Medical- Colorblindness

[SueA]

Wondering if anyone can elaborate on the different types of color deficiency tests a USCGA candidate might take, and which ones he/she MUST pass. I see from the USCGA website that part of the DoDMERB exam addresses colorblindness, and that "Candidates who fail the American Optical Company PIP test shall be considered qualified if they pass the FALANT test."
My son, a hopeful applicant for class of 2018, does poorly on the Ishihara (dots) test but has never taken other tests for color deficiency. He is so healthy and positive that I had truly forgotten about this problem. It just dawned on us tonight and we are so very disappointed and hoping there is a way he could go forward with his application. On the other hand, if this is a deal breaker, then better to figure out now than wait until next spring when the DoDMERB would be done. I suppose I can ask our eye doctor to administer the PIP and or FALANT, whatever that means. Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[LineInTheSand]

Because color blindness is a very sensitive issue with USCGA (and USNA), I would call the academy to talk to them.

Each year a few incoming swabs are found to be color blind and are disenrolled after arriving for Swab Summer. That said, I can't speak to the specifics of the tests.

 

[SueA]

Thanks

Thanks. I have since read more and discovered that PIP test is pretty much same as Ishihara (dots) test, and that FALANT test is not readily available (unlikely that civilian doctor would have it). I will call admissions office at USCGA tomorrow to inquire about taking the FALANT test earlier than next spring, so as to find out sooner if this is not meant to be....or stated more positively: if he can move forward with his application and follow his excellent dream. He loves the sea, has his boating license, and at 16 he crews on a ferry already.
Thanks again.