Is 1.5 Degrees of Nearsightedness Subject to Conscription?

According to Section II, Appendix I of Joint Circular 16/2016/TTLT-BYT-BQP regulating disease classification standards, the classification for nearsighted individuals is as follows:

- Nearsightedness below -1.5D (2 points);- Nearsightedness from -1.5D to below -3D (3 points);- Nearsightedness from -3D to below -4D (4 points);- Nearsightedness from -4D to below -5D (5 points);- Nearsightedness from -5D or above (6 points);- Nearsightedness surgically corrected for over 1 year with good results is reduced by 1 point based on uncorrected vision;- Retinal degeneration due to severe nearsightedness (from -3D or above) (6 points).

Based on the points assigned to the 8 criteria listed on the military service health assessment form, health classification is determined as follows:

- Category 1: All 8 criteria meet Point 1;- Category 2: At least one criterion scores Point 2;- Category 3: At least one criterion scores Point 3;- Category 4: At least one criterion scores Point 4;- Category 5: At least one criterion scores Point 5;- Category 6: At least one criterion scores Point 6.

Thus, individuals with 1.5 diopters of nearsightedness have health classified in Category 3.

Furthermore, according to Clause 3, Article 4 of Circular 140/2015/TT-BQP regulating the selection and conscription of citizens for military service, the health standards are as follows:

- Select citizens with health classified in Category 1, 2, or 3 according to the standards set by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Defense for performing military service.- For units specified at Point b, Clause 2, Article 4 of Circular 140/2015, selection ensures compliance with the specific standards set by the Ministry of National Defense.- Do not conscript into the military those citizens classified in health Category 3 with refractive errors (nearsightedness of 1.5 diopters or above, hyperopia at any level); drug addiction; or HIV/AIDS infection.

According to the aforementioned regulations, citizens classified in health Category 3 with refractive errors (nearsightedness of 1.5 diopters or above) are not called for conscription.

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