I don't think I'm going to be a cop...

[KCadet]

Sniff sniff. I just found out that my uncorrected vision is not up to par. A couple of agencies I was looking into require uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100 and correctable to at least 20/30. Well, my uncorrected is no where near what it should be (more like 20/700). This is not going over with me very well. It looks like surgery may have to be an option. Any suggestions?

[lone ranger]

Dont panic!

It just means you may have to shop around a little.

Read the small print.


Sometimes it reads: uncorrected vision no worse than ____, unless corrected by soft contacts

Most departments are dropping the uncorrected vision standards because they are running into problems with the ADA.

Most of the federal agencies now state, "correctable to 20/20 by any means, with normal color vision." The state and local departments will be coming around to those standards sooner or later.

[DesertRat]

LASIK worked for me. If you are as bad uncorrected as you say, it is a safety issue unless you are wearing soft contacts. I went from 20/400 in the worse eye to 20/13 with the surgery. I would have paid 10 times what I did if I would have known how well it would turn out. See if you are a candidate for it or some other procedure.

[occiferdave]

LISIK works wonders!

It's like getting a new set of eyes. Plus it's acceptable to law enforcement agencies

..

[Sgt. Slaughter]

DR,

Send me a PM with where you got it done if it was near Vegas.

[Sgt. DG644]

I too had Lasik and it was the best money I ever spent, no regrets.

[Frank Booth]

.

[PeteBroccolo]

I would suggest laser surgery - in the last few years, the RCMP has reversed its policy about allowing Regular Members to receive such treatment at Force expense, because there were a whack of our guys that were going to be medically pensioned off due to their failing eyesight, and laser surgery was successful for about 80% of them. I also know of several successful Cadet applicants that underewent laser surgery in order to bring their vision up to standards and there have been few, or none, that have had problems.

If you really can't find a real job, and feel the need to wear soft body armour, then either get the surgery done or look harder at better jobs.

[Badge67]

I gotta agree with everyone else, Cadet. Don't give up. It looks like LASIK is a good option in the opinion of the other guys here. I haven't had it done so I can't advise ya on it.
Anyway, I just wanted to say good luck. Things'll work out for you.

[KCadet]

Thanks guys. I think I was more frustrated than anything else. I'm so close on this one, and I'd hate to think that the only thing standing between me and my goal is bad vision.

[LeslieBScott]

Frank -
Sorry to disagree with you, but Border Patrol will hire after LASIK. Check for details on Honor First.

[Frank Booth]

.

[Blonde Heat]

The only thing holding you back is YOU. If you want it bad enough then go get it. Find a department that will except not so perfect vision. If you want the career, then its yours providing you dont get discouraged about the little things.

[KCadet]

ftrphxcop, the only problem with applying to a department that has lower vision standards, is that eventually, I'll probably end up changing departments. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. Of course, great things could happen, and they could say, "Oh, you can't see worth s**t without contacts? No problem!" (I wish ). Oh well, I'll just see how it goes. All in all, I'm looking at maybe my senior yr in college getting the surgery, then applying to the local Sheriff's Office, then moving a couple of yrs later. We shall see...

[LeslieBScott]

Frank -

One of these days I need to learn to read . . . I missed the word "some". My bad