Health Services

Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program (WRESP)

Welcome to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program website. As the U.S. Military's sole overseas refractive surgery center, LRMC WRESP serves the refractive needs of servicemembers stationed on three continents and across three commands (EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM). Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art laser refractive procedures to active duty servicemembers that will enable them to deploy as more effective Warfighters. By decreasing spectacle and contact lens dependence in our fighting force, our laser center enhances operational readiness for the commands that we serve and increases mission safety for our patients.
  1. Download /Print/Complete Refractive Surgery Paperwork 
  2. Complete initial pre-operative evaluation with local optometrist
  3. Complete a second pre-operative evaluation at LRMC WRESP once you have emailed your packet found under “Prospective Applicants” tab
  4. Schedule/Obtain Surgery
  5. Complete Post-Operative Care 
Q: How long does it typically take from the time I start pursuing refractive surgery until I am ready to be scheduled for treatment?

A: Currently about 4 - 8 weeks, based on the prioritization category you are assigned by your line commander or his delegate. This varies based on demand, however, and may change in the future.

Q: Do I have to be out of my contact lenses before my pre-operative evaluations? If so, how long and why?

A: Yes, you need to be out of your contact lenses before being evaluated because contact lenses can affect the shape of your cornea. We usually require that patients be out of their soft contact lenses for a minimum of 4 weeks. For hard contact lenses, the time is longer, typically a minimum of 12 weeks. Even after your pre-operative appointment is over, DO NOT put your contacts back in!

Q: After my pre-operative evaluation appointment, I will have my actual laser procedure scheduled. On average, how long will I typically have to wait for treatment day?

A: If you live within a two-hour drive of the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC), about 2 - 4 weeks. If you live outside the KMC area, then we make an effort to schedule your pre-operative evaluation AND your laser treatment close together so you get them done on the same trip to the KMC area. Often, they are just two days apart.

Q: How long should I expect to spend at LRMC when I come for the treatment day from outside the KMC?

A: 7-10 days. There is a day for testing, a day for briefing, the treatment day, a one-day post-operative check and then a one-week post-operative check. During the one-week post-operative recovery period, additional appointments can be required that will include a post-operative visit one day after treatment AND 4-5 days after treatment.

Q: If I live outside the KMC, do I have to stay in the local area for that entire time?

A: We VERY highly recommend securing lodging in the local area for approximately one week after surgery. If there is a problem after the surgery, it often happens in the first week after the surgery. If there is a problem in the first week after surgery, you will be expected to be seen at LRMC WRESP to have the issue checked and managed.

Q: How long should I expect to be non-deployable?

A: Air Force - non-deployable for at least one month for LASIK and up to 4 months for PRK; Army, Navy, Marines - non-deployable for at least 3 months.

Q: How much active duty service must I have left to still be able to get refractive surgery?

A: Army - 6 months; AF- 6 months; Navy - 12 months; Marines - 12 months; Reservists on Active Duty - 12 months from the DATE OF SURGERY

Q: How long is the commander's authorization good for?

A: 6 months. The day of actual laser treatment must be less than or equal to 6 months from the date the commander authorizes the surgery.

 

Lasik and PRK Surgery at LRMC

Refractive Eye Surgery Program at LRMC

  1. Download/Print and Complete LRMC WRESP Application
            

             (If you are getting this message while viewing a pdf in a browser,  download the file locally and open it either in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.)

 

  1. Take completed forms to local optometry clinic to obtain appointment to determine candidacy
  2. Once you have completed your packet (SECTION 1 by patient, SECTION 2 by commander, and SECTION III by referring optometrist) please email it to: dha.landstuhl.clinic-support.mbx.lrmc-wresp@health.mil.  This will initiate the refractive surgery process.  Please conduct further communication through this email when possible. 
Air Force aviators/flyers MUST obtain a refractive application through an Air Force optometry clinic.  Aviators/Flyers are NOT authorized to use the LRMC WRESP application. 

Please email dha.landstuhl.clinic-support.mbx.lrmc-wresp@health.mil the following:
1.) PERMISSION TO PROCEED
2) COMMANDERS AUTHORIZATION FORM
3) USAF REFRACTIVE SURGERY APPLICATION – Aviation & Aviation-Related Special Duty. 

This will initiate your refractive surgery at LRMC.

Contact Us

Location:

Bldg. 3769, Ward 11B

DSN Phone:

590-6361

CIV Phone:

06371-9464-6361

Hours:

Mondays - Thursdays:
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fridays:
8 a.m. - Noon

 

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