Color vision ripoff

[ndakcfi]

I'm slightly red-green colorbind (to a degree that makes the Ishihara tests a pain, but I can pass them), so I was looking to see if there were any FAA approved methods of correcting color vision to make the Ishihara test easier.

After quickly finding out that color-correcting lenses are specifically disallowed by the FAA, I ran across a site for a doctor claiming to have created a process that uses filters on contact lenses to make it easier to pass the ishihara test, specifically encouraging pilots to use them. Since I was somewhat curious, I filled out their "contact us" page, and got a call from them today.

The eye exam takes something like 4-7 hours, and is only done in Maryland. For the exam and one pair of soft contacts, this guy charges $8900, on top of whatever it would cost in hotel, airfare, and car rental. When asked whether these lenses were allowed by the FAA, the person I talked to hemmed and hawed for a couple of minutes before basically dodging the question and letting me know they can arrange financing for the $9000 lenses.

For comparison, LASIK in my local area runs from $2-3000 (and involves a heck of a lot more work), so I'm amazed that anyone would pay $9k for a pair of tinted soft contacts.

 

[miller_time]

You would be better off buying the Ishihara test and practicing. If you have trouble with it, ask the doctor to administer the test outside. It is supposed to be done in daylight or using a bulb that replicates true daylight. You might be surprised how much better your results will be. The AMEs I have been to used "Ishihara like" pseudochromatic plates illuminated by a cheap incandescent bulb. It works for most people, but if you're borderline like me you might have trouble. If you fail the test at the AME's office, you can go to your eye doctor for the test and have them correspond with your AME. An optometrist or ophthalmologist should have better equipment than an AME. It has been a while since I went though this, but I think you have to get 9 out of 14 correct. Buying those special contacts definitely isn't worth it. You're last resort is to go to a towered airport and ask for light gun signals with a FAA inspector present to be issued a Statement Of Demonstrated Ability, however you have some other options to pursue before getting to that point.

 

[ndakcfi]

I'm marginal on the Ishihara, but I think a lot of that is due to the AME's using old, faded plates under bad office lighting. I wasn't even considering the contacts (since they're an absolute ripoff, as well as not allowed by the FAA), and I mostly posted the topic to illustrate how much of a scam this guy seems to be running.

I'm going to schedule an appointment with the resident AME on Jetcareers to see if I have an easier time with one of the alternative color tests.

 

[Rotor2Wing]

You guys should not even bother with the plates if you have even slight issues. All it takes is one screw up and your life will suck until you get it sorted out. Just find an AME that has a Farnsworth or Optec 900. The good doc here on JC has them. I personally have my complete vision testing done at a specialist right before my FAA medical exam. Its something good to have done to catch issues early before they can cause damage. My eye doc fills out the FAA forms and I'm on my way.

 

[Murdoughnut]

They had those contacts years ago when I was first getting my medical (like '96). Doc told me they were mostly for people like electricians and stuff who need to see different colored wires at work and what not.

 

[Inverted]

Why don't you just do a SODA with light gun signals? I had a couple of students that needed to do that and they can get first class medicals with it if I remember correctly.

 

[Rotor2Wing]

Why don't you just do a SODA with light gun signals? I had a couple of students that needed to do that and they can get first class medicals with it if I remember correctly.

To get a 1st or 2nd class its a lot more of a process now including a medical test flight. The light gun will only get you a 3rd class now.

 

[Inverted]

Oh snap, never mind then.

 

[rframe]

Glad I got a second class SODA done way back in the day, it was so easy.... a few minutes with the FSDO guy at the control tower.

Now days I'd just try to find an AME with FALANT tests. I still think they should throw away those stupid Ishihara tests, what a waste of time for so many aviators.

 

[rd757]

I know of two students that just recently completed the flight with the FSDO and they both did fine. Neither one could see the Ishihara plates and one couldn't pass the Farnsworth, but they could both see the light gun. From what they said after, it mostly consisted of random color questions about the aircraft and panel instruments in flight, etc. Both said it wasn't too difficult, however, if you do not pass the flight with the FAA, it's a one shot deal.

 

[Bandit_Driver]

Check with My Flight Surgeon on here for a definitive answer. But IIRC not all FALANTS are created equal and it has be a specific model number of machine.

 

[Rotor2Wing]

Check with My Flight Surgeon on here for a definitive answer. But IIRC not all FALANTS are created equal and it has be a specific model number of machine.

Yes, The original Farnsworth Lantern and the Optec-900 are the 2 most common tests. All the others like the flashlight and other knock offs are not acceptable. The Doc has a Sticky with the acceptable tests in the medical forum I think.