Refractive surgery aids military readiness, Navy surgeon says

Outgoing ASCRS president Stephen Lane, MD, presented Capt. Steven Schallhorn, MD, with a plaque honoring his work in refractive surgery, on board the U.S.S. Stennis.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Refractive surgery has had a profound impact on the U.S. armed forces by reducing the dependence of military personnel on contact lenses and glasses, said Capt. Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, at a memorable reception here aboard an aircraft carrier.

Tens of thousands of American service men and women have benefited from refractive surgery, Dr. Schallhorn said, including thousands now deployed in the war in Iraq. Refractive surgery has enhanced their combat readiness and increased the pool of personnel eligible to participate in programs such as naval aviation, he said.

Dr. Schallhorn made his remarks at the kickoff event of this year’s American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting. In the dramatic setting of a deck on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. John C. Stennis, Dr. Schallhorn thanked ASCRS for its contributions to and advancement of refractive surgery.

As reception-goers toured the flight deck and took in the immensity of the ship, Dr. Schallhorn described the significant impact refractive surgery has had on the armed forces. He said as many as 1,000 naval aviators, including aircraft carrier pilots, have undergone refractive surgery. In addition, more than 500 student aviators who would otherwise not have been admitted have been able to enter pilot training because of refractive surgery.

Dr. Schallhorn said studies showing the success of refractive surgery, PRK in particular, in military personnel have had a “profound impact” on the military, convincing the Navy to change its policy and allow naval aviators to have the surgery.

Dr. Schallhorn is well known for his extensive work leading many of the studies that evaluated the effects of refractive surgery in U.S. Navy pilots.

Dr. Schallhorn thanked ASCRS and its members for their work that has continually improved refractive surgery. He also thanked the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Stennis for hosting the reception; hundreds of uniformed men and women led tours, answered questions and kept an eye on the safety of their nonmilitary guests during the event.

Stephen Lane, MD, outgoing president of ASCRS, presented Dr. Schallhorn with a plaque honoring him for his work using refractive surgery “to advance the operational readiness of our combat troops.”