I pulled up some old threads and I hope this answers your questions.
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=21932
Ny DS had two remedials and they were both listed in the same letter. He got one removed and a waiver for another, and was told he was medically cleared!
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=20705
The FALANT is the final authority for the Navy. For DoDMERB, when he fails his PIP test, he will be automatically scheduled for a FALANT followup.
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=22496
As noted, whether colorblindness will be waived depends on the service and accession program. For USNA it's an automatic DQ. Waivers are available to up to 2% of the class. They must agree to go USMC or a restricted line community where it is not disqualifying (Civil Engineering Corps, for example).
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=23850
Was not going to quote anything here because I think all of the posts are important, I understand the poster was looking at from a CGA position, but it does give insight on what to expect and one post stuck out to me for you.
My DS (hey I'm getting the lingo down) started a small freak out yesterday when DoDMerb finally posted "Does not meet medical standards" instead of something like "remedial requested" which he was thinking he would see. Went over the flow chart on the DoDMerb site and showed him these responses and convinced him that he should be getting the remedial in the mail.
I hope these threads assist you in your quest for guidance.
Remember, this is really a case by case situation, and not one of us sits on the review board. We are here to support and guide when we can. For me, personally, I think the best guidance I can give you is linking you to previous posts that have walked in your shoes within the last yr or so, thus increasing your ability to understand the system more.
Re-reading your post you stated :
the you retake it for two more attempts. The number of misses on the two retakes must be below some number. After he took the initial test, the eye doc had him take the retest but stopped him after the 1st retest pass. I assumed he did not do the 2nd pass as he problably already missed more than he was allowed to for both retest passes.
Question is he does he have to take 2 retakes? Could it have been he passed with flying colors (no pun intended) on the 1st re-test, thus no need for the 2nd retake. I am like you, I hope for the best, prepare for the worst. This yr is a long roller coaster ride even without the DoDMERB issue, assumptions are not the path you want to walk down if at all possible.
I only ask because as you can see, your post a month, 6 months or a yr from now may assist someone just like you. It may calm their nerves, or assist them to be prepared for the next level.