye. I understand the medical eligibility requirements are rigid as respects vision, but that eyesight waivers are available for otherwise qualifying candidates who receive a Letter of Appointment.

Does anyone have any experience with this process? My son is very concerned that he may not be considered due to this condition. Any Freeper information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

[DocJ69]

My son got a vision waiver when he went in back in 96, if you need any info email me personally and I will give you his email. He currently teaches at Naps in Rhode Island

[MNJohnnie]

Hey PD, any suggestions for Z here?

[Ace's Dad]

You might just ask the Academy.

[afraidfortherepublic]

All I know is that my uncle had an appointment to the Naval Acadamy (I have 2 other uncles who were Annapolis grads) back in the 1930s. But, when he showed up to take classes, his vision was found to be faulty. He graduated from UC Berkeley instead and worked as a chemist throughout WWII. I imagine that his vision was bad enough to be 4F because he was not called up at all.

I realize this does not pertain to your son at all, but it's a good opportunity to remember my late uncle Horace.

[mnehring]

I cannot remember the details when I was applying in 91 (I didn't make it) but I remember it was very strict. Considering the circumstances, would a procedure like Lasec (sp?) help?

[Zebra]

I have sent an email to a contact person at the USNA. Obviously, that will be the most reliable and definitive response. I am hoping to learn if any Freepers have encountered this so I can get a sense of whether this is a knockout or whether there is a realisitc opportunity for a waiver. It would be a shame if he is sidelined by this.

Thanks.

[Zebra]

Lasik surgery is an absolute disqualifier, I understand, as it can lead to other conditions. I have heard of vision waivers for conditions like my son's, but have been advised that corrective surgery is an immediate no-go.

Thanks.

[Zebra]

BTTT

[mnehring]

That is interesting.. I'll drop an e-mail to some people I know with connections at the DOD to see if they can provide some more info for you.

[SandRat]

I believe the regulations allow for waivers of 20/40 correctable to 20/20 with letters. That's what I remember from when my son was trying to get in but check with the Academy.

[Zebra]

Thank you very much.

[Zebra]

My son's problem is a little nuanced. His vision is 20-20 uncorrected, but only because his dominant right eye takes over for his 20-60 left eye.

[TheLion]

Ask the Academy or try your Senators office who will be making the nomination or appointment.

I took the physical for the Academy years ago and it was all day in a Naval Hospital seeing specialists. I failed because I had a cavity. They were tough.

I eventually went to the Merchant Marine Academy which was great.

[macgregor_45]

Try this link. http://www.usna.edu/Catalog/2005-2006organization.pdf
Check Page 8 for the vision information. It doesn't give much information but it specifically says any type of corrective surgery is an automatic disqualifier.

[Zebra]

Thanks for the link. I am still getting some confused responses (not on the Free Republic) about what kind of waiver is available and under what circumstances.

I have heard the DoD medical exam is an involved affair.

[b359]

Tell your son not to lose heart. There are many ways to get into USNA.

I can't specifically help you with the specifics of your son's eyesight; however, I can say that perseverance counts a great deal with the admissions board.

It took me three years to get into USNA. At one point, my blue and gold officer representative told me I'd never get in. I wrote lots of letters, knocked on many doors, took the SATs/ACTs many times and went to three years of college before finally getting accepted. I count it one of the greatest privileges to have graduated from that institution.

Contact the US Naval Academy Foundation at 410 295 4107. They may be able to help or at the very least provide you with additional information on where to get help.

Your son sounds like he should be there. Don't give up!

God Bless

USNA '86

[coldoc]

Waivers are not needed nor given for appliants for entrance into any US Academy. Waivers are usually given to Active Duty personel for minor deviations from the strict Flying Physical Requirements. This is a definitional thing for the "nit pickers".

The DODMERB does "pre-screen" Academy applicants as "flight qualified", but it isn't a requirement for entrance into any Academy. It is used as a personnel management tool for the selection process. Not all Academy cadets/midshipmen go into flight training (stating the obvious). I was a Flight Surgeon and did the physicals on a LOT of Academy candidates in a "past life". I am quite familiar with the Physical Exam requirements for the Academy(s). The vision specs you describe do NOT appear to be disqualifying for general Military Service, which is what is needed as a minimum for entry into any Academy.

You well never know if you will potentially need a "waiver" unless you go through the application process! This should be ovious, but a lot of people don't get past this point! Don't let fear of not qualifying scare him off. The best "advisor" is the local Liason Officer. Find out who it is, get acquainted, and follow his/her advice.

If the candidate is otherwise well qualified (i.e. doesn't have any other D/Q condition) and motivated for a military career (not strictly limited to flying jets), then I would advise "go for it". It is a great education, and absolutely the best way to get into a fascinating career.

[DustyMoment]

You might have a better shot at getting the info you want if you go to a site called Military.com, then go to Discussions and select Navy. There are people there that can answer just about any question about the Navy and the USNA. It's worth a shot.

[Pukin Dog]

Write to your Congressman asap. Mention every single achievement, grades, civic activities, etc. Ask for their endorsement. If not, then a letter of recommendation. The vision thing is not as much of a problem as it used to be, but save yourself some grief and don't even think about aviation.