Had an interesting experience a while ago: I have an Australian ATPL with a Class one medical issued on the basis of a Farnsworth Lantern test, which was conducted some 20 years ago. In order to recieve a validation for an overseas licence, I was told to have another lantern test. I failed. Given that color vision percecption does not change with age, I was agahst that this should happen. The test officer also told me that she intended to notify CASA. 2 days later, I had another test conducted by a different person at the same clinic. I passed easily. The difference between the two tests and my reason for failing the first one? Simple. The first test was conducted at a distance to the lantern of 12-13 feet the 2nd test was conducted at THE STANDARD DISTANCE OF 8 feet. This is appaling; I wonder how many people have failed because the optometrist has conducted the test under non-standard conditions. These are: A fully illuminated room and a dist. of 8' (do a web search for additional info.)(incidently,my test 20 years ago was done in a dark room). If any of you thinks that they may have been tested under non-standard conditions, demand a retest. If you pass, consider litigation. Good luck to all.
