Vista Eyes - Laser Eye Clinic

The requirement that jet fighter pilots have extreme vision is not disputed. More than this though, a study at the Top-Gun School showed that the most important predictor of the best flying recruits for fighter training was their vision without glasses! Those who don't need glasses are the best "Top-Guns". It seems laser refractive surgery was invented for them.

Pilots are a special case in number of ways. Firstly, the cost of their training is huge and any problem with their vision would disqualify them from flying; an enormous loss for the ADF. Anything done to their eyes must be safe.

It is said that Chuck Jaeger, legendary US test pilot had 6/3 or in imperial, 20/10 vision; twice the resolution of 20/20. The possibility of being able to create this is of enormous import.

The USN under the supervision of Capt Steve Schallhorn ("Legs" is Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, USN is an eye surgeon, former jet fighter pilot and Top-Gun Instructor) has been performing PRK at their facility at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) since 1993. Dr Wolfe knows Capt. Schallhorn well and has worked closely with him over the years. As part of his Naval Reserve training Dr Wolfe visited NMSCD and participated in teaching at a course for USN ophthalmologists in laser refractive surgery.

To date they have performed over 10,000 procedures and more recently about 3000 LASIK procedures. They started with the most needy, their SEALs. These Special Forces parachute, dive and are involved in land activities. It is not hard to imagine how difficult it must be managing glasses or contact lenses. It is not surprising that Unit Commanders have enthusiastically embraced the procedure.

Recently the Aviator Retention Study has commenced. The objective is to bring fighter pilots' vision up to a level where they continue to fly. This has been very successful.

The USN acknowledges there must be risks in laser surgery and some complications have occurred, but these were either of a temporary nature or not severe enough to disqualify a single Officer or Sailor from their job. The US Army, under the supervision of Col. William Madigan, has eight laser centres and will soon be performing surgery at a rate of 30,000 eyes per year. Priority goes to front line soldiers and already the demand outstrips supply of surgeons.

The US Air Force (USAF) has five "Warfighter Refractive Surgery Centers" and predicts more than 7,000 procedures. At the Wilford Hall Refractive Surgery Center, A USAF establishment, the focus is on active-duty pilots and in-flight refuelers. Here the USAF has performed more than 3,500 procedures since opening 18 months ago.

Dr Wolfe sees laser refractive surgery having a huge impact on safety and efficiency in the ADF. It is unfortunate that the funding is not there for all but a small number with very special needs.

Dr Wolfe offers laser refractive surgery to ADF members in accordance with Health Services Bulletin 11/2002. As an ADF Reservist of 22 years and Lieutenant Commander RANR he understands the needs and concerns of Service men and women.

Dr Wolfe, in his role on the ADF Consultative Committee on Ophthalmology, was a principal adviser to the ADF's policy on laser refractive surgery. The Policy recognises the contribution made to safety and efficiency of laser and specifies a small group who will especially benefit, ie. SAS, divers, and permits the use of PRK in jet fighter pilots.