LASIK Helps Man Become Fighter Pilot

Capt. Yishai has been in the Israeli military for ten years, but until recently, his poor vision prevented him from achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a military pilot. But thanks to LASIK surgery, that is all about to change.

In 2005, Yishai had laser eye surgery performed to correct his poor vision. As a result, he has recently been accepted into the Israeli Air Force's pilot program. This Thursday, he will graduate, making him the first Israeli pilot ever to have undergone LASIK.

At the age of 18, Yishai entered the Israeli Defense Force. After four years of service and the completion of two university degrees, he was accepted into the Air Force's Flight Testing Center as an engineer. His vision still prevented him from flying planes.

At the time of his laser eye surgery, the Israeli Air Force still did not accept LASIK patients into the pilot course. However, shortly thereafter, the U.S. Navy began allowing soldiers who had undergone LASIK to become pilots. Inspired by the American change in military pilot policy, Yishai decided to apply for the pilot course.

It took him 18 months of hard work and fighting through rejection letters before he was finally accepted into the course. His perseverance will most likely pave the way for many other Israeli soldiers whose dream of becoming a pilot had been squashed due to poor vision.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.