Hi! Our son had PRK during winter break of his junior year. We worked through our eye doctor, who recommended a surgery center for it, and we paid for it. Then he was able to get the proper paperwork from our doctor to submit to his NROTC unit. Everything went very well and he's been pleased with the results of the surgery. If your son can do the surgery earlier, like this summer, that would make things even easier when service selection time comes around. Our son DID get aviation (the surgery doesn't guarantee this, of course!) and is now an E-6 pilot. Time sure goes quickly! Good luck to you and your son! If I remember correctly, they do have to get a medical waiver for this, which is generally just a formality. But if your son already has two other waivers it could be an issue since there are only a certain number that would be allowed. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong here...it seems like it's been a long time.

Hello willysmom. Yes we went through this successfully and my DS (Dear Son) got his wish when he received his first choice Service Assignment to become a Naval Aviator. He commissioned/graduated in 2014 He is currently in Advanced Flight Training and is on target to receive his naval Wings in June. When he began ROTC he was advised by the upperclassmen to get his vision corrected as early as possible. At the time the Navy had only recently changed it's stance to allow either PRK or LASIK. His research indicated that previously only PRK was allowed because they were unsure if the LASIK would withstand the pressure from G-Forces and altitude, and now they determined that it would. My son chose PRK. Although the recovery is a bit longer and vision correction is more gradual, he felt it was the way to go for him and he is happy with the results. I suggest your DS do some research on each procedure to determine which is best for him. The earlier it is completed, the better it is. My DS had classmates who were rejected as a potential aviator because they did not have the vision correction completed before applying and going for the flight physical. Good Luck!

My daughters did PRK August before Junior year.  If I recall correctly, PRK did not need prior approval, but Lasik did.  They didn't want the hassle of approval, so went PRK.  And from the stuff I read.  PRK removes the outer layer of your eye & the body builds a new layer for a full bond, but takes longer than Lasik to heal.  Lasik creates a "flap" that heals quick - rumor is that there is possibly a risk of the "flap" opening, but no clue to truth of that.  Best, for your child to check with his/her Unit....By the way, one of my daughters is just starting flight school for NFO.