I got this response from the NAMI eye doctor... I dunno if he knows the deal but I would imagine he would..
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I wish I could calm all rumors. However, rumors are like elbows. There are many reasons for NPQ in regards to OCS. In regards to physical quals, there still exist many reasons for NPQs. For Ophthalmology, you may be NPQ for SNA but PQ for NFO. It is up to each applicant to decide at that point.
I think that the rumor of not being allowed a redesignation is false. We have many that are NPQ SNA. They should have been informed of this before ever reaching Pensacola. Unfortunately, some are given the benefit of doubt, show up, and we become the bearer of the bad news. Some just want to be pilots and nothing else. If that is the case, they tend to shoot themselves in the foot.
We are in the military - not the civilian sector. Our way of doing business is strict - it has to be. However, it is not our postition to remove someone from the military because they do not meet certain standards. There are other communities open to these applicants. Again, their choice.
I hope this clears this rumor for you.
LCDR, MSC USN
Aerospace Optometrist
Naval Aerospace Medical Institute