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British Army Rejects Cataract-Surgery Applicant on Medical Rules

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:27 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Lewis Jackson, 21, was rejected from the British army on medical grounds.
He was turned down because he had cataract surgery at age three.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said recruitment rules aim to preserve operational effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary exclusion.
BBC interviews with potential recruits reveal many question whether the medical rules are overly strict.

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Story summary

Lewis Jackson, 21, was rejected from the British army on medical grounds.
He was turned down because he had cataract surgery at age three.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said recruitment rules aim to preserve operational effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary exclusion.
BBC interviews with potential recruits reveal many question whether the medical rules are overly strict.