Colour Vision & Occupational Issues

COLOUR VISION TESTING

Many professions require  prefect colour vision as a prerequisite to taking up employment. Therefore it is a good idea to bring your child for a colour vision test at the outset when considering career opportunities.  Very few people are totally coloured blind, however there many, particularly males who have deficiencies in recognising particular colours. This is often unrecognised until they complete the Isihari colour test.

The requirements for pilots are one of the most demanding, whereas the demands of the colour wire test for electricians is not as high.  You might fail the pilots test, but pass on the electrical wire test.

The following standards are the minimum requirements for a variety of occupations:

AVIATION

The minimum visual standards required by the Aviation Authorities are as follows :-

PILOTS / AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Uncorrected  Vision :      No set standard
Corrected Vision :            6/9 in each eye and 6/6 with both eyes together
Colour Vision :                   Normal Full Colour Vision
Muscle Balance :                Normal Muscle Balance
Visual Fields :                     Full Visual Fields required
Refractive Surgery :        Laser surgery to correct visual defects is NOT recommended
Bifocals :                               Forbidden
Contact Lenses :                Gas Permeable Contact Lenses are recommended if vision is stable
Near Vision :                       Pilots should be able to read N14 with each eye at 1 metre and N5 at 30 to 50cm

CABIN CREW
Cabin crew need only reach 6/24 in each eye unaided. Spectacles or contact lenses may be worn – Gas Permeable for preference.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROAD & RAIL

BUS DRIVER, ROAD FREIGHT DRIVER, APPRENTICES & SIGNALERS
Uncorrected  Vision :     6/9
Corrected Vision :            6/6 in each eye
Colour Vision :                  Normal Full Colour Vision
Muscle Balance :               N/A
Visual Fields :                    N/A
Refractive Surgery :        N/A
Bifocals :                               N/A
Contact Lenses :                N/A
Near Vision :                       N/A

TRAIN DRIVERS
As above but unaided vision should be 6/6

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE (ROI)

APPRENTICES
Uncorrected  Vision :     6/36
Corrected Vision :            6/6 in one eye 6/9 in the other
Colour Vision :                   Normal Full Colour Vision
Muscle Balance :               N/normal
Visual Fields :                    N/A
Refractive Surgery :        N/A
Bifocals :                               N/A
Contact Lenses :                N/A
Near Vision :                       N/A

ARMY CADETS

Uncorrected  Vision :    6/18
Corrected Vision :           6/6 in one eye 6/9 in the other
Colour Vision :                  Normal Full Colour Vision
Muscle Balance :              N/normal
Visual Fields :                    N/A
Refractive Surgery :       N/A
Bifocals :                              N/A
Contact Lenses :               N/A
Near Vision :                      N/A

AIR CORPS CADETS

Uncorrected  Vision :     6/9
Corrected Vision :            6/6 in one eye 6/9 in the other
Colour Vision :                   Normal Full Colour Vision
Muscle Balance :                N/normal
Visual Fields :                     N/A
Refractive Surgery :         N/A
Bifocals :                               N/A
Contact Lenses :                N/A
Near Vision :                       N/A

DEPARTMENT OF THE MARINE

Uncorrected Vision       6/12 in the better eye
Corrected Vision             6/9 and 6/6

Colour Vision                   Full Colour Vision is Essential

GARDA

Uncorrected Vision         6/24 and 6/12

Colour Vision                     Normal

Visual Fields                       Normal