Eyesight - the facts

Some quip referencing specsavers no doubt

 

Just a quick heads up @Ninja_Stoker and @GreyWing

Extra buttons have suddenly appeared on the posts of others in this thread including one that allows me to edit the posts of other forum users.

 

Cheers! Sorted.

 

@Ninja_Stoker I thought contact lenses were allowed in the SF?

With VA3.

 

Post #16 refers:

The latest edition of the reference book states the following in Articles 0606 and 0607:

 

Ninja (or anyone that can help).

My eyesight is my main concern for application. Diopters etx are +4 and -1.5 both eyes.

VA wothout glasses : R 6/30 L 6/20
VA with glasses: R 6/30 L 6/6

Aware I meet standards without glasses but concerned that my poor vision in right eye is going to prevent entry.

Eye surgery is an option but nothing is guaranteed and if I can avoid it I would prefer to.

Thanks

Sam

 

Post #1 outlines the standards to be met. You need to meet both the corrected and uncorrected standards for entry - unfortunately only a qualified optician can give definitive advice in this area.

 

Gents,

Had my recruitment test today at AFCO and passed. Following this I had my eye test at Boots opticians where I found out that I have actually had the wrong prescription for most of my adult life and I do meet both corrected and uncorrected standards. Interview next week and going from there.

Lesson to be learnt here is be persistent and a second or in my case 3rd opinion can't hurt!

Looking forward to the challenges

 

Hi just wondering if someone can clarify this for me.

When I joined the RN and had my eyes tested I was at standard 2. The opticians said not to worry because standard 1 was just for Royal Marines, infantry etc. Now I'm wondering if the opticians was wrong or if policy changed. Could I still join the RM at standard 2?

Sorry I know the answer is probably really obvious but I keep seeing lot of conflicting stuff things on the internet so I thought I just get a straight answer here.

 

The optician is incorrect. The standard for entry as a Royal Marine is Visual Acuity 3, so VA2 is fine.

VA1 is required for those specialising as Snipers, Aircrew and Landing Craft.

 

Thank you for clearing that up for me much appreciated.

 

Hey Ninja, first off thanks for the post it is very well laid out.
I am currently in uni and hoping to join the reserves, i want to make sure i am fully eligible before applying. In accordance with your post i only have one issue, i had laser eye surgery around a year ago, it is LASEK which should be fine as i was older than 22 and all follow up checks have gone as planned where i have information copied that relates to these follow up checks. The only issue i have is i cant seem to get a hold of my pre-op prescription i have tried at the place i got my laser eye surgery done as well as my old opticians. Surely you guys would obtain access to my previous medical records when i apply and thusly also my previous eyesight prescriptions showing that i was in range before the op? Any advice?

Thanks! ​

 

Ninja is the man to give you definitive advice but the practice which did your eye surgery will have your pre-op optical prescription.

You might need to make a formal request to get it and you might be asked to pay a fee. But frankly a fee for something so recent and so specific should be negotiable.

 

Cheers man I'll go in and ask again

 

Post #1 updated & amended with regards Laser Eye Surgery to reflect a change in policy.

To clarify, applicants who have had an approved type of successful, fully documented laser eye surgery (at whatever age) cannot join until over age 22.

It no longer means those undergoing approved surgery under age 22 are ineligible forever...only until they are over age 22 and meet all other pre and post surgery requirements.

 

@Ninja_Stoker

Hi Ninja, earlier today I had a look at Leaflet 6-03 and while Aircrew, Snipers and Landing Craft personnel are still not allowed to wear contact lenses, it appears that Swimmer Canoeists are now allowed to wear contact lenses?

RM Other Ranks III 4
Except:
Aircrew I*text deleted* 1
Snipers I*text deleted* 3
Landing Craft I*text deleted* 2
Swimmer Canoeists III* 3

* See Para 0601sub para b reference personnel who joined before 1 January 2005.
*text deleted* Contact lenses not permitted

 

If it is a critical factor on your decision to undergo selection and join the Royal Marines first, then I'd be inclined to ask whilst on PRMC - the training team can verify the latest policy via the branch spec adviser, if needs be.

There's that many out of date medical publications floating about online, including JSP950 and BR1750A, that I'd advise you get it verified officially before joining if it's a deal breaker.

 

You need a minimum of 6/18 uncorrected in both eyes!! Then 6/6 corrected