Hey everyone! Going into basic training can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you start thinking about all the little details. For me, one of those details was my eyeglasses. I rely on them to see, and the thought of not having the right ones during training was definitely on my mind. I'm here to share what I learned, what worked for me, and hopefully ease some of your worries about eyewear in basic training.
Before heading off to basic, I was in a bit of a dilemma. My current glasses were okay, but I wasn't sure if I should invest in a new pair specifically for training. I remember wondering if there were specific regulations about what kind of glasses were allowed. I even considered getting a super durable pair, thinking they'd be put through a lot. I spent hours searching online for any official guidelines, but it wasn't easy to find clear answers. I was mainly concerned about being able to see properly and not having my vision hinder my performance.
Turns out, I didn't need to stress so much. When I arrived, I quickly learned that the military has a system in place for providing eyewear. They checked my vision during the medical evaluation and issued me a standard pair of glasses. I was allowed to wear my own glasses in the meantime, which was a relief because I definitely needed them to function! But once I got the issued pair, I was expected to wear those during training. They weren't exactly the most stylish, but they got the job done. They were definitely the "Clark Kent" version, as someone jokingly described them.
The issued glasses were functional, but they weren't exactly comfortable or particularly flattering. They were designed for durability and practicality, which makes sense considering the environment. I did appreciate that they took vision correction seriously and provided a solution for everyone who needed it. After training, I found out that you get annual eye exams and can even get a slightly better pair of glasses. You also have the option of taking your prescription and buying your own glasses that meet the regulations, which is what I eventually did.
Beyond the standard eyeglasses, I also realized the importance of proper eye protection from the sun. The training involved a lot of outdoor activities, and the glare could be intense. That's when I discovered the convenience of clip-on sunglasses. I found a pair of polarized magnetic clip-on sunglasses that worked perfectly with my prescription glasses.
What I liked most about these was that they were easy to attach and detach, which was crucial during quick transitions between indoor and outdoor activities. The polarized lenses made a huge difference in reducing glare and improving visibility. If you are looking for a similar solution, you might want to check out these clip-on sunglasses. They were a lifesaver during those long days in the sun. I found them at Cinily Net, and they have a wide selection of eyewear.
Based on my experience, here are a few tips that might be helpful if you're heading to basic training and wear glasses: