Can I join the Navy after a corrective eye surgery and still be a Naval Aviator?

Question

I currently do not pass the requirements for uncorrected distant visual acuity according to the Navy physical standards document. However, if I were to receive eye surgery to correct my vision before joining and then apply to OCS/Flight School, would I be cleared as Class 1 aviation personnel and be able to fly as a Naval Aviator? Thank you!

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(Here's some of the information from the linked pdf)

Class I: Naval Aviators and Student Naval Aviators (SNA). Designated Naval aviators are subdivided into three Medical Service Groups based upon the physical requirements of their specific flight duty assignment

Medical Service Group 1: Aviators qualified for unlimited or unrestricted flight duties

Medical Service Group 2: Aviators restricted from shipboard aircrew duties (include V/STOL) except helicopter

Medical Service Group 3: Aviators restricted to operating aircraft equipped with dual controls and accompanied on all flights by a pilot or copilot of Medical Service Group 1 or 2, qualified in the model of aircraft operated. A waiver to medical Service Group 3 includes pilot-incommand (PIC) authority unless PIC authority is specifically restricted.

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1. Service Group 1, 20/100 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye.
2. Service Group 2, 20/200 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye.
3. Service Group 3, 20/400 or better each eye uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 or better each eye.

The first time distant visual acuity of less than 20/20 is noted a manifest refraction (not cycloplegic) shall be performed recording the correction required for the aviator to see 20/20 in each eye (all letters correct on the 20/20 line).

Answer 1

I had this explained to me by an OSO a few years back. The answer is a qualified, yes, but the devil is in the details.

At the time, no procedure that involved cutting a corneal flap was approved. This means that LASIK and similar procedures were not approved for aviators. (This may change, but I think its unlikely). So that leaves PRK and similar procedures that only modify the the cornea's surface. This follows recommendations my medical professionals that recommend people that play contact sports to opt for PRK instead of LASIK.

However, here is the detail that was explained to me that I consider to be "the catch", you must already be in the Navy. In other words, you must have already made a commitment, then once inside, you can apply for the waiver and use a Navy approved opthamologist to perform the procedure. The problem with this is that if you are a person that is only interested in being a pilot, you must sign up for some other reasons (it might be aviation related, but not pilot) then once commissioned, then you can ask them to waive the rule and allow you to have vision correction surgery.

Also, at the time it was explained to me, you needed to wait for 1 year after the procedure before being considered for an aviator position. This is logical as they want to see if the procedure was successful and healed properly.

If you're already in the Navy this is great, but if you want to join the Navy for the sole purpose of being an aviator, I would look very closely at the details, and get it in writing before you commit.