You may wish to check this site for the Waiver Guide:
http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/knowledgejunction.hcst?functionalarea=RS_USAF&doctype=subpage&docname=CTB_070655
You've done the right thing by reviewing AFI 48-123. I tried to staff an ETP for my eyesight to apply to UPT/UNT. I had a refractive error of -7.50 in one eye and -5.50 in the other. I ended up getting PRK done at Wilford Hall. ETP for me was not working out as I did not have a chain of command willing to sign something going to the AF/CC office. And I guess someone didn't think my star was bright enough to sign their name to. Word of warning, after my successful PRK, I still flunked my flight physical. They said my pre-surgery eyesight was still a disqualifying factor.
However, I will say that from my experience, ETPs are granted wholly on the needs of the AF. I do know some folks with our eyesight who got ETPs back when the demand for student aviators was greater. I heard from General Moseley's office that eyesight is one of his pet peeves and he was not granting any eyesight ETPs. Perhaps his successor will be more lenient. I imagine they are a little busy at the moment so ETPs may not be at the top of their priorities right now.
You'll never know unless you try so I encourage you not to give up. See if you can find a good flight surgeon who will work with you and build a strong case for a waiver for you. See if the optometrist can do a cycloplegic exam and get your ref error under -8.00 so you can apply for LASIK or PRK. You never know what knew guidance or what they will allow as new leadership steps in. So don't give up and good luck! |