Eyesight

[Chrispy]

What are the eyesight requirements for joining the SF? Is laser eye surgery accepted?

Thanks

[Andy O'Pray]

Chrispy, If the laser surgery has corrected the eyesight problems and restored the eyes to normal vision, there should not be any problem.

Aye - Andy.

[Rogue Chef]

Ahoy there!
HM Forces medical people might have a problem with laser surgery, as it alters the physical structure of the eye. I could be wrong, but when I was serving laser surgery was not allowed. I left in 2001.

[gash-hand]

as far as i am aware laser eye surgery has still not been accepted in HM Forces. although it seems if you serve in RM/SF nobody questions you about it (probably because they all think you have 20/20 vision as a matter of course).

however you need to check this out with a civvy specialist as there has been some talk of laser surgery affecting the eyes strength - in as much that they recommend you don't do any sub-aqua diving. i suggest you go to a properly qualified civvy diving doc and see what he says.

even sas can dive and last thing you need at 40 meters is you eyes imploding

[Andy O'Pray]

"Imploding eyeballs". Not a condition that I recall reading about, however, this is not to say that you are incorrect. I agree that one should seek qualified medical advice. I doubt that many of the contributors to this site are so qualified. Certainly not me.

Aye - Andy.

[K24io]

Laser surgery is not allowed in any of HM forces.
I'm 100% of that.
It'll go on your medical records I think, which they can access.

Some people have it and don't say.

Can also affect night vision quite badly.

Cheers,

K

[danny]

I am short-sightted (-2.5 in each eye) and have to wear glasses will this stop me joining the SAS? Also can you join the SAS if you serve in the RAF?

[harry hackedoff]

I have an unpleasant personal habit which has left me short sighted

[wilson]

Better stop now before you go blind

Aye,
wilson

[El Prez]

H is easily spotted, especially when wearing shorts, his legs are covered in bruises from bumping into furniture he can no longer see.
He does however have the strange ability to count very quickly.

[famewolf]

If you really feel in your heart that your a SF operator then stuff what the docs or the guys tell you and start doing research on eye-strenghtening exercises. I used to have advanced astigmatism and had to wear glasses. From the age of seven to about seventeen I wore glasses. When I turned seventeen I left them somewhere and forgot about them. A few months later I went for a eye test and the optometrist told me my eyes had improved slightly. I got some new lenses after that. Then one day I decided not to wear them anymore. I haven't thought of my problem since. I'm training for Royal Marines and then plan to enlist in SBS after my required three years. I don't have a problem with my sight anymore and I refuse to go for eyetests. According to me I don't have a eye problem anymore.

[Guest]

Have it done and dont tell them about it. Are they honestly going to kick you out afterwards even if your visions perfect? I doubt it.

[wilson]

URNU... thats the worst thing they can do! and YES they can and probably will chuck you out for knowingly supplying false information!

Aye,
wilson

[mercury]

start doing research on eye-strenghtening exercises.

More info please

[sneaky beaky]

Gash Hand,
Did you really imply that "even the SAS can dive?" Only when they come under fire!!!

Just joking!!