LASIK eye surgery: A disqualifier?

[hornsfan]

I'm 26 yrs old, have a college degree, and want to quit my unrewarding career for a career in law enforcement. I have always known this is what I want to do with my life, but I haven't given it a chance until now. My question is: is LASIK eye surgery a disqualifier for most departments? I know for the FBI it depends upon the procedure, but what about most PD's. I don't think it will disqualify me for Austin PD or Sugar Land PD, but I'm curious about other depts. BTW, my vision isn't terrible bad, but glasses and contacts are such a pain. Thanks for your feedback. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

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Hook 'em

[John from Maryland]

It varies from agency to agency. I don't believe most agencies DQ for it. The number of departments that do prohibit the procedure will decline as it becomes more popular. The only answer (and often it's not accurate) is to contact the agency you're interested in. Good luck.

[hornsfan]

Thanks for the reply, John. Take care.

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Hook 'em

[Rita]

I had ALK surgery about 6 years ago (LASIK was not around yet) at the suggestion of a GBI officer who reccomended it. I had really bad eyesight before the surgery, so much so that if I would have gotten into a confrontation at work and my glasses were knocked off, I would have been up the creek without a paddle so to speak. I have not had any regrets about the surgery and have had several friends get similar surgeries because of the success of mine.
My department really didnt care one way or another about the surgery, nor have I heard of any that will not hire you because you had it done. I do not see how this type of surgery could effect your job performance in any way
The only thing that I found irritating about the situation was that my insurance company considered the surgery "cosmetic" and would not pay for it, but yet they will pay for me to buy glasses for the rest of my life (or as long as I am employed with my department). That dosent make much sense to me.

[hornsfan]

Rita, thanks for your reply. I never thought that the procedure would be a problem until I applied for the FBI. After passing the first battery of tests, the recruiting agent mentioned that some types of corrective visual surgery would automatically DQ you from consideration. I have an opportunity to get the surgery very soon (at $1000 per eye!!!), and its looking like the FBI may be a longshot for me, so I'm looking to apply to a local PD. I was just curious if other departments were as strict about the procedure as the feds. My insurance won't pay for the procedure either, but I still think its worth every penny if I can get rid of the glasses and contacts. Thanks again and take care!

[Niteshift]

I can't think of anyplace off the top of my head that will disqualify you for it. Some may make you wait a year to ensure the results. The old RK surgery was a disqualifier for the FBI and some other agencies, mainly due to the possibility of eye rupture if you recieved a sharp blow to the side of the head.

I keep looking at LASIK myself. The price keeps coming down. Locally, I'm looking at $2995 for both eyes. How about where you're at?

[hornsfan]

Niteshift, thanks for the info. I have an excellant opportunity to get the surgey here in Houston (I live in Sugar Land) at a new clinic that just opened and is running a special ($799 per eye, $999 per eye with astigmatism). I have wanted to get this done for years now, and it seems the price is right. Based on all of feedback from this wonderful forum, I think I'm going to go for it. These prices won't last long so I have to act quick. Thanks agian for the feedback and take care!

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Hook 'em

[Metro174]

If your eyes aren't relay bad maybe you shouldn't risk the surgery.

One officer I work with had the procedure and for him it was worth it. His vision was very poor and was corrected to 20/20.
As for me,my vision uncorrected is 20/30 and the procedure is not worth the risk or expense.
Glasses may be a pain but if you don't need to wear them all the time why take chances.
Just a thought.

[hornsfan]

I'm a lot worse that 20/30. I'm useless without correction. If I were to get my glasses knocked off in a confrontation, or lost a contact lens, I wouldn't do other officers much good, not to mention myself. If the procedure works as advertised, it will be worth the risk and every penny. I just want to still be able to persue my dream, becoming a LEO. Thanks for the reply and take care!

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Hook 'em

[jaybeetee]

Hornsfan, FYI, it usually takes a try or 2 to get on w/the FBI. That's part of the process-they test (boy, do they) your resolve. If it's what you want to do, keep on it. The FBI doesn't prize 'cops' like it once did, it seems. Get a degree in accounting, and keep pluggin'. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif APD from my experience, was a squared-away dept. That wouldn't be a bad place to spend a career, either, IMHO. As for other federal agencies w/lasik, etc. it varies. But, the standards are posted and once stated, don't change. Usually.

[hornsfan]

jaybeetee,

Thanks for the info. Since I am in the initial phases of my career move, every little bit of information and advice is very valuable to me. I appreciate all of the responses and all of the good advice. Stay safe.

[cyberpol99]

Hornsfan,

I just have one thing to say to you....

Gig 'Em! http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[hornsfan]

cyperpol99,

Look out, we're going to be tough this year. Simms is looking good, most of our defense is back, and we get you ags in Austin this year! http://www.officer.com/ubb/tongue.gif

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Hook 'em

[David]

799!!, It's $2400 per eye at my optician in Mableton, Ga. Right outside of Atlanta.

Everybody else has all the breaks...lol

I don't know of any dept here in Ga that has restricions on the proceedure.

On federal service...a point to consider. You can start with another lew enforcement agency; ATF, Border Patrol, etc., that almost always has openings and transfer to another in 6 months to a year without a lot of the red tape. I got this from several sources when I was considering U.S.Marshalls for a career.

Worth thinking about anyway...Good luck reguardless. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Pac Man]

Has anyone heard of any side effects from this procedure? My uncorrected vison is around 20/80 in each eye, with an astigmatism. I want to get this procedure done, but don't want any side-effects. http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

[kd5hqd]

hey, I live in Houston too. I know HPD does
NOT DQ for LASIK. They even encourage it as it produces better officers.


Kyle

[Klusk2]

I'm not currently an officer, but I am in the process of trying to become one. I too have researched Lasik, Prk and a few other alternatives to glasses or contacts and because this is surgery, I would suggest finding the most qualified surgeon and seek a consultation. Most pre-operation screenings are free, but one must do their homework about side effects and the possibilty of losing their vision. I myself saw one of the top pioneers in field and found out a few things that most doctors do not tell you. Pupil size can effect night vision, and quite a few others that might change your mind. I have thin corneas and was suggested to look at implantable contacts. Higher degree of accuracy, one day recovery, and completely reversible. I have had two co-workers have the Lasik procedure and had great success and are very happy they did it, so I'm not saying it isn't a good thing to do, but it is surgery and the risks are great. Check out all your options first and then decide. Good luck.

Kevin

[BSP]

Hey Hornsfan,

I don't believe that anyone mentioned this; however, one thing to consider is not necessarily the price. I can't say enough that you should check around and find out the reputation of the "clinic" that you are dealing with before you go forward. I have had RK surgery and I looked around for 6 months before I selected where I would have it done. I had it done in 1996 and have been very pleased. "Don't rush into it!"

[DesertRat]

I've had the LASIK and so have I'm sure hundreds of people on my dept. by now. It is not disqualifying here and to the best of my knowledge, nowhere in Southern Nevada. It is becoming so commmon place now and the cost here is down to $500 per eye. Remember though, it is surgery and things can go wrong. I had goten so bad with my uncorrected vision I almost had no choice. I was getting worried something would happen at work as I had deteriorated from 20/100 to 20/400 in one eye over the course of 10 years. They say this will stop the progression and so far it has. I also know one fireman that lost his job after the surgery because he lost his night vision. It's one in a million, but, I'd hate to be the one. I had a small problem with halos around reflective signs but after about 2 months it was so insignificant I don't even notice it now. It's still there if I consiously look for it but I work nights and have no problems.



[This message has been edited by DesertRat (edited 12-01-2000).]

[hornsfan]

UPDATE:

I was pleased to still see this topic getting some responses. Just to let you know, I had the surgury in September and so far I'm thrilled. My night vision was a little bad at first, very difficult to drive on occasion, but as time goes on it has gotten better than it was with my glasses. I would highly recommend this procedure for those of you sick of glasses and contacts. BUT, I took my time in selecting a doctor. I spoke with some patients and then made my decision. Best thing I've ever done, so far. Next thing is to pass my entrance exam with Austin PD on December 7-8, and quit my sh**ty job. Any hints on the best way to clear a six foot wooden fence? Take care all and stay safe. Hopefully the next time I speak to you it will be as a police cadet with APD!

[This message has been edited by hornsfan (edited 12-01-2000).]

[hornsfan]

ALMOST FORGOT to remind all you ag fans out there: 43-17. Here's to TEXAS bragging rights for 2001!!

Until next Thanksgiving.......
Hook 'em

[CaptSchmooze]

It is permitted at my agency, my wife had RK and it is also an allowed procedure.

Best of luck,
Schmooze


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Tights and a cape, the true uniform of a crime fighter.

[Ksfuzz]

If you get it done before you start work.... Don't Ask, Don't Tell!

Other than that I havn't personally seen any departments that disqualify for having it done.

[RaychelR]

You know.. there is an alternative to surgery coming soon next year. They are making a brand of contact lenses that will correct your vision. I don't know much more about them. I just briefly read about them in the paper.

That's what I plan on doing.

[lak37]

I just passed my oral board and I am scheduled for my physical and psychological exam. For the longest time being an officer is all I have thought about. But my eyesight was horrible. I was like 20/2800. Blind as a bat without my glasses, could not go without them, ever. I had LASIK on November 10th. I was very nervous and scared that something would go wrong and I would be part of the 1% that has complications. I am happy to say that I am not. It was the best decision that I have made. Having worn glasses since middle school, to go without glasses now is amazing. I am now 20/20.

[kd5hqd]

I know I'm not a cop, please don't chew my butt out anybody http://www.officer.com/ubb/eek.gif I'm just curious to find out how you did hornsfan!! (on the entrance exam for APD)


Kyle

[hornsfan]

kd5hqd,

Thanks for asking, so far so good. Passed all my written and physical tests, and yes I passed the eye exam with NO PROBLEMS. Next step is the background check, polygraph, and oral board, so I won't know if I made the March academy for at least another month. Thanks again everyone for all the help and advice! Take care out there.

43-17