The Optec® 900 Color Perception/Color Blindness Test — Aviation and Occupational Eye Exams

Approximately 8 percent of males and 0.5 percent of females possess a hereditary color vision deficiency, which can interfere with activities that require the recognition and distinction of color. In order to enter the military and certain other occupations, such as air and rail transport, applicants must undergo a color blindness test to determine their ability to see and distinguish between colors. Aviation eye exams, including the Flying Duty Medical Examination (FDME), utilize the Optec® 900 color perception test.

The Optec® 900 color perception test was built as a modern version of the Farnsworth Lantern Test, which was used to assess color vision in aviation eye exams and other industries that require recognition of signal lights. Now that the Farnsworth Lantern Test is no longer manufactured, its successor, the Optec® 900, is the preferred color blindness test; it is more stringent and reduces the risk of passing those who might make errors with signal lights.

The Optec® 900 color blindness test simulates colored signal lights used in various occupations. Subjects taking naval and aviation eye exams are presented with pairs of red, white, and green lights and are required to name the colors. The Optec® 900 can also be used as a color blindness test for schoolchildren.

Features of the Optec® 900

• A new design that is 10 percent smaller and weighs 35 percent less.
• High-impact, fiber-filled, water-resistant housing.
• Self-storing electrical cord.
• A convenient carrying case.
• Plastic-laminated scoring outline and test instructions.
• Built-in electronic timer with override switch, which is micro-processor controlled.
• Field service.

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Contact Stereo Optical

To learn more about the Optec® 900 color perception test or to order it for use in occupational or aviation eye exams, contact Stereo Optical. The Optec® 900 is one of the most trusted color blindness test devices on the market.

Optec® is a registered trademark of Stereo Optical Company, Inc.