Fed Agencies with easy vision standards?

[rugermk2]

Okay, I've been looking at some agencies (FAMS, DHS, USSS, etc.) that have strict uncorrected vision requirements (20/100 I think), and until today I planned to get Lasik to correct my 20/200 eyesight. However, my doc today said that because I am 24 and my prescription is still fluctuating, I should hold off on Lasik for now. So, my Fed options are limited. :mad:

Anyone know of any agencies that don't have strict uncorrected vision requirements? Or any suggestions on where I could find this info?

Thanks in advance:)

[Up_On_Base]

Okay, I've been looking at some agencies (FAMS, DHS, USSS, etc.) that have strict uncorrected vision requirements (20/100 I think), and until today I planned to get Lasik to correct my 20/200 eyesight. However, my doc today said that because I am 24 and my prescription is still fluctuating, I should hold off on Lasik for now. So, my Fed options are limited. :mad:

Anyone know of any agencies that don't have strict uncorrected vision requirements? Or any suggestions on where I could find this info?

Thanks in advance:)

I got LASIK @ 20, now 30 ish and still have perfect vision.

I would just get the LASIK, docs who don't perform the LASIK procedure lose money (in the long run) when people get lasik. There is no reason for you to keep coming back evry 6-12 months, plus he probably sell you contacts. He thinks of it as a business like a drug dealer, they get you on the comeback.

If you want to be a Fed or police it's probably your best/only choice.

[rugermk2]

I got LASIK @ 20, now 30 ish and still have perfect vision.

I would just get the LASIK, docs who don't perform the LASIK procedure lose money (in the long run) when people get lasik. There is no reason for you to keep coming back evry 6-12 months, plus he probably sell you contacts. He thinks of it as a business like a drug dealer, they get you on the comeback.

If you want to be a Fed or police it's probably your best/only choice.

Hmmmm. :cool: Interesting take on the eye care business. I hadn't considered that. The doc I went to actually shared the building with the Lasik place, so I think he probably got a kickback from referrals. However, I never considered that in most places the situation may be one of competition rather than cooperation.

Many local and state agencies don't have strict vision requirements. Arizona POST requires 20/200 uncorrected. By the way, I already am a sworn cop, just looking to possibly go Fed. :)

[Zam]

I've also been told by a few doctors that it's more beneficial to get lasik if your eyesight hasn't changed in 3 years or so. It's probably better to just wait.

[Kelly828]

Okay, I've been looking at some agencies (FAMS, DHS, USSS, etc.) that have strict uncorrected vision requirements (20/100 I think), and until today I planned to get Lasik to correct my 20/200 eyesight. However, my doc today said that because I am 24 and my prescription is still fluctuating, I should hold off on Lasik for now. So, my Fed options are limited. :mad:

Anyone know of any agencies that don't have strict uncorrected vision requirements? Or any suggestions on where I could find this info?

Thanks in advance:)

Yeah, vision can fluctuate for years I think. I'm 29 and mine didn't stabilize until I was 27 or so. Just had Lasik and I love it so far... no problems. But it'll be a huge drain of money if you get it and then your vision changes and you STILL need contacts or glasses post-surgery. I know for a fact that NCIS does not have a required uncorrected standard so long as you can correct to at least 20/30. They're taking apps. right now for special agent positions but only through Aug. 1... check out their website for details.

[tripledouble]

Okay, I've been looking at some agencies (FAMS, DHS, USSS, etc.) that have strict uncorrected vision requirements (20/100 I think), and until today I planned to get Lasik to correct my 20/200 eyesight. However, my doc today said that because I am 24 and my prescription is still fluctuating, I should hold off on Lasik for now. So, my Fed options are limited. :mad:

Anyone know of any agencies that don't have strict uncorrected vision requirements? Or any suggestions on where I could find this info?

Thanks in advance:)
The good news is that the doctor had put your best interests first before money. It would suck if you went to a doctor who gambled your vision just so he could make a buck. You aren't close to the 36 years old cut-off. I would recommend that you hold off on eye surgery, get some work experience until then, and then get it when a doctor believes it is okay. If you don't care, go to Canada. They'll do it for the quick buck..

Hopefully, you will get various work/life experiences that you can utilize in job interviews... federal law enforcement special agent interviews to be more exact-ish.

[rugermk2]

Thank you all for your advice. I'd rather be safe than sorry as far as the surgery goes. :eek: Now is not exactly a good time for my finances as well, so I'm not too disappointed. I will continue to get good experience working as a street cop. I'll look into the NCIS. I know two cops at my dept have been picked up by them for SA positions within the last three years. Didn't see them on USAJOBS. Maybe I'll go to their site....

[rugermk2]

Again, thanks for the info. Don't know why I hadn't considered NCIS before now. I just applied with them yesterday. For anyone interested, the open period is through 8/31.

[FUTURETPR]

Okay, I've been looking at some agencies (FAMS, DHS, USSS, etc.) that have strict uncorrected vision requirements (20/100 I think), and until today I planned to get Lasik to correct my 20/200 eyesight. However, my doc today said that because I am 24 and my prescription is still fluctuating, I should hold off on Lasik for now. So, my Fed options are limited. :mad:

Anyone know of any agencies that don't have strict uncorrected vision requirements? Or any suggestions on where I could find this info?

Thanks in advance:)

Ruger,

I am 21 and just went for a lasik exam three weeks ago. The doctor told me it would be more beneficial to do PRK which is the same as lasik except they do not make a flap in your cornea. Therefore the results are not as quick. But in the long run it is supposed to be safer and get better results. Like I said it has been 3 weeks and I got it done 2 weeks ago. I can see 20/15 on some days and 20/20 on some. IT IS BY FAR THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE! You should ask your doctor about PRK vs Lasik

[Kelly828]

Again, thanks for the info. Don't know why I hadn't considered NCIS before now. I just applied with them yesterday. For anyone interested, the open period is through 8/31.

Good luck! Also, if you're looking to "shotgun" your federal apps., I don't think DIA has an uncorrected requirement either. Very cool gig for the SA unafraid of lots of international travel.

[SA13]

Didn't see them on USAJOBS. Maybe I'll go to their site....Not all fed jobs are advertised on USAJOBS. Some agencies rarely advertise certain positions on USAJOBS. Your best bet is to check the website and contact recruiters at each agency directly.

[rugermk2]

10-4, Thank you all for the good advice. I'll start checking individual agency websites as well. I may look into Lasik or PRK again in a few months. Right now was a bad time for finances anyway. :rolleyes: For now I'll see what kind of opportunities are available....:)

[TigerWoody]

i was 20/600 uncorrected vision and got turned down by every armed branch of the military when i was 21. i was not a candidate for lasik or anything with a laser since i had thin corneas. at 32 i was fed up getting denied to LE departments as well, so i coughed up 7,000 and got the new Vision implantable contacts. I am now 20/30 in both eyes with a slight astigmatism. its the best move i made and its tax deductable too because its a medical expense over 4000 and i needed it for my current employment.

[rugermk2]

i was 20/600 uncorrected vision and got turned down by every armed branch of the military when i was 21. i was not a candidate for lasik or anything with a laser since i had thin corneas. at 32 i was fed up getting denied to LE departments as well, so i coughed up 7,000 and got the new Vision implantable contacts. I am now 20/30 in both eyes with a slight astigmatism. its the best move i made and its tax deductable too because its a medical expense over 4000 and i needed it for my current employment.

Wow, I've never heard of that before. I guess it is an option. Right now though, I'm going to cross my fingers on the few apps I have in with agencies that don't mind my poor vision. I will definitely consider some type of laser or other permanent correction in the future if needed.