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319th MDG looking to improve Airmen’s Vision

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 316th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Having better eyesight without corrective lenses is easier than most Airmen might think.

The 319th Medical Group regularly hosts a Corneal Refractive Surgery Program briefing at the Christopher Conference Room inside the Grand Forks AFB Medical Treatment Facility.

"The point of this briefing is to educate and inform our active-duty service members on the two options currently offered by the Air Force for corrective eye surgery," said Staff Sgt. Jason Ferris, an ophthalmic technician and Flight NCO in-charge of the Grand Forks Air Force Base Optometry Clinic.

The special medical briefing is open to active-duty military personnel only, and they must be 21 years of age or older.

The briefing covers background information such as the differences between the two laser eye surgical procedures, Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and additional guidelines and criteria for the procedures. Those who attend will also receive information and details about the application process. Capt. (Dr.) Alexandra Tran, an optometrist with 319th Medical Operations Squadron will preside over the briefing and address any questions or concerns about the procedures.

"If you are an active-duty member tired of wearing prescription glasses or contacts and if you have ever thought about correcting your eyesight by laser eye surgery, then this a great time to take action and find out if you're a suitable candidate for the procedure," said Dr. Tran. "It's a great time because our clinic is able to accommodate all interested candidates and process the application requirements expeditiously."

Tran said Grand Forks AFB has had 30 of 51 applicants go on to have LASIK and PRK. She also mentioned the quick turnaround time for the applications submitted.

"Just a few years ago it took (on average) six months to a year for our patients to accomplish a pre-operative work-up for refractive surgery and months to hear back if their application was approved or denied," said the captain. "Today that is not case as we are seeing a turnaround time of approximately two weeks. I've even seen cases where we get a reply within a matter of a few days."

Although the approval and turnaround rates are high at this time, Dr. Tran emphasized once again the importance of attending the briefing.

"Not everyone will be a suitable candidate," said Dr. Tran. "However, for those who are, they will be better prepared for the possibility of correcting their vision because this briefing provides details about the procedures and what to expect after the surgery is performed; no surprises when the candidates are at the surgery center. Also, this is the first step in starting the application process."