Color Vision Testing
Color vision tests determine if someone has a color vision deficiency or sees colors normally.
Color vision testing is important for many careers such as pilots, welders, electricians, and many others. Some professions require color testing prior to a job offer being provided.
Color Vision Tests We Offer: An Overview
- Hardy-Rand-Rittler (HRR): Equivalent to the Ishihara plates, this is a common test used to detect color vision deficiencies.
- Dvorine: Another common test used to assess color vision.
- Farnsworth D-15: A less common test that requires patients to arrange colored caps in order of color similarity. It can be used as a follow-up test for those who fail the HRR or Dvorine.
Details about the Color Vision Tests We Offer
We have the capability of providing color vision testing to meet most employment requirements for patients with the Hardy-Rand-Rittler (equivalent to Ishihara) and Dvorine. If a patient is unable to pass one of the two pseudoiscochromatic plate tests, we also offer a less common color test known as the Farnsworth D-15.
The Farnsworth D-15 is a less common test that requires patients to put “test caps” in order of next closest color starting with the first reference cap to the best of their ability. Once completed, the test is scored and if graded as a failure, the test can be repeated a second time.
Some patients with mild color deficiencies will fail the HRR, Ishihara, or Dvorine test but then are able to pass the Farnsworth D-15 and still have adequate color vision for their jobs.
As of January of 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) no longer recognizes the HRR, Dvorine, or Farnsworth D-15 as acceptable for pilots. The HRR is still accepted for Air Traffic Controllers and meets most other professional requirements.
Ready to Schedule Your Color Vision Test?
If you are in need of color vision testing, please let our staff know when you are making your appointment that you will need a specific test. If you have paperwork that needs to be filled out, please bring it with you or instructions that would assist with providing reports if needed.