Serious Question --- I'm very nervous

[Get_Some]

How serious is the vision test? I have sort of bad vision but I can see fine with my glasses on. Usually the trouble I have is when I'm on a computer or trying to read my phone. I found out in MN you have to have 20/100 vison uncorrected. Would I be able to be in LE if my vision is not up to these standards? I'm going to the eye doctor in a few months to get my vision score. But I'm pretty scared this is going to derail my career.

[Kimble]

Would I be able to be in LE if my vision is not up to these standards?

It wouldn't make sense to have standards if they weren't followed, right? Standards vary so if that is a state-required standard that you don't meet, see if departments outside of MN have vision requirements you'd meet. But to answer your question, no, if you do not meet the standards for a given medical issue you are medically disqualifed. It sucks, I know (I was medically DQ'ed from the US Coast Guard, so I've felt that sting before), but the standards are either you meet them and pass or do not.

[Get_Some]

It wouldn't make sense to have standards if they weren't followed, right? Standards vary so if that is a state-required standard that you don't meet, see if departments outside of MN have vision requirements you'd meet. But to answer your question, no, if you do not meet the standards for a given medical issue you are medically disqualifed. It sucks, I know (I was medically DQ'ed from the US Coast Guard, so I've felt that sting before), but the standards are either you meet them and pass or do not.

Yeah, I know. My friend who is a cop told me the vision part is not that big of a deal. But, I guess it's not that big of a deal when you dont have vision problems. I guess the uncorrected thing makes sense. Glasses can get knocked off. I think it's a dumb reason to DQ somebody, but what can I do? With my problem surgery is not an option. Guess I just gotta cross my fingers. My shooting accuracy isn't affected much. I think reading plates is the problem I would run into.

[pafindr]

I think it's a dumb reason to DQ somebody, but what can I do?... ...My shooting accuracy isn't affected much. I think reading plates is the problem I would run into.

So you think that you are going to be shooting more than you'll be reading plates?
If you can't see the plates on a vehicle, or a persons description, what good will you be in shooting the right person?

See it's not a dumb reason to DQ someone that can't see properly.

[retdetsgt]

If you can see fine with glasses and your vision w/o isn't horrible, you should be okay. I think my old dept's standard was something like 20/200 w/o corrective lenses. Lotsa cops wear glasses or contacts. Don't worry about it too much.

[Get_Some]

So you think that you are going to be shooting more than you'll be reading plates?
If you can't see the plates on a vehicle, or a persons description, what good will you be in shooting the right person?

See it's not a dumb reason to DQ someone that can't see properly.

I can READ plates FINE WITH my glasses. I can SEE a persons DESCRIPTION fine WITH my glasses. I can also see stuff fine without my glasses. The only problem I have is READING TEXT WITHOUT my glasses. I'm just afraid this stupid machine is going to tell me I'm unfit.

[Get_Some]

If you can see fine with glasses and your vision w/o isn't horrible, you should be okay. I think my old dept's standard was something like 20/200 w/o corrective lenses. Lotsa cops wear glasses or contacts. Don't worry about it too much.

The problem I have is when I'm on the computer or reading a book without my glasses which I dont do because it gives me a headache. I can read signs across the street with my glasses on but if I take them off it's fuzzy. I dont want to go through this whole process then be denied that close to becoming LE. That would be heartbreaking.

[Switchback]

I'm not sure, but I think a lot of places have a 20/200 uncorrected standard. Of course it varies, but I think I've seen that one more than the 20/100. Just check with the agencies where you want to apply.

[Get_Some]

I'm not sure, but I think a lot of places have a 20/200 uncorrected standard. Of course it varies, but I think I've seen that one more than the 20/100. Just check with the agencies where you want to apply.

I'm hoping it's 20/200. I know for sure it's 20/100 for the MPD (Minneapolis). Hopefully other agencies in the area are a little more leniant. Thanks for the response.

[mcsap]

GOOD vision is very important to us. It's one thing to have good vision which begins to degrade over time. It's another to have poor vision at the start. Thats why we have vision standards.

[Get_Some]

I passed the MEPS test. But that was about 8 years ago. I dont know if the standards are the same.

[retdetsgt]

If nothing else, it might be worth it to spring for the lasik surgery. A lot of people do that.

[Get_Some]

If nothing else, it might be worth it to spring for the lasik surgery. A lot of people do that.

I will be doing this if it corrects the issue I have with my eyes. About 10 years ago the procedure did not help with what I have. Hopefully that has changed.

[Get_Some]

Do you need to take this test every year? Or is it a one time thing?

[Switchback]

I will be doing this if it corrects the issue I have with my eyes. About 10 years ago the procedure did not help with what I have. Hopefully that has changed.

It was not too long ago that I would not have been able to get my vision corrected by surgery. My corneas were too thin. Four years ago I had PRK done and have 20-15 vision in both eyes.

Do you need to take this test every year? Or is it a one time thing?

It can vary greatly, depending on where you are and for whom you work. We have periodical medical exams andthey only get more frequent as you get older. I think, at about 37, we start doing them every 2 years. They are full-bown physicals, too (respiratory capacity/function, full vision EKG, etc.).