My son is a recruited athlete and commited to the coach for the class of 2014. He went to get an eye exam the other day and they said he was red green colorblind. He has never had an issue with his colors except he would sometimes get dark purple and black confused, never red or green. After reading everything on this forum, I am really afraid that he wil not get accepted because of this. Is there any options for the Naval Academy? He had been heavily recruited by USMA as well and was accepted to SLS but really wants to go to Navy. I know this is a bad question, but do blue chip athletes have a better chance at a waiver for color blindess? Thanks!
Colorblind Waiver Help
- Thread starter BigBlue21
- Start date
Yes, and it's not a bad question, it's just reality.
kp2001
10-Year Member
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- Jun 9, 2006
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Basically there are two tests that the Navy uses to test for color blindness in new accessions. The first test they will use is the pseudoisochromatic plates (PIP). These are the plates that have numbers on them made out by using different colored dots. Basically you need to get anywhere from 10-12 out of the 14 correct to pass (I forget the exact number for non-aviation candidates).
If a candidate fails the PIP test then they will go on to the Farnsworth Lantern (FALANT) test which is basically a box that displays red, green, and white lights in a vertical orientation, but in a random order. If the candidate fails this test as well then they will be considered color blind and need a waiver for the sea services.
Pretty much any optometrist has the PIP exam and you could get that one done again next time he goes in for a routine exam. The FALANT is much more difficult to come by, but if you can find one you might give it a go.
Only the DODMERB exam will matter in the end, but you might have a better picture as to if you will have to fight for a waiver or not if you can find someone to try them out for you.
If a candidate fails the PIP test then they will go on to the Farnsworth Lantern (FALANT) test which is basically a box that displays red, green, and white lights in a vertical orientation, but in a random order. If the candidate fails this test as well then they will be considered color blind and need a waiver for the sea services.
Pretty much any optometrist has the PIP exam and you could get that one done again next time he goes in for a routine exam. The FALANT is much more difficult to come by, but if you can find one you might give it a go.
Only the DODMERB exam will matter in the end, but you might have a better picture as to if you will have to fight for a waiver or not if you can find someone to try them out for you.