Colour Blindness - Medical

[FlyingBlindUK]

Hello Controllers,

I've been looking to become an Air Traffic Controller for a long time now and read about the requirement to pass the Ishihara Test. Sadly I discovered that I'm quite colour blind and can't see most of the numbers! I was in shock since it my visual acuity is pretty good. I suppose they're not directly related though. It doesn't affect me in real life in the least and I recently passed my driving to boot!

For those of you who are in a similar situation as me how did the interview go for you? Are they serious about colour efficiency?

Please share your experiences.

Edit @ 19/04/2013:

I called NATS and they only seem to be accepting Ishihara and CAD tests for colour vision. Surprisingly the person on the phone said that they no longer accept lantern (although NATS used to) which is odd because the European law states that in the event of the applicant failing Ishihara they will be required to do Anomaloscopy or Lantern. Therefore CAD shouldn't be allowed.

You are also allowed to take the test at City University and forward the results to NATS as City does the Ishihara, CAD, Anomaloscope and Lantern tests. This way you won't have to travel all the way to their facility only to fail (assuming City Uni is closer to you).

Edit @ 07/05/2013:

City Uni will charge you £124 + VAT for a full on eye colour test. This includes: Ishihara, AO-HRR pseudoisochromatic plates, City University (2 ed.), Farnsworth D15, Nagel Anomaloscope, Holmes-Wright lanterns type A and B, and CAD test. The tests will take one a half hours total.

[cleartouchandgo]

I think at the moment a Class 1 medical requires full colour vision. I also can't see the Ishihara plates, but for my class 2 was referred to the doc to do a Holmes lantern test which I passed....that at the time (2002) meant I could still get a class 1.

Basically there's different types of colourblindness, and from memory the major one which rules out a class one, is the inability to distinguish red from green. The other type, which I have, is the inability to distinguish as different shades of green and different shades of red i.e. you fail the plates because your eye isn't as good as distinguishing different levels of the same colour, however there is no confusion between the two colours. As such, I suggest you go down this route or seek advice from a specialist as to which further tests you can do as the Ishihara one will be failed by both types.

CTG

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Have a look at the medical forum. There is a mass of stuff to do with vision problems.

[eastern wiseguy]

Flying blind.

I will retire in 17 days after 36 years .I have EXACTLY the same problem as you appear to have. I have defective red green vision. I knew this at the initial medical and once the doctors had confirmed it with the Isihara (book ) test they used the lantern test. I passed that(just) .

Don't give up...and good luck

[FlyingBlindUK]

You people are amazing, thank you for your time.

@CTG: Your post just gave me new hope! I can easily differentiate between red and green and it's the shades which seem to get me during the Ishihara Tests. I will book an appointment with my optometrist(?) to get a better idea, thank you. Is that lantern test something I will be able to do with NATS? Will they even accept letters/certificates which state that I passed the lantern/CAD test if I decide to do it elsewhere?

@HEATHROW DIRECTOR: Yes I'm new to this forum and learning my way around. I noticed the CVD thread the other day and have been reading it for quite a while. Thank you.

@eastern wiseguy: Congratulations for having worked so long in the industry! Is the Lantern Test still done today by NATS? According to their website upon failing Ishihara (resistance will be futile in my case) I will be required to do the CAD test.

[eastern wiseguy]

Flying Blind.

I looked on the CAA website for guidance and this is what it says

(b) Examination
(1) Applicants shall pass the Ishihara test for the initial issue of a medical certificate.
(2) Applicants who fail to pass in the Ishihara test shall undergo further colour perception testing to establish whether they are colour safe.

My bold. It would seem from that that they consider the Isihara to be the main test BUT also accept that it is not the ONLY test. Give the Belgrano(CAA Gatwick) a ring and discuss it . Very best of luck

EW

[Glamdring]

As stated above the Ishihara test is only the first hurdle. I apparently failed it at my initial medical too (I failed 2 plates, which I have since been told shouldn't have been a fail). I was subsequently given a lantern test which I narrowly failed and then given another type of lantern test which I narrowly passed. Thank god it's not a yearly thing

[cleartouchandgo]

yep, as stated, Ishihara is the big "net" that is mainly used to pass people and catch a few "colourblinds". If you fail this, you require further tests, the most common one being the Holmes Wright Lantern test. I believe the test is long term, not sure how it works but if you pass it, that's it. i.e. I suppose it validates whatever class medical you go for and provided you keep that medical valid, you will never have to repeat the test. I've only got a Class 2 but I've never had to do any colour vision test since obtaining it as colourblindness is genetic and you're born with it. Interestingly, it mainly affects males but can only be passed down the females in the family!

There will be new tests around, a few years ago City University developed a new one, not sure where they are with it.

A new web-based colour vision test | City University London

PS. NATS can do that test, and would do it as part of your assessment, however for peace of mind, you could also look into doing it privately in advance of any major dreams or job applications being chased.

Good Luck
CTG