DQ for color blindness`

the pip test is the plate test...color dots that make up a cirlce, with colored dot number inside. we simply downloaded the actual opto exam form from dodmerb, brought it to our eye dr and had him redo the exam. we sent that plus a cover letter. We did this immediately (never waiting for the DQ)-you can send to dodmerb/dodmets anything you want and they can choose to take it or not.

HOWEVER, our son passed vivid red/green and that was all that was needed for army (he doesnt want aviation, and only wants infantry) he did not ahve to pass the PIP test for army. DS failure was the depth perception portion which the eye dr administered wrong. BTW, the color vision and depth perception tests must be given with corrected vision (DS' dodmerb eye dr did it wrong so son failed) does your son wear glasses and did he wear them for the PIP test?
 
The "PIP" they are referring to is probably the recent "electronic" version of the Ishihara Pseudoisochromatic Plate Test.

This is the test that shows you a bunch of circles made up of different colors/shades (varying size dots) and within those circles is a number; you have to identify the number.

FYI...approximately 9% of all males have a genetic malady that causes them NOT to be able to pass this test even though they "see" color. I am one of them.

To get an idea of what this entails, if you're not sure, here's a website that has some of it: http://colorvisiontesting.com/ishihara.htm

Keep in mind, his is a website; not a doctors office! So...it's not definitive!! ONLY the eye doc's can test and answer.

Depending upon the service, there may be other test options but each service must address that.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
The PIP is the Pseudo-isochromatic Plate test. It comes is a couple flavors with the Ishihara PIP and Dvorine PIP being the most commonly used. There is no computerized version of this test - you either take it via a "book" or through a scope (more like having it projected). This is generally used for most color vision tests.

The Air Force fielded a new computerized test starting in 2011 called the Cone Contrast Test (CCT) that present a series of random letters in red, green, and blue on a laptop screen that get progressively fainter. This is now the standard for all officer aircrew (pilots, RPA pilots, Nav, ABM, and flight surgeon). From 2011-2013, failure on the CCT but passing the PIP was OK. Beginning in 2013, failure on the CCT is a HARD medical DQ for a flight class I certification and bars all applicants from attending UPT. There are no known color vision medical waivers since 2001. The CCT is only given to people qualifying for aircrew. The PIP is used for all other career fields with a color vision standard (such as missiles and communications).

The Air Force will NOT accept the Farnsworth Lantern test or its derivatives (OPTEC-900). They phased out the use of the FL in the 1990s. Navy, Army, and USCG aviation use the PIP. Failure on the PIP leads to the FL. If they pass the FL, they are allowed to fly. Estimates on the Navy and Army side suggest up to 57% of color 'deficients' will pass one of the tests and qualify as color SAFE. The Air Force CCT is VERY sensitive and >99% of color anomalies or deficients will be identified when administered CORRECTLY.

The other Farnsworth test is the Farnsworth D-15 test. It is a set of 15 color swatches that you must place in correct order. It is not a very sensitive test is is better at identifying pure dichromats (complete loss of one cone) vs. anomalous trichromats (a shift of one cone). Many people with color vision deficiencies can pass the D-15.

Of the 8-10% of men (white) that have a color anomaly, 5% of them are deuteranomaly (shifting of the green cone), 1% are deutan (full loss of green cone), and the remaining 2% are a variety of deficiencies in the red and blue cones with blue being very rare (blue is not X-chromosome linked like red and green).

I'm fighting for my life right now to be reinstated into UPT. I was always 100% qualified and I aced the PIP standard. I barely fail this new CCT (ridiculous test BTW) and only the CSAF can allow me to continue with UPT.

The AF has a different outlook on color vision and our flight medicine/ophthalmology docs high up have made themselves their own heroes in that endeavor.
 
Good Luck to you hornetguy!


PLEASE update us on your success on this!
 
Just found out they haven't began the waiver process for the vision deficiency because of D111.10 history of eczema and D271.4 history of systemic allergy to food or additives. My son called and they he was told it is now being sent to BUMED. So anyone know his chances on waivers? We didn't think allergy to shrimp and scallops would be an issue because it's not a common food. Anyone have any advise on how to proceed?
 
They just added 156.1 Color vision deficiency that does not meet individual services standard.

They are all pending waiver. Any advice?
 
Most places that still have a FALANT test set would likely be a research hospital. I went to the University of Houston Eye Institute and took a few tests, including the FALANT.

This test is going by wayside...and fast. Come and get it while you can and while it still counts!
 
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