PRK & LASIK

[interested]

Just saw this on the Canadian Space Agency website.....they are currently recruiting astronauts.

Medical Requirements

To be selected, applicants must meet stringent medical criteria. Applicants will be required to undergo Canadian Space Agency medical physical exams, which include the following specific requirements:

Standing height must be between 149.5 cm to 190.5 cm
Visual acuity
Visual acuity must be 20/20 (6/6) or better in each eye, with or without correction.
Maximum limits for cyclopegic refractive error and astigmatism correction also apply. (Note: you are not required to provide this information with your initial application. We will request it later if needed.)
The refractive corrective surgical procedures PRK or LASIK are allowed. For those candidates under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested. The CSA does not recommend that potential candidates undergo laser refractive surgery for the sole purpose of applying for employment as an astronaut.
Blood pressure must not exceed 140/90 mm Hg, measured in a sitting position.


What struck me a bit funny was the fact that they allow PRK and LASIK. Does the military still exclude pilot candidates on that basis?

[Hedley]

http://www.acepilots.com/wwi/br_mannock.html

Top British Ace, 61 victories

Almost blind in his left eye ... he memorized the eye chart while reading it with his good eye

[Cap'n P8]

You know that US military aviators (including I believe fighter jocks) are not only allowed to have the eye surgery done, but that the military will pay for the operation!

Still doesn't make me want to be American though!!!

[Hedley]

Still doesn't make me want to be American

Not quite sure I understand the continual anti-USA rhetoric
around here. Have you ever flown in the USA? It's probably
the best country for aviation in the entire world. Gas is
cheaper, airports with FBO's are everywhere, great wx info,
excellent ATC, etc, etc. Try it sometime for yourself

[Grantmac]

Yeah the Canadian Forces still has the policy of only recruiting pilots with perfect, uncorrected vision. They claim that the surgery is not compatable with rapid changes of pressure. However you can have PRK or LASIK and still be a diver, which makes me question their policy.
Cheers,
Grant

[CAPGEN]

The CF does accept corrected vision, as well as certain corrective surgery at the front door.

http://www.dnd.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2407 July 2007

http://www.dnd.ca/site/Newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2618 April 2008

[SAR_YQQ]

Thank you for posting that CAPGEN.

The CF now allows for laser correction in their pilot applicants.

[Cap'n P8]

Hedley,

I go there every day...when I do actually have to work. The comment was based more on my own patriotism as a Canadian than being anti-American btw. That and if I was actually flying in the US military I'd probably be stuck over in Iraq!!!

[AuxBatOn]

Hedley,

I go there every day...when I do actually have to work. The comment was based more on my own patriotism as a Canadian than being anti-American btw. That and if I was actually flying in the US military I'd probably be stuck over in Iraq!!!

Is that supposed to be bad?