The criteria for visual impairment under which a conscript can count on exemption from military service are enshrined in the Schedule of Illnesses. Thus, exemption from the call will follow upon detection of myopia of more than 6 diopters or hyperopia of more than 8 diopters.
The issue of exemption from military service due to poor eyesight is decided at a meeting of the draft board. The degree of visual impairment of a conscript is determined in the process of passing a specialized medical specialist - an ophthalmologist. To make a decision on exemption, it is necessary to establish the fitness category "D" (not suitable) or "B" (limited suitability). In the process of examining and determining the category of suitability, the medical specialist is guided by the criteria set out in paragraphs 34, 35 of the Schedule of diseases. The specified Schedule was approved by a special decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, it is the main document in assessing the health of conscripts.
Exemption from the army with myopia and hyperopia
In the presence of myopia of any eye from six to twelve diopters, the conscript is assigned category "B", as a result of which he is released from the army. To establish the category "D", it is necessary to have myopia of any eye exceeding twelve diopters. If the conscript wants to be exempted due to farsightedness, then during the medical examination, the indicated dysfunction in the amount of eight to twelve diopters must be revealed. In this case, the limited fitness of the conscript will be established and release from service will follow. To determine the category "not suitable" will require the identification of hyperopia of any eye more than twelve diopters.
Other diseases of the visual organs
The basis for obtaining a category exempting from service is not only an increased degree of myopia or hyperopia, but also some other diseases. So, when astigmatism is detected (violation of the shape of the cornea, lens or eye, as a result of which it is difficult to focus vision on a specific object) with a refractive difference of four to six diopters in any eye, the category "B" should be established. If the difference in refraction for any astigmatism exceeds six diopters, then complete unfitness for service is established. In addition, reduced visual acuity may serve as the basis for exemption from the army. If this indicator is found below 0.3 in one eye and below 0.09 (or complete blindness), category "D" is established on the other, which means immediate release from military duty.
