COLOR BLIND
Color blind people – color deficient is considered a more accurate term because most of them can see some colors. The genetic defect that causes the visual problem makes it more common in men.
One of our candidates was concerned about the color deficient test. Though he had some color deficiency, to his surprise he could identify those colors that the department was testing for (they used a multi-colored stuffed animal).
ColorMax glasses give patients with color vision problems an option for both subjective and objective tasks they might not otherwise be able to do. But it’s highly individualized. Some people do great with it, others don’t get much out of it, and others don’t like it. But everybody gets some effect with the glasses, which cost up to $700. Some people go from seeing five colors to seeing 14. By the way, many PDs/FDs are doing away with the CV test all together or are just going with traffic signal color recognition tests. Good luck to you!
The latest NFPA standards section 1582 has an update in the vision section, which states that color blindness will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It was great to see that but also stinks because each department has different standards. You start to find out which departments are more lax than others. Ventura, for example, is very cool about the issue and has alternate tests such as the Farnsworth 15, which is easier to pass. LA City, however, is very strict and close-minded to the issue. Only way to beat them is to cheat and I don’t want to do that.
From Jeremy:
I just wanted to drop this website by; it is in regard to color vision. I was recently disqualified from the San Diego fire academy for failing my medical exam. I failed because I was unable to pass the color vision tests they gave me. I appealed the disqualification and did many hours of research on color deficiency. In my research, I came across the ColorMax contact lens called Chromagen that are FDA approved. I contacted an ophthalmologist that is provided on their website and was able to get a prescription to correct my color vision. I was able to pass 100% both color vision tests, the Ishihara and Farnsworth. I was able to retest with the city and passed the color vision part of the medical exam. The total cost for the doctor’s visit and prescription was approximately $500.00. If this can help anyone else with color deficiency, I would highly recommend it.
https://www.chromagen.us
Here are some more tips:
According to the EEOC and ADA, if you can’t pass the color test given but have the doctor ask you to identify basic colors, i.e., red, green, blue, etc. You have to show that even though you can’t pass the test, you will still be able to perform the basic job duties by being able to tell these basic colors. You just need to articulate to them that you can perform the basic job duties of identifying the colors of cars and clothing descriptions. POST has also said that if an applicant fails the test, but can ID the basics, he/she is fine. If the agency will allow it, you can get the X Chrome contact lenses. The lenses don’t enable you to see colors but changes them so you can identify them.
The test you take is the Ishihara plate test, which tells a doctor that you are colorblind. The bad thing about this test is unfair for people with a slight color blindness, since the Ishihara plates are deliberately artificial images, and do not represent the range of colors that people see in everyday life. I had this problem with my agency. Ask them for another option. Ask if you can. Go and have a Farnsworth D15 test. This test will show how severe your color blindness is. You will have to pay for it yourself. Do keep in mind that some agencies will disqualify you for being colorblind no matter what. Good luck and do not let this stop you going for what you want!
We’d like to thank Capt Bob for his insight into the oral interview process. For information on his programs, click here.