CASE OVERVIEW:
A 24-year-old woman aspiring to join the police force faced a major hurdle—her vision did not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance. Determined to pursue her dream career, she was referred to the Bochner Eye Institute for consideration of laser vision correction.
PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Her uncorrected visual acuity was:
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Right Eye: 20/80
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Left Eye: 20/70
With prescription correction:
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Right Eye: -2.75 -0.5 x 75 → 20/20 vision
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Left Eye: -2.25 -0.75 x 60 → 20/20 vision
A comprehensive eye exam, including a fundus evaluation and computerized topography, confirmed:
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Normal retinal examination
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No irregular astigmatism
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Corneal thickness of 542 microns in the right eye and 535 microns in the left eye
After a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits, she opted for LASIK surgery.
THE LASIK PROCEDURE & RESULTS:
The procedure was uncomplicated, and within one week post-surgery, she achieved 20/20 vision in both eyes.
Later that year, she successfully met all the police force requirements and was accepted. Now, five years into her career, she continues to enjoy her work and frequently expresses her appreciation for the enhanced vision and freedom LASIK has provided.
ONTARIO POLICE FORCE VISION STANDARDS:
To qualify for service, candidates must meet the following vision requirements:
VISUAL ACUITY
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- Uncorrected: Minimum 20/40 in both eyes without corrective lenses
- Corrected: Minimum 20/20 in both eyes with corrective lenses
COLOUR VISION
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- Pass a standard colour vision test (e.g., Ishihara or Farnsworth D-15)
- Accurately distinguish colours
PERIPHERAL VISION
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- Full, unimpaired visual field
KEY BENEFITS OF LASIK FOR POLICE OFFICERS:
1. CLEAR VISION WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS:
- Essential in dynamic, high-intensity situations
- No worries about glasses falling off or contacts drying out
2. ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IN TACTICAL SITUATIONS
- Improved vision in low-light conditions, high-speed pursuits, and close combat
- Faster reaction times without corrective lenses
3. INCREASED SAFETY DURING PHYSICAL ALTERCATIONS
- Glasses can break, causing injury
- Contact lenses can shift or fall out at critical moments
4. GREATER COMFORT FOR LONG SHIFTS & HARSH CONDITIONS
- Officers face rain, snow, dust, and heat – glasses fog up, and contacts dry out
- LASIK eliminates these distractions
5. IMPROVED USE OF PROTECTIVE & TACTICAL GEAR
- Gas masks, night vision goggles, and safety glasses fit better
- No need for prescription inserts
6. IMPROVED LOW-LIGHT AND NIGHT VISION
- Many LASIK patients report enhanced visual quality in dim or low-contrast environments. This benefit is especially relevant for police officers who need to remain alert and aware at dawn, dusk, or at night.
7. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT
- Some specialized units (e.g., SWAT, K9, Aviation, Undercover Ops) have strict vision requirements
LASIK can help meet these standards without dependence on corrective lenses
8. INCREASED PSYCHOLOGICAL COMFORT AND FOCUS
- Freedom from eyewear reduces mental distraction and improves confidence, enabling polie officers to concentrate fully on the environment and activities around them.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
LASIK offers a significant advantage for police officers by improving vision, enhancing job performance, and increasing safety.
For those pursuing a law enforcement career, LASIK can be a life-changing investment in both professional success and personal confidence.
