Vision Problems In the Military Posted: 03-02-04 08:50am
Hello,
i am trying to obtain some help regarding
some vision problems my boyfriend is
currently having, normally he would see a
local optometrist regarding these problems
but he is in the navy and has been unable
to get any help regarding these problems.
He has a severe case of myopia (his
prescription is -9.00 in one eye and -8.75
in the other) and lately has been having
other problems with his eyes such as
floaters and flashes, severe dryness and
irritation and his glasses that he is
required to wear create a fish bowl effect
that distorts everything. The dryness
and irritation began when they went
through the chemical warfare part of there
training and he was exposed to tear gas,
at the time he was told any irritation
would be temporary but his has continued.
He is very scared that this could get
worse and no one is willing to pay any
attention. He had to obtain a waiver to
join the navy since his eyes are worse
than the navy standard. I know he can't
be diagnosed with out an exam but if you
know of anything that could be causing
these symptoms I would appreciate any
guidance.
Thank you,
nic2081
|
Forum Girl
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 Oct 2003 Posts: 207 Location: Orlando, Florida
Posted: 03-02-04 19:54pm
My brother is in the air force and I know
he some times has trouble getting treated.
The key with the military is being
persistant. If he his having problems
getting appointments or being seen by a
doctor then he needs to go to his next in
command (i don't know what they are called
in the navy). His next in command has
the job of making sure that those below
him are healthy and happy and well taken
care of. Your boyfriend needs to try him
or her first. He needs to sit down and
explain the situation to his next in
command and explain the difficulities he
is having and how it is affecting his
performance. If his next in command is
unsympathetic or unwilling to help he
needs to move up to the next person in the
chain of command. He just needs to be
persistant until he is able to find
someone who is able and willing to help
him. I would have him stress that it is
affecting his performance - that might
help convince a superior that he needs
some medical attention. Hope your
boyfriend is able to get some help -
sounds like he is miserable. Good luck!
