Key facts
- Lewis Jackson, 21, was rejected from the British Army Reserve due to cataract surgery at age three.
- A consultant ophthalmic surgeon confirmed Jackson's vision is now excellent and stable.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) deems applicants with lens replacement surgery "permanently medically unfit to serve".
- Over 114,000 applications to the Army were rejected on medical grounds in the past five years.
- Psychiatry, eye, and musculoskeletal conditions are common reasons for rejection.
- Ben Smith was rejected from the Royal Air Force due to ongoing use of an inhaler for asthma.
Lewis Jackson, 21, has been prevented from joining the British Army Reserve due to a childhood eye surgery, a decision he and others argue is too strict and overlooks current health capabilities. Jackson, who had cataract surgery at age three, was rejected despite a consultant ophthalmic surgeon confirming his vision is now "excellent in both eyes" and "everything was stable". The Ministry of Defence (MoD) maintains that its medical entry rules are necessary due to the physically demanding nature of military service, stating that applicants with lens replacement surgery are considered "permanently medically unfit to serve" as they need "the visual function to be able to perform their role safely and effectively".
Jackson, who spent his teenage years in the Army Cadets and was recognized as the best shot in his unit, expressed frustration at being turned down without an opportunity to prove himself. He is currently studying agricultural management and is using his time to appeal the decision.
Figures obtained under a Freedom of Information request show that over 114,000 applications to the Army were rejected on medical grounds in the past five years, with psychiatry, eye, and musculoskeletal conditions being the most common reasons. An MoD spokesperson noted that substantial changes have been made to remove outdated recruitment policies, and each application is assessed by specialist clinicians.
Similar concerns were raised by Ben Smith, who was prevented from joining the Royal Air Force (RAF) due to his ongoing use of an inhaler for asthma. Despite having excellent fitness levels and a GP's note confirming "unlimited exercise tolerance", Smith's appeal was unsuccessful as RAF policy requires candidates to be at least 12 months treatment, symptom, and medication-free. Dr. Simon Opher, a GP and Labour MP, suggested a more sensible approach to medical screening, arguing that stable conditions not affecting functional ability should not be an automatic exclusion. Lt Col Stuart Crawford, a former British Army officer, echoed these sentiments, warning that the military is losing valuable talent due to overly strict policies, which he deems increasingly dangerous in a time of global instability.