Plate Tests

The appropriate procedure is to compare coefficients for reliability and validity. Evaluation of reliability should compare test and retest data; evaluation of validity should compare plate test data and anomaloscope data. In many cases, plate tests have been compared with other plate tests of known high validity. This procedure is less desirable than comparison with a standard anomaloscope.

Arrangement Tests

Reliability and validity of arrangement tests with pass/fail criteria can be evaluated by the coefficient. For the FM 100-hue test, calculation of coefficients is possible only for comparisons of classification data. Other standard statistical procedures, including analyses of variance, may be used to compare error scores.

Anomaloscopes

If appropriate technique is used, reliability of anomaloscope data should be high. If necessary, reliability of match midpoint or matching range can be evaluated by means of a scatter plot. Instrument values for the anomaloscope on initial testing are plotted against values obtained on retest. Since match midpoints are usually distributed normally and symmetrically (Lakowski, 1971), a correlation coefficient can be computed.

In order to evaluate the validity of new anomaloscopes, the diagnostic categories obtained from the new anomaloscope (i.e., P, PA, EPA, D, DA, EDA; see pages 9-11) should be compared with those from the Nagel anomaloscope, which is accepted as a standard instrument, and the coefficient should be calculated. It is appropriate to use scatter-plot and correlational analyses to compare match midpoints and matching ranges of two anomaloscopes that have identical mixture primaries and test wavelengths. In order to compensate for scale differences, however, the data must either be converted to the comparable scale units devised by Willis and Farnsworth (1952) or expressed in anomalous quotients. (The anomalous quotient expresses an individual observer's match relative to the mean of many observers. See “Existing Tests,” in this chapter.) It is not appropriate to compare match midpoints, matching ranges, or anomalous quotients of two anomaloscopes that have different mixture primaries or test wavelengths.

Lantern Tests

The reliability of lantern tests may be assessed by coefficients. Since lantern tests are field tests, the assessment of validity is virtually impossible. Lantern tests, however, may be compared with other color vision tests to check their agreement.

Nagel Model I

Made by Schmidt and Haensch, Berlin, Germany

Available in Canada from Imperial Optical Company, Ltd.

Available in United States from Alfred P. Poll, 40 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019

Nagel Model II is out of production.

General Description. The Nagel Model I anomaloscope was designed to measure the Rayleigh equation in the general population using spectral lights. The instrument is designed to present a circular split field. In the lower half, a spectral yellow (589 nm) appears. The luminance of the yellow half can be continuously varied by turning a knob. When this knob is adjusted, the yellow half of the field varies from dark at scale zero to increasingly brighter yellow as the scale increases. The upper half of the field is filled with a mixture of spectral yellow-green (545 nm) and spectral red (670 nm). The relative proportions of green and red, from all green through any mixture to all red, can be continuously adjusted by a knob. At scale zero, the upper field appears yellow-green (only spectral yellow-green present). As the knob is adjusted to higher numbers (thereby increasing the proportion of red to green primary in the mixture), the upper field changes in appearance from yellow-green, to green-yellow, yellow, orange, and finally yellow-red at knob value 73 (only spectral red present). A normal observer can achieve a good color match between the two halves of the field by adjusting the red-green knob and the yellow luminance knob. The calibration is set at the factory; the normal match usually occurs between 40 to 50 units of red-green mixture and about 15 units of yellow. At the normal match, the field luminance is approximately 5 cd/m². The red and green primary lights have approximately equal luminance. The observer views the split field through a telescope tube. A focusing barrel on the telescope allows for minor adjustments, which are accompanied by a 10 percent variation in the field size. The field size in the currently available Nagel ranges from 1.8° to 2.0°. On the front panel below the telescope tube is a Trendelenburg adapting field for presentation of a uniform adapting field (Illuminant A). The test should be run in darkness or semidarkness.

Administration. Measurement requires a skilled and trained person. Instructions written by Linksz (1964) accompany the instrument, but no scoring sheets are available.

In the Linksz (1964) procedure, the examination starts with a three-minute preadaptation to the lighted Trendelenburg screen on the front panel of the Nagel Model I. The adaptation light is extinguished, and the observer is presented with a normal match prepared by the examiner in advance. If asked to comment on the color appearance, the normal observer and the dichromat will say that the colors look the same or appear as shades of the same color. The anomalous trichromat will usually say that the mixture field appears red (deuteranomalous trichromat) or green (protanomalous trichromat). At this point, some examiners allow the observer to use both red-green and yellow controls to adjust the two fields to equality.

If the normal match, or one close to it, is accepted the next step is to evaluate the range of acceptable red-green ratio values. For a normal observer this range will be small (between 0 and 5 scale units). The examiner turns the red-green mixture 5 scale units from the initial match. Then, alternatively setting the scale above and below the initial match, the examiner centers toward the match in one-unit steps, asking “Is this a match?” on each trial. The observer is asked to adjust the yellow test knob to obtain a luminance match. In the Nagel Model I anomaloscope, the luminance of the primary lights is approximately equal for normal and deutan observers. The red-green knob changes only the hue of the mixture field, with little luminance effect. With minor luminance adjustments, the three or four scale units that constitute the usual normal range are quickly established for normal trichromats.

For a dichromat, a full range of red-green mixtures is acceptable; for an extreme anomalous trichromat, a very wide range is acceptable. For these observers the examiner turns the red-green mixture knob to zero, then to 73, and then alternates in 10 unit steps. The observer (or examiner) adjusts the yellow luminance knob. Deuteranopes usually make minimal adjustments with the yellow knob on the Nagel Model I anomaloscope, leaving it near the setting made by a normal observer (i.e., around 15). Protanopes set the yellow control to high numbers (35 to 40) at the green end (zero) of the mixture scale, and low numbers (0 to 5) at the red end (near 73). The extreme anomalous trichromat shows brightness matches similar to those of the corresponding dichromat. When testing observers with large ranges it is necessary for them to readapt to the Trendelenburg screen after each setting. All observers should be reminded not to stare at the field for more than a few seconds, and to check each match by a glance technique in order to avoid local color adaptation of the eye.

If a color match within the normal range is not accepted, the observer is an anomalous trichromat. Based on the color report at the initial normal match setting, the observer or examiner moves the red-green mixture into the appropriate range. The red-green matching range is then examined in a systematic way as described above. The obtained range of settings is the match range under neutral adaptation (Neutralstimmung).

Following this procedure, Linksz recommends the so-called tuning procedure, in which the observer stares at his own color match for 15 seconds (Umstimmung). The examiner then again examines the matching range asking, “Is this a match?” to establish a new “tuned” matching range (range under Umstimmung). Normal trichromats do not usually show a greatly widened range. The condition of those who do has been termed Farbenasthenopie in the German literature (Pokorny et al., 1979). Some simple anomalous trichromats show a minor amount of tuning. Extreme anomalous trichromats, as defined by Trendelenburg and Schmidt (1935), show a widened tuning range that may enlarge to include one or even both primaries.

The match midpoints of the range are calculated and may be converted to anomalous quotients or comparative scores. Many laboratories simply report the instrument scale units, including the usual normal range.

Scoring. The anomaloscope contains a red-green scale from which is read a number proportional to the primary ratio in the mixture field, and a Y scale from which is read a number proportional to the luminance of the test color. In testing an observer, the examiner writes down the scale values, which are then available for further transformation or comparison.

There are two statistics for the primary ratio: the range and the midpoint of the matches. In the case of the Rayleigh equation, the matching range comprises all of the scale values on the red-green mixture scale that a given observer says match the yellow test field. A third statistic is also noted: the scale value of the yellow scale. This scale value is used to evaluate relative luminosity losses of color-defective observers.

The anomalous quotient is a common method of presenting the midpoint of the red-green equation. The quotient was introduced by Trendelenburg (1929) as a technique for compensating for minor changes in line voltage and bulb aging. It involves calculating an individual observer's match relative to that of another observer or to the mean of many observers. The anomalous quotient for observer I relative to a group of normal observers is defined as:

In the Nagel anomalscope, for example, the mixture knob gives the amount of 670 nm light in the match. At zero the field is 545 nm and at 73 the field is 670 nm. Suppose that for a group of 50 normal trichromats the average match midpoint is 45 on the mixture scale. This means that 45 is the amount of 670 nm. To obtain the amount of 545 nm, subtract 45 from 73 and find 28 as the amount of 545 nm. The ratio 28/45 is the green-red ratio for the normal sample. Suppose a new observer comes in with a match midpoint of 43, giving a green-red ratio of 30/43. To find the anomalous quotient, we divide the observers green-red ratio by the green-red ratio for the normal sample, obtaining 30/43 divided by 28/45, or 1.12. Anomalous quotients for normal trichromats fall between about 0.74 and 1.33. Anomalous quotients may be used to compare data from different laboratories if the identical set of primaries is used in both laboratories.

Calculation of the anomalous quotient is meaningless when the matching range is large, as it is in many color-defective observers.

A slide rule for rapid calculation of anomalous quotients (anamal-quotientrechenschieber or AQ) is manufactured by Schmidt and Haensch. Halldén (1959) published a nomogram for easy calculation of the AQ.

An alternative calculation of the anomalous quotient is to convert the anomaloscope raw scale units to comparative scale units (Willis and Farnsworth, 1952). Comparative scale units (CSU) range from zero at the green primary to 100 at the red primary, with the normal match at 50. The equation to convert to comparative scale units is

provided that the scale is adjusted to go from zero at green primary to maximum at the red primary. The correction factor is the ratio of raw score units of green to raw score units of red at the normal match. Thus in the Nagel Model I anomaloscope with a range of 0 to 73 and normal match at 45, we take 45 as the amount of red and 73 to 45 or 28 as the amount of green, giving a correction factor of 28/45 or 0.62. A raw score of 45 converts to 50 CSU. This conversion does allow comparison of matching ranges of observers with wide ranges. The CSU preserves the anomalous quotient (i.e., anomalous quotients will be identical when calculated from CSUs as from raw scores). Data from different instruments should be compared only if primary and test wavelengths are identical. The CSU conversion has not been widely used.

Maintenance. The Nagel anomaloscope is a constant deviation spectroscope with three entrance slits to provide spectral lights for the Rayleigh equation. The amount of 589 test light and ratio of 545 nm to 670 nm mixture lights is achieved by moving slits in the optical path. The slit mechanisms are quite delicate and will slip if the instrument is handled roughly. The Nagel anomaloscope should be placed where it will not be disturbed. If the slits are displaced, the match midpoint and/or yellow brightness setting will vary. The anomalous quotient may still be used, but comparison of the data to those of other instruments might not be valid, since the spectral distribution of the primaries may have been affected.

Calibration. A spectroscope may be used to check the wavelength bands passed by the slits. Sample spectroradiometric data were given by Pokorny and colleagues (1977) for a Nagel Model II anomaloscope. For routine clinical use, no calibration is required by the user. The lamp voltage should be stabilized to provide a reproducible correlated color temperature (Schmidt, 1955). The primaries and slit mechanism of Nagel anomaloscopes differ between models, and because of that it may be difficult to compare the results of various population studies that have been published, even if data are expressed in terms of the anomalous quotient (Moreland, 1974).

Validity. The Rayleigh equation provides differential diagnosis for simple and extreme protanomalous and deuteranomalous trichromacy and for protanopia and deuteranopia. It is possible that the distinction between an extreme anomaly and the corresponding anopia may be missed, because the Nagel anomaloscope does not cover the full dichromatic confusion range. Nevertheless the Nagel Model I is considered a standard test of red-green color vision, and validation measures of other color vision tests are based on comparisons of their results with results on the Nagel Model I.

Anomaloscope data on observers with normal color vision were reported by Willis and Farnsworth (1952) and Schmidt (1955) for the Nagel Model II anomaloscope and by Helve (1972) for the Nagel Model I anomaloscope. Helve tested 186 normal observers who were selected from 1,200 conscripts (median age 21 to 22 years). Matching ranges and match midpoints were evaluated under neutral adaptation. The distributions of matching ranges and midmatching points for normal and anomalous trichromats are shown in Figure 3-1 where the percentage distributions are shown for raw scale units. For normal trichromats, the distribution of matching ranges is skewed with a modal value at 3 scale units. The distribution of match midpoints is peaked and symmetrical with a mean value near 40 scale units. Matching widths of anomalous trichromats are usually broader than those of normal trichromats. The match midpoint occurs between 50 and 65 raw scale units for protanomalous trichromats and between 12 and 31 raw scale units for deuteranomalous trichromats. These raw scale units vary between different instruments. The mean normal match on a given Nagel Model I anomaloscope varies between 40 and 50 scale units.

FIGURE 3-1

Norms for the Nagel Model I anomaloscope. (a) Histogram showing the percentage distributions of matching midpoints among the deuteranomalous (DA), normal (N), and protanomalous (PA) subjects; (b) Histograms showing the percentage distribution of the matching (more...)

When converted to anomalous quotients, the total range of the match midpoints for normal observers was 0.80 to 1.20. (Total range of all matches was 0.65 to 1.30). In previous studies of the match midpoint using the Nagel Model II, Schmidt (1955) reported a range of 0.45 to 2.00 and Willis and Farnsworth (1952) reported a range of 0.72 to 1.41.

The protanope and deuteranope are distinguished on the Nagel Model I anomaloscope by their settings of the 589 nm brightness adjustment. The deuteranope sets the brightness at approximately the same position (near 15) for all red-green mixtures. The protanope sets the yellow brightness to higher values when the mixture field is near the green primary and to lower values when the mixture field is near the red primary (Pokorny et al., 1979).

Pickford-Nicolson

Available from Rayner and Keiller, Ltd., London, England

General Description. The Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope was designed to measure the Rayleigh equation; an equation similar to the Engelking-Trendelenburg equation; and the Pickford-Lakowski equation. The Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope is a filter anomaloscope that uses broadband filters to provide primary and test wavelengths. The instrument presents the observer with a circular split field. The test field appears in the left half, its radiance varied by means of a knob with a scale on the top of the instrument. When the knob is adjusted, the test field varies from dark at scale zero to increasingly brighter test fields to its maximum at scale 82. The primary mixture appears in the right half. The relative proportion of the primaries can be adjusted continuously; the mixture ratios are read from a scale on the top of the instrument.

For the Rayleigh match, a yellow test is matched to a mixture of green and red. At scale zero, the mixture field appears red to the color-normal observer and changes continuously from red through orange, yellow, yellow-green, to green at scale 80. In the pilot model (Pickford and Lakowski, 1960), the normal match is at 36 to 39 units of red-green mixture and 20 units of yellow. The luminance of the red primary is greater than that of the green primary. The field luminance at the normal match is 8.6 cd/m². For the Engelking-Trendelenburg equation, a blue-green test is matched to a mixture of green and blue. At scale zero, the mixture field appears green and changes continuously from green through pale blue-greens and green-blues to blue at scale 80. In the pilot model, the normal match occurs at a mixture of 45 to 49 units, and the desaturated blue-green test field is set at 40. The field luminance is about 5 cd/m². For the Pickford-Lakowski equation, a yellowish white (Illuminant A) is matched to a mixture of yellow and blue. At scale zero, the mixture field appears yellow and changes continuously to white and then blue at scale 80. In the pilot model, the normal match occurs at a mixture of 36 to 41 units, and the white brightness value is about 25. The field luminance is about 7 cd/m². The position of the normal matches varies between instruments because of variation in the color filters (Lakowski, 1971).

The examiner sets up the required equation by inserting the correct filter pair into the mixture field. An aperture (controlled with a knob on top of the instrument) controls the luminance of the mixture field. This aperture is usually in the open position and is never adjusted during the test procedure. A filter pair is also used in the test field to allow desaturation of the test field. A neutral filter is used with the 585 nm test filter in the Rayleigh equation and with the 495 nm test filter in the Engelking-Trendelenburg equation. Using a knob on the top of the instrument, the examiner can set the amount of desaturation. In the pilot model, the desaturation knob was at 60 for the Rayleigh match and at 67 for the Engelking-Trendelenburg match. For the Pickford-Lakowski match, the white provided by Illuminant A is made slightly reddish by using a 642 nm filter to adjust the color balance, and the desaturating knob is at 43. For any of the three equations, once the desaturating knob is set, it is not changed again during the experimental procedure.

The color fields appear on a diffusing screen at the front of the instrument. By use of apertures (5 to 50 mm in diameter), circular split fields of various sizes or even two small circles may be presented. The field size is determined by viewing distance; distances of up to two meters may be used. Usually the observer is at one meter, giving a range of about 20 seconds to almost 3 degrees, depending on the aperture.

Administration. The testing procedure detailed by Pickford (1951, 1957; Pickford and Lakowski, 1960) is followed. Ambient illumination provided by the room light or window light is allowed, provided that no source of illumination is directed at the viewing screen. Maximal illumination on the desk or table holding the instrument should be no more than 100 lux. The examiner sits at the front side of the instrument close enough to adjust the knobs but also seated so that he or she can view the screen and point at the stimulus field if necessary.

The observer sits about one meter from the screen, which should be at eye level. A preliminary screening with a plate test is recommended so that the examiner knows whether the observer has a color defect. Each eye is tested separately. All manipulations of the anomaloscope are performed by the examiner. The test starts with presentation of a normal match, and the test luminance is adjusted if necessary. The observer reports on the field appearance. In the Rayleigh equation, a response of “equal” or “close” suggests a normal trichromat or dichromat; a response of mixture field “green” suggests a protanomalous trichromat; a response of mixture field “red” suggests a deuteranomalous trichromat. As with the Linksz procedures, the observer's response determines the examiner's next steps. If the normal match was accepted or close, the matching range is next examined. For the normal trichromat, the examiner starts with a mixture that is definitely not a match (e.g., mixture too “orange”) and moves toward the match in one-unit steps until “match” is reported. Then, starting from a “match” position, the examiner moves back toward the “no-match” position. Three or four such runs are made at each end of the matching range. For the dichromat, the full red-green range is examined in larger (10-unit) steps. Because the luminance of the red primary is greater than that of the green primary, changes in the mixture ratio are accompanied by luminance changes; the examiner must adjust the yellow test-field luminance at each red-green mixture. For the anomalous trichromat, large steps on the red-green scale are used to establish the gross range of anomalous settings. The ends of the matching range are then established using small steps and the method of limits as described for normal trichromats.

The Engelking-Trendelenburg and Pickford-Lakowski equations are examined in a similar manner.

Scoring. The anomaloscope contains scales from which are read a number proportional to the primary ratio in the mixture field and a number proportional to the luminance of the test color. In testing an observer, the examiner writes down the scale values, which are then available for further transformation or comparison.

There are two statistics for the primary ratio: the range and the midpoint of the matches. In the case of the Rayleigh equation, the matching range includes all of the scale values on the red-green mixture scale that a given observer says match the yellow test field. A third statistic is also noted: the scale value indicating the value of the yellow scale. This scale value is used to evaluate relative luminosity losses of color-defective observers. Anomalous quotients may be calculated, but they cannot be compared with anomalous quotients derived from other Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscopes or from the Nagel anomaloscope.

An alternative method of expressing the equation of a given observer relative to that of a population of normal observers is to use the statistical properties of the distribution of match midpoints made by normal observers (Pickford, 1957). For the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope, match midpoints of a population of normal observers show a normal (symmetrical, peaked) distribution. Such a distribution is characterized by its mean and its standard deviation. A way of expressing deviation from the mean value is to define what is termed the normal deviate or z score:

where x is the scale value of a given observer, µ is the mean scale value of the population, and σ is the standard deviation of the normal population. Using tables available in standard statistics textbooks, it is possible to estimate with what frequency any match (or a more deviant match) would be expected to occur as a variant of the originally sampled normal population.

For the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope, matching widths of a population of normal observers have a skewed distribution. Pickford (1957) suggested that these widths be characterized by their modal (most frequently occurring) value, and that data be expressed in terms of the mode. Lakowski (1971) suggested that percentiles (observed frequency/total × 100) could be used.

Finally the midpoint and matching range may be plotted on the 1931 x,y chromaticity diagram (see Appendix for a description of the CIE x,y chromaticity diagram). The data may be further transformed into one of the CIE's Uniform Color Spaces to give data expressed as just-noticeable difference (JND) units in the Uniform Color Space (Lakowski, 1965a). Lakowski (1965a, 1971) performed this transformation, and Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 through Figure 3-4 show data expressed in JND units. The idea is a good one, since observers may be directly compared regardless of which primaries and test lights were used. However, the calculation requires calibration of the anomalocope into the JND scale. Results should be considered approximate since there is a lack of agreement among colorimetrists as to the best color space to use.

FIGURE 3-2

Norms for the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope. (a) Histogram showing percentage distributions of matching midpoints for normal subjects (16 to 60 years of age) on Rayleigh (R-G), Pickford-Lakowski (Y-B), and Engelking-Trendelenburg (G-B) equations. Abscissa (more...)

FIGURE 3-3

Distribution of match midpoints on the Rayleigh equation for anomalous trichromats (mean age is 20) using the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope. Based on scale units and data from Lakowski (1971).

FIGURE 3-4

Distribution of matching ranges on the Rayleigh equation for anomalous trichromats (mean age is 20) using the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope. Based on scale units and data from Lakowski (1971).

Maintenance. The Pickford-Nicolson is a filter anomaloscope that uses glass filters. The instrument is sturdy and requires no special maintenance.

Calibration. A spectroradiometer may be used to check the filter output. Filters in different instruments may vary significantly. Precise calibrations were reported by Pickford and Lakowski (1960) for the pilot model and by Lakowski (1971) for his model. Further calibration is not required for screening purposes but would be necessary for experimental work.

Validity. The Rayleigh equation provides differential diagnosis of simple and extreme anomalous trichromacy (protanomaly and deuteranomaly) as well as dichromacy (protanopia and deuteranopia), although some deuteranopes may not accept a full matching range on the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope due to the choice of desaturated primaries (Pokorny et al., 1979). As with the Nagel anomaloscope, it is possible that the distinction between an extreme anomaly and the corresponding anopia may be missed because the primaries that are used do not cover the full dichromatic confusion range. We have not found sufficient data comparing Rayleigh matches of congenital red-green color-defective observers on the Nagel and Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscopes.

The Engelking-Trendelenburg and Pickford-Lakowski equations have been most useful in identifying acquired color vision defects. The Engelking-Trendelenburg equation is not suitable for diagnosis of tritanomaly, and neither equation will differentiate a tritanope from an incomplete tritan. Lakowski (1971) has presented norms for over 124 observers with normal color vision assessed in the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope. In that study, the Rayleigh, Engelking-Trendelenburg, and Pickford-Lakowski equations were evaluated. Figure 3-2a shows the match midpoints reproduced from Lakowski (1971) and Figure 3-2b shows the matching ranges, in Lakowski's just-noticeable-difference scale units. The match midpoints show peaked, symmetrical distributions for all three equations. The matching ranges are asymmetric for all three equations. Match midpoints and matching ranges of the Rayleigh equation for anomalous trichromats are shown in Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4. The data, as for the Nagel anomaloscope, indicate displaced match midpoints and larger matching ranges compared with data of normal trichromats.

Neitz OT

Made by Neitz Instrument Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan

Available in the United States from Kowa Optimed Inc., 20001 S. Vermont, Torrance, CA 90502

General Description. The Neitz anomaloscope was designed to measure the Rayleigh equation in the general population. The design was based on the Nagel anomaloscope; however, interference filters were used to give primary and test wavelengths. Some human engineering improvements were incorporated that make the instrument easier to use. As with the Nagel, the Neitz presents a circular split field; the upper half contains the primary mixture field, and the lower half contains the yellow test field. Knobs extending to both sides of the instrument control the appearance of these fields; the upper knobs control the primary mixture, and the lower knobs control the yellow luminance. Large and legible scales, color-coded to indicate what the knobs are doing, are on one side (left when facing instrument). The scales are identical to those of the Nagel Model 1. The yellow luminance varies from 0 (dark) to 87 (bright yellow). The red-green mixture knob varies from 0 (all green) to 73 (all red). The calibration is set at the factory; the normal match occurs at 40 units of red and 15 units of yellow. At the normal match, the field luminance is approximately 5 cd/m². The red and green primary lights have approximately equal luminance.

The observer views the bipartite field through a telescope tube. A focusing barrel on the telescope allows for minor adjustments, which are accompanied by a 10 percent variation in the field size. The field size at average focus is approximately 2°. On the front panel below the telescope tube is a Trendelenburg adapting field to present a uniform adapting field (Illuminant A). The test should be run in darkness or semidarkness.

Administration. Measurement requires a skilled and trained person. The procedures given for the Nagel anomaloscope should be followed.

Scoring. The anomaloscope contains a red-green scale from which may be read a number that is proportional to the amount of red in the mixture field, and a Y scale from which is read a number proportional to the luminance of the test color. In testing an observer, the examiner notes the scale values, which then are available for further transformation as noted for the Nagel anomaloscope.

Maintenance. The instrument is sturdy and well constructed. No special maintenance procedures are required.

Calibration. The spectral transmittances of the filters were described for the experimental model (Ohta et al., 1980). Peak transmittance for the experimental model was at 546 nm for the green primary, 672 nm for the red primary, and 591 nm for the yellow test field. For routine clinical use, no calibration is required by the user.

Validity. Classification of 74 red-green defective observers by the Neitz anomaloscope was compared with classification by the Nagel anomaloscope (Ohta et al., 1980). A coefficient, of association , may be computed for these data and is 0.96, indicating that the Neitz anomaloscope produces essentially the same classification as the Nagel. The only differences in classification were two observers who were classified as extreme deuteranomalous by the Nagel but who were classified as simple deuteranomalous on the Neitz.

As with the Nagel, it is possible that the distinction between an extreme anomaly and the corresponding anopia may be missed, because the anomaloscope does not cover the full dichromatic confusion range.

Other Remarks: The Neitz is an attractive new anomaloscope for the classification of red-green color vision. The instrument offers advantages in clinical use. The advantage of the interference filters is that the instrument is mechanically stable, and calibration should remain as set at the factory. The filters probably should be checked periodically to ensure that no physical deterioration has occurred. Some human engineering features, such as the large color-coded scales, make the instrument easy to read.

Some General Considerations in Anomaloscope Testing

There are a number of features of anomaloscope testing that deserve emphasis. These features include initial setting of norms for the instrument, the use of color names, and the use of the Trendelenburg adaptation screen.

Establishing Norms. When an anomaloscope is purchased or introduced into a laboratory or clinic, the first step is to establish norms for the instrument. Matching ranges are established for all normal observers who are working in the laboratory or clinic, and others may be invited to participate. Such an informal set of norms will probably serve to establish a clinical norm for the Rayleigh equation. A more formal survey with matched age groups will be necessary for the Pickford-Lakowski equation. Once norms have been established, the examiner is better equipped to deal with occasional “peculiar” matches.

In the Rayleigh equation, the yellow luminance settings accepted by congenital red-green defective observers are characteristic and diagnostic of the defect. It is important for the examiner to obtain the appropriate normative information on dichromats so that the characteristic settings are easily recognized. The examiner should be alert to the occasional observer who sets or accepts “impossible” luminance settings (e.g., an observer who turns the yellow test to very high levels to match the red primary and then claims that a color match exists). This type of behavior can occur with children and is indicative of the observer's poor attention or cooperation.

Using Color Names. All normal and some color-defective observers can and do use color names reliably (see, for example, Jameson and Hurvich, 1978, and Pokorny et al., 1979). However, caution is in order. The examiner should let the observer use his own terminology and should not tell an observer what the colors are. For example, if the green primary and yellow tests are presented in a Rayleigh match, the examiner should not ask “Do you see the green on top and the yellow on the bottom?” but “What color do you see on the bottom?” There are two reasons for this practice. First, normal trichromats may see the Rayleigh test field as orange or yellow-orange. Introducing color terms to a normal (or anomalous) trichromat may involve the unwary examiner in an unnecessary argument about color terminology. Second, the color-defective observer may not perceive these two colors; he may see the color pair as green and red, or yellow and red, or as shades of the same color. He may be perturbed or confused by the examiner's assertion.

Color terms used by dichromats and many anomalous trichromats depend on the luminance relations between the two halves of the field. In the Rayleigh equation, a protanope may see a dim test field as red, but if the luminance is raised he may say “Now the red has switched sides.” Such reports indicate improper luminance relations. The skilled examiner can make use of such reports to set a proper luminance balance. If such reports occur, the yellow test luminance should be checked carefully before the red-green scale is changed. Thus, color names can be very helpful to the examiner in abbreviating the test procedure.

Trendelburg Screen. The Trendelenburg adaptation screen was proposed by Drescher and Trendelenburg (1926) to allow the observer to maintain a neutral state of adaptation during testing with the Nagel anomaloscope. The Trendelenburg screen is not used during testing with the Pickford-Nicolson anomaloscope. The difference is essentially that the Nagel uses a telescope-view and the Pickford-Nicolson uses a direct-view. With the Nagel the observer places his or her eye at the aperture and looks down the viewing tube. The color fields appear in a dark surrounding, and the observer may adapt to the stimulus array with continued viewing. With the Pickford-Nicolson, the observer is in a lighted room and remains adapted to the ambient illumination. Matching ranges of color-defective observers can be strongly affected by local adaptation resulting from continued fixation. If a careful examination of the red-green matching range is to be made using a Nagel or Neitz anomaloscope, viewing time should be limited and the Trendelenburg screen should be used.

American Optical Color Vision Test

Pseudo-Isochromatic Plates for Testing Color Perception by American Optical Corporation, Buffalo, NY 14215

15 plates

Available from:

1.

American Optical Co., Catalog #13375 AO Color Test, Buffalo, NY 14215

2.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The American Optical (AO) psuedoisochromatic color test is designed as a rapid-screening test for red-green color defects. The test consists of 15 single- and double-digit numerals in script form. An instruction sheet is included, together with a sample scoring sheet. Plate 1 is a demonstration plate: a double-digit numeral composed of colored circles of various sizes appears against a background of different colored circles. Colors are chosen so that all observers with visual acuity better than 20/200 can read the plate. If an observer fails to read this plate, the test should be discontinued. The remaining 14 plates are based on pseudoisochromatic principles and are of the vanishing type.

Administration. The observer must read the numeral on the plate within two seconds. The plates are held at 75 cm, perpendicular to the line of sight, under daylight illumination. The pages are well designed for easy turning. The plates are not numbered, but the numerical sequence is given on the record sheet. The plate sequence can be changed. The examiner should number the plates in their original sequence. Test time is two minutes per eye.

Scoring. Scoring instructions accompany the test. An incorrect response to as many as four plates is considered normal due to legibility confusion; some observers are confused by the appearance of script numerals. Incorrect responses to five or more plates indicate defective color vision.

Maintenance. No information is provided in the manual. The set of plates should be kept closed and dust-free when not in use.

Calibration. No calibration is required by the user. The accompanying manual recommends the Macbeth Easel Lamp as the illuminant.

Reliability. According to test-retest data reported by Seefelt (1964), the statistic of agreement, , is 0.96. Seefelt reported lower reliability when the test was administered under mass screening conditions rather than clinical testing conditions.

Validity. Seefelt (1964) reported validity data: The statistic of agreement, , was 0.97 for clinical screening but decreased to 0.90 under conditions of mass screening as performed by the U.S. Air Force. The major discrepancy is in the number of normal observers who are misclassified. The AO plates have been compared to other plate tests (Chapanis, 1948, 1949; Hardy et al., 1954b; McCulloch et al., 1959; and Steen and Lewis, 1972.

Other Remarks. With this test, no protan-deutan differential diagnosis is possible. There are no tritan plates. The test is useful for screening red-green defects only. The test appears to be based on the Stilling and Ishihara plates.

American Optical Hardy-Rand-Rittler (AO H-H-R) Plates

AO H-R-R Pseudoisochromatic Plates, by LeGrand H. Hardy, Gertrude Rand, and M. Catherine Rittler, American Optical Co., Buffalo, NY 14215

24 plates

AO H-R-R-plates are not available at this time. However, the International Research Group on Color Vision Deficiencies is circulating a petition for reprinting.

General Description. The AO H-R-R test is designed to screen red-green and blue-yellow color defects; to differentiate protan, deutan, and tritan defects; and to estimate the degree of color defect. The test consists of 24 plates in which colored circles of various sizes and lightnesses form outlines of symbols on a background of gray circles of various sizes and lightnesses. These symbols are a cross, a circle, and a triangle. An instruction sheet and a sample scoring sheet are included.

The first four plates are demonstration plates: three have symbols and one is blank. These four plates are intended to screen for hysteria and malingering (see page 00 for special problems in testing). Observers with visual acuity better than 20/200 should be able to give correct responses. If an observer gives an incorrect response to a demonstration plate, the test should be discontinued. The demonstration plates are followed by six screening plates (two for blue-yellow and four for red-green color defects). Plates are of the vanishing type, and the hues in the symbols for the screening plates are close to gray. The screening series is followed by 14 hidden-figure diagnostic plates. Ten of these are for red-green color defects; plates that can be read by protans and those that can be read by deutans are indicated in separate columns on the scoring sheet. Four of the diagnostic plates are for blue-yellow color defects. The hue distinctness of the symbols increases as each series progresses.

Administration. The observer must identify the symbols by giving an immediate response. The plates are held 75 cm from the observer, perpendicular to the line of sight, under daylight illumination. A source approximating Illuminant C and giving 100 to 600 lux illumination should be used. The pages are awkward to turn. The plates themselves are not numbered, but a numerical sequence is given on the record sheet; the plate sequence is fixed. The duration of the test is from two to three minutes. An observer who responds correctly to all six screening plates is considered to have normal color vision, and the test is discontinued. If the observer makes an error on plates 1 or 2 (screening plates for blue-yellow defect), the examiner proceeds to plates 17 to 20, the diagnostic plates for blue-yellow defects. If the observer makes an incorrect response to screening plates 3 to 6 (screening plates for red-green defects), the examiner proceeds to plates 7 to 16, the diagnostic plates for red-green color defects. If the observer passes all diagnostic plates, the screening series is repeated. Failure to perceive any symbol constitutes an error. In addition, assigning an incorrect name or location to a symbol is considered an error.

Scoring. Demonstration plates are not scored. Failure to give a correct response to the demonstration plates may be an indication of hysteria or malingering. An observer who responds correctly to all six screening plates, either on test or retest, is considered to have normal color vision. An observer who makes errors on the screening plates on both test and retest is considered color-defective and is classified as blue-yellow if errors were on plates 1 or 2 and red-green if errors were on plates 3 to 6.

A diagnostic analysis is made on the basis of reading plates 7 to 20. An observer is classified as a protan if the majority of correct readings are in the protan column, and as a deutan if the majority of correct readings are in the deutan column. The observer is unclassified red-green defective if readings are distributed in both columns equally or if errors occurred only on red-green screening plates. A similar diagnostic procedure is made for errors that occur in the blue-yellow plates.

A classification of severity using the terms “mild,” “medium,” and “strong” may also be made. In the red-green series, misreadings that include plates 7 to 11 indicate a mild defect, errors that extend to plates 12 to 14 are considered to indicate medium defect, and errors that include plates 15 or 16 indicate strong defect. For the blue-yellow series, errors on only screening plates 1 or 2 indicate an unclassified defect, errors on plates 17 or 18 a medium defect, and errors on plates 19 or 20 a strong defect.

Vos and coworkers (1972) recommended a modified procedure and scoring structure called HRR-R for the red-green plates of the first edition of the AO H-R-R.

Maintenance. The instruction sheet includes the following advice regarding maintenance: “Keep book closed when not in use” and “Do not touch . . . plates with . . . fingers.” The test claims the use of exceptionally permanent pigments and stable bases.

Calibration. Lakowski (1966, 1969) has reported sample spectrophotometric data. No calibration is required by the user. The instructions recommend the Macbeth Easel Lamp and specify the use of sources approximating Illuminant C.

Reliability. The statistic of agreement, , can be calculated from data calculated by Hardy and colleagues (1954a) and Paulson (1971) for reliability of screening, qualitative diagnosis (protan, deutan, blue-yellow defect), and quantitative diagnosis (severity).

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Author	Test of
Hardy et al. (1954a)	Screening	.97
Hardy et al. (1954a)	Qualitative diagnosis	.98
Paulson (1971)	Qualitative diagnosis	.38
Hardy et al. (1954a)	Quantitative diagnosis	.79
Paulson (1971)	Quantitative diagnosis	.53

Validity. The statistic of agreement, , can be calculated from data tabulated by several authors.

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Author	Test of
Sloan and Habel (1956)	Screening	.90
Belcher et al. (1958)	Screening	.88
Walls (1959)	Screening	.91
Crone (1961)	Screening	.90
Paulson (1971)	Screening	.96
Hardy et al. (1954b,c)	Qualitative diagnosis	.91
Frey (1958)	Qualitative diagnosis	.22
Walls (1959)	Qualitative diagnosis	.70
Crone (1961)	Qualitative diagnosis	.78
Frey (1963)	Qualitative diagnosis	.55
Helve (1972)	Qualitative diagnosis	.81
Vos et al. (1972)	Qualitative diagnosis (HRR-R)	.58
Frey (1958)	Quantitative diagnosis	.22
Walls (1959)	Quantitative diagnosis	.45
Sloan (1961)	Quantitative diagnosis	.34
Frey (1963)	Quantitative diagnosis	.31
Helve (1972)	Quantitative diagnosis	.24

Many of these authors and others have compared the AO H-R-R to other plate and lantern tests (McCulloch et al., 1959; Walls, 1959; Collins et al., 1961; Dvorine, 1963; Paulson, 1971; Verriest, 1968a, 1968b; Richards et al., 1971; Pinckers, 1972; Steen and Lewis, 1972; Verriest and Caluwaerts, 1978).

In summary, the AO H-R-R as a screening test detects at least 85 to 90 percent of color-defective observers classified by anomaloscope. Qualitative diagnosis is variable. The major factor reducing is the number of color-defective observers who remain unclassified. If a classification is obtained, it is usually correct: the conditional for the authors above ranges from 0.61 to 1.00. Quantitative diagnosis shows poor association of the grades mild, medium, and strong with the categories simple anomalous, extreme anomalous, and dichromat. The primary problem is that the grade “medium” is distributed among anomalous trichromats and dichromats. The grade “mild” is strongly associated with simple anomalous trichromats; the conditional on “mild” ranges from 0.7 to 1.0. The grade “strong” is less associated with dichromats: the conditional on “strong” ranges from 0.34 to 0.6.

Other Remarks. This test is useful for rapid screening of red-green and blue-yellow defects. It provides differential diagnosis of protan and deutan, classifies three levels of severity, and provides differentiation of defects. It is especially useful in testing children and others who comprehend geometric symbols but not numerals.

Dvorine

Dvorine Pseudo-Isochromatic Plates by Israel Dvorine, 4th Printing, Harcourt, Brace and World, Inc., New York, 1963

23 plates

Available from:

1.

Bernell Corp, South Bend, IN 46601

2.

Stoetling Co., Chicago, IL 60623

General Description. The Dvorine psuedoisochromatic plate test is designed to screen red-green defective color vision and to differentiate between protan and deutan defects. The test consists of single- and double-digit numerals (15 plates) and paths to be traced with a soft-tipped paintbrush (eight plates). The latter plates are intended for use with illiterates. Instructions for administration and scoring, with a sample scoring sheet, are provided. Printed scoring sheets may be purchased separately.

Of the 15 numeral plates, plate 1 is a demonstration plate. A double-digit numeral composed of colored circles of various sizes appears against a background of different-colored circles. Colors are chosen so that all observers with visual acuity better than 20/200 can read the plate. If an observer fails to read this plate, the test should be discontinued. The remaining 14 plates are based on pseudoisochromatic principles and are of the vanishing type. Twelve of these plates are screening plates (plates 2 to 5 and 8 to 15); two are diagnostic plates (plates 6 and 7).

Administration. The observer must read the numeral on the plate within five seconds. The plates are held 75 cm, perpendicular to the line of sight, under daylight illumination. The pages are awkward to turn. The plates are not numbered, but the numerical sequence is given on the record sheet. The plate sequence can be changed, and the examiner should number the plates in their original sequence. Test time is two minutes per eye.

Scoring. Scoring instructions accompany the test. For the numerals, an incorrect response to two or fewer plates is considered normal due to legibility confusion. An incorrect response to three or more plates indicates defective color vision. For the purpose of civil aviation, five or more incorrect responses result in failure of the test. There are three plates for differentiation of protans and deutans. A classification of severity is based on the number of plates missed: 0 to 2 is normal; 3 or 4 indicates a mild color defect; 5 to 11 indicates a moderate color defect; 12 to 14 indicates a severe color defect.

Maintenance. No information is provided in the manual. The Dvorine, like other plate tests, should be kept closed and dust-free when not in use.

Calibration. Lakowski (1966) presented spectrophotometric analysis for sample plates. No calibration is required by the user. Standard Illuminant C or an approximation must be used.

Reliability. We found no test-retest data in the course of our research.

Validity. A number of authors have presented data from which coefficients of agreement, , may be calculated.

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Author	Test of
Sloan and Habel (1956)	Screening	.95
Belcher et al. (1958)	Screening (3 errors)	.97
Frey (1962)	Screening	.95
Frey (1963)	Qualitative diagnosis	.88

In general, screening validity is very high ( = 0.95 to 1.00), and the test will detect at least 95 percent of color defective observers. Qualitative classification is good according to Frey (1963). The value of is reduced primarily by those color-defective observers who are unclassified, the conditional is 0.97. Peters (1956) and Dvorine (1963) suggested that quantitative classification be defined by the total error score. We have found no evaluation of this suggestion that would allow calculation of a statistic of agreement. Other authors have compared the Dvorine to other color vision tests (Peters, 1954; Pickford and Lakowski, 1960; Steen and Lewis, 1972).

Other Remarks. The Dvorine test is useful for rapid screening of red-green defects. The test provides differential diagnosis for protan and deutan defects and classifies three levels of severity. No tritan plates are provided. A number of plates may be misread due to legibility confusion. Included is a color-naming test of medium- and low-saturation colors. The test is widely used in the United States and is recognized by U.S. civil and military licensing authorities.

Farnsworth F₂, Tritan Plate

Tritan Plate, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

1 plate

The test is not commercially available. However, the Medical Research Laboratory of the U.S. Navy at New London has satisfied requests for copies from individual researchers. Specifications of the plate have been given to interested manufacturers, who are now looking into the feasibility of a commercial reprinting. At the present time, address requests to: Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Box 900, Groton, CT 06349.

Taylor (1975) has given instructions for office construction of the plate.

General Description. The Farnsworth F ₂ plate was designed to screen for tritan defect. The test consists of a single plate containing the outlines of two different-colored squares (blue and green), formed by colored circles, appearing on a background of purple-colored circles. An instruction sheet accompanies the test.

Administration. The observer must identify the location of the squares. Color names should not be the only or primary identification. The plate is held perpendicular to the line of sight under average daylight (Illuminant C). Test time is a few seconds.

Scoring. Normal trichromats report seeing two squares in their correct location; the green square is always clearer and better defined. An individual who sees only the blue square, or reports that the blue square is clearer than the green square, is considered to have made a tritan error. Such an observer should be tested further for tritan defect. An observer who sees only the green square is not making a tritan error. Observers with congenital red-green defect make this error. The instruction sheet advises preliminary screening for red-green defect to identify such observers.

Maintenance. The single plate arrives in an envelope. The instruction manual suggests that it be placed at the back of an available book of red-green screening plates. If this is impossible, the plate may be protected in an envelope to maintain a dust-free, light-free environment.

Calibration. Lakowski (1966) has published spectrophotometric data. No calibration is required by the user. The test specifies “average daylight or equivalent” for the illuminant.

Reliability. We have not located test-retest data from which the coefficient of agreement, , may be calculated.

Validity. We have not located data from which the coefficient of agreement, , may be calculated for tritans. There are insufficient data in the literature to allow validation of the plate among diagnosed tritans.

Pinckers (1972) evaluated the F₂ plate as a screening plate for red-green color defects. The coefficient of agreement, , is 0.90, indicating that the plate is successful in screening such observers. However, the F ₂ plate should be used to screen for red-green defects only in young populations without eye disease, since Pinckers (1972) noted that observers with acquired color vision defects fail the F₂ plate by failing to see either the blue, or the green, or even both squares. Other authors who have compared the F ₂ to other tests of color vision include Pickford and Lakowski (1960), Taylor (1970), and Ohtani and colleagues (1975).

Ishihara

Tests for Colour Blindness by S. Ishihara, Kanehara Shupper Co., Ltd, Toyko, Japan, 1962. There are three editions varying in the numbers of plates (38, 24, or 16 plates).

Available from:

1.

Bernell Corp., South Bend, IN 46601

2.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The Ishihara test for color blindness is designed to screen red-green defective color vision and to differentiate between protan and deutan defects. The test consists of single- and double-digit numerals (approximately two-thirds of the plates) and paths to be traced with a camel's-hair brush (one-third of the plates). The latter are intended for use with illiterates. The numerals are in script, and some Americans may be confused by their appearance. An instruction manual is provided, but no sample scoring sheet accompanies the plates. There have been numerous editions, and there are slight variations in the color printing. In all editions, plate 1 is a demonstration plate: a double-digit numeral formed by small colored circles appears on a background of different-colored circles. Colors are chosen so that all observers with acuity better than 20/200 can read the demonstration plate. If an observer misses the demonstration plate, the test should be discontinued. The remaining plates are based on pseudoisochromatic principles. Screening plates include vanishing plates, transformation plates, and hidden plates. Diagnostic plates to differentiate protans from deutans show a colored numeral on a gray background.

The number of plates of each type varies with the edition. For the 38-plate edition, plates 1 to 21 are for screening red-green defects, and plates 22 to 25 are for differential diagnosis of protans and deutans. The remainder are for use with illiterates. The test may be abbreviated for mass screening by using plate 1 and one plate from each of 2 to 5, 6 to 9, 10 to 13, 14 to 17, and 18 to 21. In the 24-plate edition, plate 1 is a demonstration plate, plates 2 to 15 are for screening, plates 16 and 17 are for differential diagnosis as protan or deutan, and plates 18 to 24 are for illiterates. In the 16-plate edition, plates 2 to 9 are for screening, plate 10 is for differential diagnosis, and plates 11 to 16 are for illiterates.

Administration. The observer is instructed to read the numerals within three seconds. The plates are held at a distance of 75 cm perpendicular to the line of sight under daylight illumination. The pages are well designed for easy turning. The plates are numbered, and the sequence can be changed.

Scoring. No record sheet is provided, but scoring instructions accompany each test. The demonstration plate is included in the score. In the 38-plate edition, four errors or fewer is normal; eight errors or more is deficient. In the abbreviated mass-screening version, zero error is considered normal and any error calls for a retest with a full set of plates. In the 24-plate edition, two errors or fewer is normal; six errors or more is deficient. In the 16-plate edition, two errors or fewer is considered normal; four errors or more is deficient. It is not clear how errors in the two-digit numbers are to be scored. Most users count two errors on one plate as a single error.

Maintenance. The manual indicates that “exposure to unlight causes fading of the color of the plates.” If the set of plates is kept closed when not in use, and if the plates are not touched with the fingers, they will be valid indefinitely.

Calibration. Lakowski (1965b) has published spectrophotometric data for the tenth edition of the Ishihara plates as well as some sample data for the fifth edition (Lakowski, 1969). No calibration is required by the user. The test specifies “natural daylight” for the illuminant but does not give a further definition. Illuminant C or an approximation must be used.

Reliability. We have not located test-retest data from which the coefficient of agreement, , may be calculated.

Validity. Several authors have reported data comparing the Ishihara to anomaloscope classification from which the coefficient of agreement, , may be calculated.

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Author	Test of
Hardy et al. (1945)	Screening	1.00
Sloan and Habel (1956)	Screening	.97
Belecher et al. (1958)	Screening	.95
Frey (1958)	Qualitative Classification	.10
Frey (1963)	Qualitative Classification	.70
Green (1962)	Qualitative Classification	.32
Hardy et al. (1954a)	Qualitative Classification	.52

The values of for screening efficiency are uniformly high; Ishihara is considered one of the best screening tests. The values of for qualitative classification are variable and are reduced primarily by those color-defective observers for whom no classification is made. Provided a classification is made, the conditional ranges from 0.61 to 1.00. Other authors who have compared the Ishihara test to other tests of color vision include Chapanis (1948; 1949), Pickford and Lakowski (1960), Crone (1961), Katavisto (1961), Hansen (1963), Verriest (1968a, 1968b), Taylor (1970), Verriest and Caluwaerts (1978).

Other Remarks. This test is useful for rapid screening of red-green defect. It provides differential diagnosis for protan and deutan defects, and classifies two levels of severity. No tritan plates are provided. A few plates may be misread due to legibility confusion. The Ishihara is probably the most widely used test and is recognized by many employers and licensing authorities. The manual warns of discrepancy in the results if “direct sunlight” or “electric light” is used.

Standard Pseudoisochromatic Plates

Standard Pseudoisochromatic Plates by Ichikawa, Hukami, Tanabe, and Kawakami, Igaku-Shoin, Tokyo, Japan 1978

19 plates

Available from Igaki Shoin Medical Publishers Inc., 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020

General Description. The Standard Pseudoisochromatic Plate test for color blindness is designed to screen red-green defective color vision and to differentiate between protan and deutan defects. The test consists of single- and double-digit numerals. The numerals are digital numerals such as those used in calculators and digital clocks. Instructions are provided, and a sample scoring sheet accompanies the plates. There are also reference figures in gray to allow pretesting or instruction in reading digital numerals.

In all plates, the numerals are formed by colored dots appearing on a background of different-colored dots. Test plates are based on the vanishing principle. The first four plates are demonstration plates (including one nonsense figure); if plate 1 is failed, malingering or hysteria is suspected; the subject should be shown the reference figures. Plates 5 to 14 are screening plates; plates 15 to 19 are classification plates. Plates 5-19 contain two digits. For the screening series, one numeral is read by the normal observer, the other by the red-green defective observer, or both numerals are read only by the normal observer. For these plates many normal observers will see both numerals, but the “normal” numeral will be more distinct. For the classification series, one numeral should be read by protans, the other by deutans.

Administration. The observer is instructed to read the numerals within three seconds. If an observer passes the screening series, the test is discontinued. An observer who makes many errors (on normal and defective numerals) should be shown the reference figures and retested.

The plates are held at a distance of 75 cm at right angles to the line of vision under daylight illumination of at least 500 lux. The pages are awkward to turn; the plates are numbered (on the back); the sequence cannot be changed. Tinted lenses must not be worn.

Scoring. A sample record sheet and scoring instructions accompany each test. The demonstration plates are not included in the sample sheet. For the screening series, a score of 8 on the “normal” column (two errors or less) is considered normal; three or more misreadings of the “normal” column is considered failure.

On the classification series, the observer is classified as protan or deutan according to which column numerals are read. An observer who fails the screening series but reads protan and deutan classification plates is classified as “slight” red-green defect. If the observer fails both protan and deutan classification plates he is classified as “severe” red-green defect. Total color blindness, tritan, or acquired color defects are suspected if an observer fails demonstration plate 2 or 3.

Maintenance. The plates should be kept closed when not in use and should not be touched with the fingers.

Calibration. No data are available.

Reliability. No data are available.

Validity. Three of the creators of this test (Hukami et al. 1980) presented validation data for a series of 131 red-green defective observers. All color-defective observers made 3 or more errors in the normal screening series. Many defectives read both normal and defective numerals, and in some “borderline” cases as many as six or seven numerals were read. The screening test as defined by the authors (2 errors or less) therefore showed perfect screening efficiency.

Classification validity was impressive with a of 0.91. No misclassification occurred. The was reduced by the nine defective observers for whom no classification was obtained.

Other Remarks. This is a promising new test for which preliminary data suggest high screening validity and good classification. There is a need, however, for independent validation.

Tokyo Medical College

13 plates

Available from Murakami Color Research Laboratory, 10-7 Nishinaka-Dori, Tsukizima, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

General Description. The Tokyo Medical College test for color blindness is designed to screen red-green and blue-yellow defective color vision and to differentiate between protan and deutan defects. The test consists of double-digit numerals in standard Arabic form. An instruction manual and scoring sheet are provided. The test is based on pseudoisochromatic principles. Numerals composed of a set of colored dots appear in a background of different-colored dots. A white paper grid with small circular cutouts overlies the colors and defines the size of the colored dots; numeral and background appear through this white grid. There are five screening plates for red-green defect and two for blue-yellow defect. These are followed by three plates that are designed to differentiate protan and deutan defects and three that estimate the severity of the protan and deutan defects.

Administration. The observer is instructed to read the numerals within three seconds. The plates are held at a distance of 75 cm perpendicular to the line of sight under daylight illumination. The pages are well designed for easy turning. The plates are numbered, and the sequence can be changed.

Scoring. Scoring instructions are provided.

Maintenance. The book should be kept closed. The overlying grid provides some protection against touching of the colored surfaces.

Calibration. Lakowski (1966, 1969) reported sample spectrophotometric data. No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C or an approximation must be used.

Reliability. No test-retest data were located in the course of our research.

Validity. A number of authors have compared the Tokyo Medical College test with anomaloscope results.

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Author	Test of
Sloan (1961)	Screening	.99
Sloan (1961)	Qualitative diagnosis	.30
Green (1962)	Qualitative diagnosis	.57
Frey (1963)	Qualitative diagnosis	.48
Vos et al. (1972)	Qualitative diagnosis	.57
Sloan (1961)	Quantitative diagnosis	.27
Frey (1963)	Quantitative diagnosis	.19

In summary, the Tokyo Medical College test is a recognized screening test for congenital color vision defect. Qualitative classification is poor, primarily because 20 to 50 percent of the color-defective observers remain unclassified. For those observers who were classified, the conditional ranged from 0.77 to 1.00. Umazume and Matsuo (1962) reported greater success with the qualitative diagnostic plates, but their data do not allow calculation of . Quantitative classification is poor, primarily because simple anomalous trichromats are distributed in all three severity categories; however, only simple anomalous trichromats are classified as mild (conditional = 1.0). Additional comparisons with other tests have been made by Dvorine (1963).

Other Remarks. This test is designed for rapid screening of red-green and blue-yellow defects (Umazume and Matsuo, 1962; Umazume et al., 1954; Umazume et al., 1955, 1956). It provides differential diagnosis of protan, deutan, and blue-yellow defects and classifies three levels of severity. Lakowski (1966) has shown that the blue-yellow plates are not optimally designed to screen for tritan defect.

Bausch and Lomb Ortho-Rater Color Vision Test Slides 71-21-21 and 71-21-50

Available from House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602.

These two slides require the Bausch and Lomb Ortho-Rater for administration. The Bausch and Lomb Ortho-Rater is available from House of Vision.

General Description. These two color vision test slides are part of a series of slides that are incorporated into an instrument for rapid and simple testing of visual acuity, phoria, and depth perception. The slides are inserted on one of two cylindrical drums (one for distance vision and one for near vision). As these drums are rotated, different slides appear for judgment by the observer. The test slides are illuminated by an incandescent lamp within each drum. Slide 71-21-21 consists of nine colored circles: three identical reds, three identical greens, and three identical yellows. Slide 71-21-50 consists of reproduction of four pseudoisochromatic plates. Test conditions for these two slides involve binocular distance vision.

Administration. Slide 71-21-21: The observer is asked to identify the color of each of the circles. The slide takes 15 seconds to administer.

Slide 71-21-50: The observer is asked to read the numbers on the plates. The slide takes eight seconds to administer.

Scoring. Slide 71-21-21: Identification of one red circle and one green circle is considered a passing score.

Slide 71-21-50: The score is the number of digits (not the number of plates) read correctly. A score of 5 or 6 indicates normal color vision; a score of 3 or 4 indicates doubtful color vision (color-defective, or color-normal with poor distance acuity); and a score of 0, 1, or 2 indicates defective color vision.

Maintenance. No special maintenance is required.

Calibration. No data are available.

Reliability. No test-retest data are available.

Validity. Validity of both of these slides was evaluated (Paulson, 1973). Slide 71-21-21 was administered to 34 normal observers, 161 protans, and 215 deutans. All normal observers passed this test; however, 88 percent of the protans and deutans also passed, giving a of 0.02. Slide 71-21-50 was administered to 25 normal observers, 145 protans, and 166 deutans. Of the protans and deutans, 99.4 percent failed; however, 56 percent of the normals also failed, giving a of 0.57. All subjects had normal visual acuity for distance.

Other Remarks. Slide 71-21-21 has several other weaknesses. First, all of the color-defective observers who failed the test by the official scoring method did so by failing to identify correctly any of the red circles. Of these incorrect responses to red, 90 percent were “orange” responses. Thus the test may be criticized on the grounds that the observer may have failed the test because of slight error in color naming rather than defective color perception; even a few normal observers will call one of the reds, “orange.” Second, although Army Regulation 601-270 states that the observers are not to be advised in advance as to the colors used in the test, the fact that the three colors in the test are red, green, and yellow inevitably becomes general knowledge. This knowledge enables those few color-defective observers who might otherwise fail the test, to pass it because they could call “red” those three colors that look orange to them or that look different from the three greens and three yellows. Third, the slide is easily memorized because the colors cannot be exposed and judged individually; the colors are numbered and are permanently arranged.

Slide 71-21-50 has another weakness. It also is easily memorized because the four pseudoisochromatic plates are permanently arranged and cannot be randomly displayed.

Slide 71-21-21 is used for qualification of commissioned officers and for entrance to the U.S. Military Academy; in addition, it is in use at the Armed Forces Entrance and Examining Stations. Slide 71-21-50 has been authorized for use by the Federal Aviation Administration for qualification of pilots.

City University Color Vision Test

11 plates using Munsell colors

Available from:

1.

Keeler Instruments, 21-27 Marylebone Lane, London WlMGDS, England

2.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago IL 60602

General Description. The City University Color Vision Test is designed to screen moderate to severe red-green and blue-yellow defects of color vision and to differentiate protan, deutan, and tritan color vision defects. The test consists of 11 plates. Each plate contains five colored circles--a central test color surrounded by four comparison colors. Instructions and a sample scoring sheet are provided. The first plate, plate A, is a demonstration plate. The remaining 10 plates are test plates. On each test plate, three of the four comparison colors are chosen so that the center color and a comparison color are typical confusion colors for protanopes, deuteranopes, and tritanopes.

Administration. The observer must indicate which of the four comparison colors (top, bottom, left, or right) is most similar to the central test color. The observer may choose two comparison colors. A soft-tipped brush may be used as a pointer, and a response should be given within three seconds. The plates should be placed 35 cm from the observer's eye perpendicular to the line of sight. Daylight illumination providing 600 lux should be used. The plates are not numbered and are difficult to turn.

Scoring. The demonstration plate is not scored. For the 10 test plates, the observer's choice is circled under one of four columns: normal, protan, deutan, and tritan. The number of circled responses is totaled for each column and is expressed as a fraction of 10.

Maintenance. The plates must be protected from fingertips, dust, and light. The book should be kept closed and dust-free when not in use.

Calibration. The colors are Munsell colors for which CIE specification is available. Hill and coworkers (1978) have plotted the coordinates in the CIE Uniform Color Space. No calibration is required by the user.

Reliability. No test-retest data were located in the course of our study.

Validity. Hill and coworkers (1978) reported data for 20 observers. Qualitative classification was at chance level. Verriest and Caluwaerts (1978) noted that dichromats fail the test with correct classification (96 percent accuracy). Among anomalous trichromats, however, 31 percent of protanomalous and 51 percent of deuteranomalous trichromts fail the test; classification of those who fail is correct for only 40 percent of the protanomalous and 72 percent of the deuteranomalous trichromats. Insufficient data were given to calculate . Ohta, Kogure, Izutsu, Mijamoto, and Nagai (1978) reported data for classification of severity. With the expectation that anomalous trichromats will pass and dichromats fail, the coefficient of association, , is 0.64.

Other Remarks. This test was designed by Fletcher using Munsell colors chosen from the Farnsworth Panel D-15 test (Fletcher, 1972, 1978). The test is not suitable for screening in the general population. It may be used for observers with severe defects for whom a test format other than the Panel D-15 is required.

Sloan Achromatopsia Test

7 plates

Available from Munsell Color Co., Baltimore, MD 21218

General Description. The Sloan Achromatopsia Test is designed to test for complete achromatopsia, a rare type of color vision defect (Pokorny et al., 1979). The test consists of seven plates. Each plate contains a series of gray rectangles whose reflection increases gradually in 17 steps across the card from almost white to almost black. The rectangles are numbered from 1 to 9 in steps of 0.5. In the center of each rectangle appears a colored circle of fixed hue and reflectance. The seven cards differ from each other in the color of the circle; the colors used are red, yellow-red, yellow, green, purple-blue, red-purple, and gray. Complete achromats can find an exact match of the colored circle and one of the rectangles on each card. Observers who are not complete achromats can make only a brightness match of the colored circle to a rectangle, except for the gray card, for which an exact match exists for all observers.

Administration. The observer must indicate which gray rectangle matches the colored circle. The test starts with the gray card, for which there is an exact match of the circle and one of the rectangles. The other cards are then presented. The cards are presented at 50 cm perpendicular to the line of sight under daylight illumination. There are no record sheets. Test time is two to three minutes per eye.

Scoring. The examiner notes the number of the rectangle that is chosen. The instructions include the numerals of rectangles chosen by complete achromats and those chosen by normal observers in ordinary and low (rod vision) illumination. The results are compared with these sequences.

Maintenance. The cards come loose in an envelope and must be protected from dust and light. Observers must not touch the pigments.

Calibration. The test uses Munsell papers, for which a CIE specification is available. No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C or an approximation must be used.

Reliability. No test-retest data are available in the literature.

Validity. The manual prepared by Sloan gives average matches of achromats with theoretically expected matches. No other data are available.

Titmus Color Perception Test and Titmus Pediatric Color Perception Test

Two slides designed for use with the Titmus Vision Screener.

Available from House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602.

General Description. The Titmus Color Perception Test consists of a slide containing reproductions of Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates. The slide is used in the Titmus Vision Screener and is viewed binocularly through a stereoscope that presents an image of the slide at 20 feet. The Titmus Pediatric Color Perception Test also is a slide designed for use in the Titmus Vision Screener. The pediatric slide contains eight blocks of colored dots in each of which an E is embedded. The arms of the E point in one of four directions.

Administration. In the adult slide, the observer identifies the numerals of the six reproductions. In the pediatric slide, the child indicates the direction in which the arms of the E are pointing.

Scoring. For the adult slide, any error is considered failure. For the pediatric slide, errors in any three (or more) blocks is considered failure.

Maintenance. No special maintenance is required.

Calibration. No data are available.

Reliability. No data are available.

Validity. The Titmus Color Perception Test does not miss color-defective observers, but it wrongly classifies normal trichromats as defective (Lewis and Steen, 1971; Holland, 1972; Steen et al., 1974). The Titmus Pediatric Color Perception Test has not been validated in a pediatric population. In an adult group (Alexander, 1975), it was noted that failure of either blocks 2 or 3, could occur in normal trichromats. Observers classified as color defective by the Ishihara failed both blocks 2 and 3 while those classified as color defective by both Ishihara and the Farnsworth Panel D-15 failed three blocks (2, 3, plus one other) on the Titmus Pediatric Color Perception Test. Alexander concluded that the pediatric slide could be used as a screening device with adults if the scoring was revised as follows: normal--pass all or fail one block (either 2 or 3); deficient--fails blocks 2 and 3.

Other Remarks. The adult slide is recommended for use with Illuminant C; the Titmus Color Vision Screener, however, provides Standard Illuminant A. Holland (1972) has suggested that reduced visual acuity is intrusive to color vision evaluation. Lampe (1969) has stated that the adult slide is not suitable for use with children. The validity data suggest that the Titmus Color Perception Test is not a suitable screening device.

Farnsworth Dichotomous Test for Color Blindness (Panel D-15)

The Farnsworth Dichotomous Test for Color Blindness, Panel D-15. Manual by Dean Farnsworth, The Psychological Corporation, New York, 1947.

16 Munsell color test caps

Available from:

1.

The Guidance Centre, Toronto, Canada.

2.

The Psychological Corp., New York, NY 10017.

3.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The Farnsworth Dichotomous Test for Color Blindness (Panel D-15) is designed to select those observers with severe discrimination loss. In addition to indicating red-green discrimination loss, the test also indicates blue-yellow dicrimination loss and detects monochromacy. The test consists of 15 colored caps placed in a box, with one reference cap at a fixed location. The samples are chosen to represent approximately equal hue steps in the natural color circle and are similar in chroma to those of the FM 100-hue test. They are set in plastic caps and subtend 1.5° at 50 cm. The movable caps are numbered on the back according to the correct color circle. An instruction manual and scoring sheets are provided. Additional scoring sheets are available.

Administration. The examiner prearranges the caps in random order on the upper lid of the open box. The subject is instructed to “arrange the caps in order according to color” in the lower tray, starting with the cap closest in color to the fixed reference cap. The box is presented at a comfortable distance under daylight illumination of at least 270 lux. The majority of individuals with normal color vision can complete the test within one minute. The observer is allowed as long as is necessary to complete the task. People with poor coordination may have difficulty in handling the caps.

Scoring. The order of the caps is plotted directly on the score sheet on a diagram that shows correct cap positions extending in a circle from the reference cap. Errors occur when caps are misplaced from the correct order. The scorer draws lines connecting the caps in their actual order. In correct order, the lines retrace the hue circle. An example of a minor error might be reversing the order of caps 5 and 6. This error leads to a reversal in the plot at caps 6 and 5 since cap 4 is connected to cap 6, cap 6 is connected to cap 5, and cap 5 is connected to cap 7. A major error occurs when distant caps (e.g., 3 and 12) are placed next to each other. The line connecting these caps now crosses the hue circle. Subjects with normal color vision will make at most only one or two minor errors. Occasionally a single line crossing the circle may occur when the observer reverses part of the series. Dichromats and extreme anomalous trichromats make multiple (6 to 12) crossovers, forming a nearly parallel series of lines. The axis of the crossover lines is characteristic of the type of defect; the axes corresponding to protan, deutan, and tritan defects are indicated on the scoring sheet. Occasionally an observer will make a few minor errors and a few major errors. In this case, a retest is required. According to the original design, the test is failed if an observer makes two or more major crossovers at the beginning of the test that are parallel to an axis line on the scoring sheet. The criterion for pass-fail was designed for use in the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) test battery (see “Test Batteries,” in Chapter 4).

Maintenance. The colors must be protected from dust and fingertips. Observers and examiners must handle the caps by their plastic rims or wear gloves. Observers must not touch the pigments. The caps should be replaced in the box in a mixed order, and the box should be kept closed.

Calibration. The caps are constructed from Munsell colors; Munsell notation and CIE specification are tabulated by Paulson (1973). Bowman (1973) and Adams and colleagues (1975) have analyzed intercap distances in color difference. Birch et al. (1979) claim that the distance between caps 7 and 8 is unduly large and that placing cap 15 next to cap 7 should not be considered an error (as illustrated in the instruction manual). No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C or a close approximation must be used.

Reliability. Test and retest data given in the test manual show coefficient of agreement, , of 0.96. Higgins and Knoblauch (1977) obtained perfect reliability ( = 1.0) in their evaluation of screening. Reliability of qualitative classification was 0.85 (Higgins and Knoblauch, 1977).

Validity. Classification data from which may be calculated have been given by several authors.

View in own window

Author	Test of
Green (1962)	Qualitative Classification	.73
Majima (1969)	Qualitative Classification	.94
Helve (1972)	Qualitative Classification	.83
Majima (1969)	Quantitative Classification	.83
Helve (1972)	Quantitative Classification	.51
Higgins and Knoblauch (1977)	Quantitative Classification	1.00
Verriest and Caluwaerts (1978)	Quantitative Classification	.53

Qualitative classification is reasonably good. The major factor reducing is the number of observers for whom no classification is obtained (conditional ranges from 0.96 to 1.00). Similar data are shown by Hardy and colleagues (1954a,b,c), Linksz (1966), Verriest (1968b), and Verriest and Caluwaerts (1978). Quantitative classification shows that, in general, simple anomalous trichromats pass while extreme anomalous trichromats and dichromats fail. For this classification, the is primarily reduced by those simple anomalous trichromats who fail. The conditional for a passing score ranges from 0.83 to 1.00, indicating that a passing score is associated with simple anomalous trichromacy.

Other authors who have compared the Farnsworth Panel D-15 with other color vision tests include Crone (1961), Sloan (1961), Verriest (1968a,b), Richards and colleagues (1971), Pinckers (1972), and Steen and Lewis (1972).

Other Remarks. Sloan (1954) published scoptopic lightness of the caps from which an expected arrangement by achromats can be deduced. The axis lies between the deutan and tritan axes. Pinckers (1971) suggested that Munsell caps could be chosen from the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test to construct a “homemade” Panel D-15. The results may be combined on the FM 100-hue test scoring sheet. Higgins and Knoblauch (1977) compared these two versions of the D-15 test and found that they give closely similar information.

Farnsworth H-16 Test

17 Munsell color test caps

The Farnsworth H-16 Test is not commercially available, but the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory of the Naval Submarine Base (Groton, CT 06349) has satisfied a few requests from individual researchers.

General Description. The Farnsworth H-16 Test is designed to select congenital dichromats and to differentiate protanopes from deuteranopes. The test consists of 17 colored caps--a reference cap and 16 test caps. The samples are chosen to represent approximately equal hue steps in the natural color circle. The colors are of higher chroma (i.e., are more saturated) than those of the FM 100-hue test or the Farnsworth Panel D-15 test. These colors are set in plastic caps and subtend 1.75° at 50 cm. The movable caps are numbered on the back according to the correct color circle.

Administration. Administration of the test is identical to that of the Farnsworth Panel D-15. The majority of individuals can complete the test in one minute; observers should not be allowed more than two minutes. People with poor coordination may have difficulty in handling the caps and might require a little more time.

Scoring. The order of the cap arrangement is plotted directly on a score sheet that shows correct cap positions extending in an elongated circle. The procedure is the same as that for the Farnsworth Panel D-15. Dichromats who fail the test make multiple (6 to 12) crossovers and connect specific caps at the beginning of the series with specific caps at the end of the series; the axis of these parallel crossover lines determines whether the observer is a protanope or deuteranope. Color-defective observers who pass the test (anomalous trichromats) usually make only a few minor errors or a combination of minor and major errors in the midsection of the test.

Maintenance. Requirements are the same as those for the Farnsworth Panel D-15.

Calibration. The caps are constructed from Munsell colored papers; CIE specifications are available and have been published by Paulson (1973). No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C must be used.

Reliability. Test-retest reliability data from the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory indicate a coefficient of greater than 0.90.

Validity. Validity data in the NSMRL files indicate a high correlation between failure on the Farnsworth H-16 Test and dichromacy as determined by an anomaloscope.

Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test

Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test for the Examination of Color Discrimination. Manual by Dean Farnsworth, Munsell Color Company, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, 1949 (revised 1957).

85 Munsell colors

Available from:

1.

Munsell Color Corp., Baltimore, MD 21218

2.

The Psychological Corp., New York, NY 10017

3.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100-hue test was designed to test hue discrimination among people with normal color vision and to measure the areas of color confusion in color-defective observers.

The test consists of 85 movable color samples arranged in four boxes of 21 or 22 colors each. The samples were chosen to represent perceptually equal steps of hue and to form a natural hue circle. The colors are set in plastic caps and subtend 1.5° at 50 cm. They are numbered on the back according to the correct color order of the hue circle. Two pilot colors are fixed at either end of each box. An instruction manual and scoring sheets are provided. Additional scoring sheets are available.

Administration. One box is presented at a time. The examiner prearranges the caps in random order on the upper lid. The observer is instructed to “arrange the caps in order according to color” in the lower tray where the two fixed caps appear. The box is presented at a comfortable distance under Illuminant C providing at least 270 lux. The observer is allowed as long as is necessary to complete the task. The majority of individuals with normal color vision can complete a box in two minutes. People with poor coordination may have difficulty in handling the caps.

Scoring. Errors are made whenever caps are misplaced from the correct order. Error scores are calculated according to the distance between any two caps. If cap 10, for example, is placed between 9 and 11, there are zero errors for cap 10; if cap 10 occurs between 9 and 13, however, it would have an error score of 2. The manual gives detailed instructions for plotting the observer's arrangement of the caps and for scoring this plot to arrive at the total error score. In an alternative scoring technique (Kinnear, 1970), cap scores are plotted sequentially. Each box contributes to one-quarter of the circle. Error scores for all four boxes are summed to give a total error score for the test.

Maintenance. The colors must be protected from dust and fingertips. Observers and examiners must handle the caps on their plastic rims. Observers must not touch the pigments. The caps should be replaced in the box in a mixed order, and the boxes should remain closed when not in use. It is possible to order a single cap if one is lost or destroyed.

Calibration. The caps are formed from Munsell colors for which CIE specification is available. No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C must be used.

Reliability. An observer with normal color vision might improve his or her error score on first retest. With subsequent repetition, however, there is minimal change in total error score. It is intended in future productions of this test to have a short practice panel to minimize practice effects. Chisholm (1969) presented test-retest statistics for observers with acquired color vision defects. Aspinall (1974b) has presented statistics for inter-eye comparisons and has also presented a theoretical upper limit of error scores for nonrandom arrangement of caps (1974a).

Validity. Observers with normal color vision may make some errors in all four boxes (Figure 3-5). The distribution of error scores is asymmetric and for young observers has a range of 0 to 150 (Figure 3-6). Average scores tend to increase with age, especially after the age of 40 (Ohta, 1961; Lakowski, 1962; Verriest, 1963; Krill and Schneiderman, 1964). Verriest's data are shown in Table 3-2. Error scores also depend on the level of illumination (see “Illuminants,” in this chapter). If the test is to be used clinically, age norms should be established for the level of illumination that is used.

FIGURE 3-5

Example of errors on the FM 100-hue test made by a normal trichromat. The total errors were 40. Based on unpublished data from V.C. Smith and J. Pokorny.

FIGURE 3-6

Distribution of FM 100-hue test error scores made by a group of 311 normal observers (printers' apprentices, aged 13 to 18). Based on data from Lakowski (1976).

In color defects, the primary axis of discrimination loss depends on the defect (Figure 3-7 Figure 3-8 through Figure 3-9). Farnsworth (1943, 1957), Verriest (1963), and Perdriel (1962) reported caps for the center of the confusion zones, which thus characterize the major axis of congenital color defects (Table 3-3). Additionally, Verriest (1963) noted that errors on the scotopic axis accumulate at caps 50 to 57. The bipolar axis may not be evident when error scores are low.

FIGURE 3-7

Example of FM 100-hue test profile for representative protanomalous trichromat, extreme protanomalous trichromat, and protanope (students of mean age 20). Based on data from Lakowski (1971).

FIGURE 3-8

Examples of FM 100-hue test profile for representative deuteranomalous trichromat, extreme deuteranomalous trichromat, and deuteranope (students of mean age 20). Based on data from Lakowski (1971).

FIGURE 3-9

Example of FM 100-hue test profile for a tritanope. Source: Farnsworth (1957) by permission of Farnsworth-Munsell 100 HUE TEST, available from Munsell Color, 2241 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md 21218, USA.

TABLE 3-3

Axes of Discrimination Loss.

The average error scores of color-defective observers indicate the severity of the defect (Taylor, 1966; Lakowski, 1971). Lakowski's data are shown in Figure 3-10. Error scores for color-defective observers increase with age (Lakowski, 1974).

FIGURE 3-10

Distribution of FM 100-hue test scores for anomalous trichromats and dichromats (students of mean age 20). Based on data from Lakowski (1971).

Other Remarks. The FM 100-hue test is one of chromatic discrimination. Lakowski (1971) has shown that the total error score is correlated with the matching range on the anomaloscope and with the wavelength discrimination function--a test of the wavelength difference needed for an observer to detect a color difference. The FM 100-hue test is not designed for the screening of color defect. Farnsworth suggests that error scores for normal observers should be classified only in three categories (superior, average, and inferior), and that error scores should not be regarded as representing a continuous scale of performance. However, error scores may be compared to population statistics; Kinnear (1970) and Aspinall (1974b) suggest that the square root of the error score is an appropriate transformation for quantitative analyses. Aspinall (1974b) gives the following formula: a change in score is significant at the 0.05 level if the difference of the square roots exceeds 2.27 and at the .01 level if the difference exceeds 2.99. It is appropriate to use error scores quantitatively in comparing two eyes of an individual with an acquired color defect (Aspinall, 1974b); in following temporal changes of an acquired color defect (Chisholm et al., 1975); and in comparing the errors in different quadrants (Helve, 1972; Smith et al., 1976).

Recently, automated techniques for scoring the FM 100-hue test and plotting the errors have been developed (Taylor and Donaldson, 1976; Donaldson et al., 1978; and Taylor, 1978).

Lanthony Desaturated Panel D-15 Test

Lanthony's Desaturated Panel D-15, Hue Test according to Farnsworth-Munsell, Luneau Ophtalmologie, Paris, 19

16 Munsell colors

Available from House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The Lanthony Desaturated Panel D-15 Test is designed to select observers with mild chromatic discrimination loss. The test is used in conjunction with the standard panel (Farnsworth Panel D-15 Test) and was designed specifically for acquired color vision defects. The test consists of 15 colored caps placed in a box with one reference cap at a fixed location. The samples are chosen to represent approximately equal hue steps in the natural color circle. The colors are much paler and lighter than those of the Farnsworth Panel D-15 Test and appear almost white. They are set in plastic caps and subtend 1.5° at 50 cm. The movable caps are numbered on the back according to the correct color circle. An instruction manual and scoring sheets are provided. Additional scoring sheets are available.

Administration. The Desaturated Panel D-15 is performed after testing on the Farnsworth Panel D-15. The results of the two tests are plotted side by side on the specially designed score sheet. Administration of the test is identical to that of the Farnsworth Panel D-15, discussed above. The majority of individuals with normal color vision can complete the test in one minute. The observer is allowed as long as is necessary to complete the task.

Scoring. The order of the caps is plotted directly on the scoring sheet on a diagram that shows correct cap positions extending in a circle from the reference cap. The procedure is the same as that for the Farnsworth Panel D-15. Subjects with normal color vision usually make only one or two minor errors. Occasionally a single line crossing the circle may occur when the observer reverses part of the series. Simple anomalous trichromats make some minor and major errors. Dichromats and extreme anomalous trichromats make multiple (6 to 10) crossovers forming a nearly parallel series of lines. The axes of these crossover lines are the same as those found on the Farnsworth Panel D-15.

Maintenance. Requirements are the same as those for the Farnsworth Panel D-15.

Calibration. The caps use Munsell colors specified by Lanthony (1974b). CIE specification of the caps is available. No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C or a close approximation must be used.

Reliability. We have not located test-retest data in our research.

Validity. Verriest and Caluwaerts (1978) noted that 82 percent of observers with congenital red-green color defects failed the Lanthony Desaturated Panel, including 98 percent of the dichromats and 70 percent of the anomalous trichromats. Qualitative classification was excellent for dichromats, but only 78 percent of the anomalous trichromats were correctly classified. Insufficient data were given to calculate . Pinckers and colleagues (1976) and Lägerlof (1978) have discussed the use of the Lanthony Desaturated Panel in acquired color vision defects.

Other Remarks. This is a new test designed specifically to detect mild discrimination loss in congenital and acquired color defect (Perdriel et al., 1975). It is not a screening test and should not be used for this purpose. The test may be used to classify the severity of discrimination loss in congenital red-green color defects and the progression of defect (recovery or deterioration) in acquired color vision defects.

The Lanthony New Color Test

New Color Test de Lanthony Selon Munsell, Luneau Ophtalmologie, Paris, 19

70 Munsell colors

Available from House of vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The New Color Test was designed specifically for use in acquired color vision defects. The test allows determination of neutral zones (colors that are confused with gray) and tests chromatic discriminative ability at each of four saturation levels.

The New Color Test includes four boxes, each with 15 colored caps. The 15 hues are the same in the four boxes and are designated by their initials (in French). The hues represent approximately equal steps in the color circle. All the caps have equal lightness. The boxes differ in saturation: the first box (high saturation) has Munsell chroma 8 (Box 8/6); the second (medium saturation) has Munsell chroma 6 (Box 6/6); the third (medium saturation) has Munsell chroma 4 (Box 4/6); and the fourth (low saturation) has Munsell chroma 2 (Box 2/6). In addition to these 60 colored caps, the test includes 10 gray caps of varying lightness, with values increasing from 4 to 8 in steps of 0.5; there are two caps at value 6. They are designated by Munsell nomenclature, N4 to N8. The caps subtend 1.5° at 50 cm. An instruction manual and scoring sheets are provided. Additional scoring sheets are available. The test is presented at a comfortable distance using Standard Illuminant C providing 250 lux.

Administration. The test is performed in two phases: a separation phase followed by a classification phase. In the separation phase, the 15 colored caps of the box at chroma 8 (Box 8/6) and the 10 gray caps are mixed together and are presented to the observer, who must separate the caps into two groups: a group of caps that appear gray and a group of caps that appear colored. In the classification phase, the observer first arranges the caps in the group that appears gray in a row ranging from dark to bright. This part of the test allows determination of position in the gray scale of the colored caps that appear gray to the observer. Second, the observer arranges the caps that appear colored according to their natural color order. This procedure differs from that used in the Farnsworth Panel D-15 in that the observer chooses the starting cap; there is no fixed starting cap. Furthermore, since the classification phase follows the separation phase, there may not always be 15 colored caps remaining, although there may be some gray caps in that group. This procedure is repeated for Boxes 6/6, 4/6, and 2/6.

Scoring. There are two scoring sheets, one for each phase of the test. Separation phase: The errors are plotted on a circular diagram on which hue is represented on the circumference and chroma is represented as a radial distance from the center. The diagram includes four concentric rings (4 chroma), and each ring contains 15 compartments (15 hues). The results of the test are expressed by penciling in the hue compartments that correspond to the colored caps wrongly placed among the grays. Classification phase: The positions in the gray scale of those colored caps grouped among the grays are indicated on a diagram with hue on the abscissa and the value on the ordinate. For each colored cap that is wrongly placed among the grays, a circle is drawn at its position on the gray scale. Finally the order of the colored caps is recorded on a diagram analogous to that of the Panel D-15 but with four concentric rings. At each chroma level, a line is drawn connecting caps placed adjacent to one another.

Maintenance. Requirements are the same as those for the Farnsworth Panel D-15.

Calibration. The caps use Munsell colors specified by Lanthony (1975b). CIE specification is also available. No calibration is required by the user. Illuminant C or a close approximation must be used.

Reliability. No test-retest data were located during the course of our research.

Validity. A number of authors are evaluating this test for acquired color vision defects (Lanthony, 1975a, 1978; Pinckers, 1978a, 1978b, 1979).

Other Remarks. This test is designed specifically for acquired color vision defects (Lanthony, 1974a). The separation phase allows determination of neutral zones according to the colored caps confused with the grays at four saturation levels. The classification phase allows determination of relative luminosity according to the position of colored caps in the gray scale, and of chromatic discrimination according to the arrangement of the colored caps.

Sahlgren's Saturation Test

12 caps in a case

Available from Visumetrics, Hallstenhagen 26, S-421 56 V Frolunda, Sweden

General Description. Sahlgren's Saturation Test was designed to evaluate the loss in saturation discrimination that is characteristic of acquired color vision defects. The 12 caps include five greenish blue and five bluish purple samples of varying saturation plus two gray caps. The colors are set in plastic caps and subtend 3.45° at 30 cm. They are labeled on the back with their color and a saturation score of zero for the gray caps and of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 for the two sets of colored caps. The samples were taken from the Natural Color System, which is the official Swedish color standard.

Administration. The caps are arranged in random order on the upper lid of the box. The test is presented using an approximation to Illuminant C that provides 400 lux. The observer is instructed to transfer all caps that appear bluish purple or greenish blue to the lower lid, leaving only the caps that appear gray in the upper lid. The test takes less than two minutes.

Scoring. The test is scored by summing the saturation scores printed on the back of the caps. A score of 10 is considered the upper limit of normal.

Maintenance. The caps should be stored in the closed box. Observers must not touch the pigments.

Calibration. The caps are taken from the Swedish Natural Color System; their specification is given by Frisen and Kalm (1981). No calibration is required. Illuminant C must be used.

Reliability. No test-retest data are available.

Validity. This test is described by Frisen and Kalm (1981). One of the 20 normal control subjects, who were aged 17 to 66 years, obtained a score of 15. The upper normal limit was set at 10. Scores for observers with congenital color defects ranged from 0 to greater than 50; 45 percent of the observers with congenital color defects had an abnormal score. Scores for observers with acquired color defects ranged from 0 to greater than 50; 90 percent of the observers with acquired color vision defects had an abnormal score. A comparing pass-fail data for normal observers with acquired color vision defects (either retinal disorders or optic neuropathies) gave a value of 0.85, indicating good screening efficiency for acquired color vision defects.

Other Remarks. This is a new test that requires further validation in the clinic. It offers a rapid and easy alternative to plate tests in the assessment of acquired color vision defects.

British Board of Trade Lantern (1912)

12 filters of various reds, greens, and clears; Martin's Board of Trade Modification (1938) (also known as Martin Colour Vision Testing Lantern)--4 filters of green, clear, and 2 different reds; and Martin's Board of Trade Modification Transport Type (1943)--5 filters of green, clear, yellow, and 2 different reds. Manufactured by Kelvin, Bottomley, and Baird, Ltd., of Glasgow and London.

Not commercially available now.

General Description. In the 1912 model, the 12 lights (reds, greens, and clear lights) varied within the limits approved for navigation lights. The colors are shown singly or in horizontal pairs. There are two aperture sizes (0.2 and 0.02 in.), which are viewed at 20 feet to represent ships' lights at 200 and 2,000 yards. In the 1938 model (redesigned for electric light) there were four colors: one green, one clear, and two different reds. Again, these are shown singly or in pairs, with the same two aperture sizes available. The brightness of the lights is equated. A neutral filter may be placed over the left light or over the right light to reduce its luminance to one-third of its original value. In the 1943 model, a yellow light was added to the lantern for use in testing transport personnel.

Administration. The test is performed in a dark room at a distance of 20 feet. A voltage-controlled line is needed for the 1938 and 1943 models. The lights are presented in random order, and the observer names their colors. Administration is complicated for the examiner because of the many controls for selecting colored lights, aperture size, single versus paired presentation, and, in the 1938 and 1943 models, the placement of a neutral filter.

Scoring. No standardized scoring method has ever been developed. This is the primary disadvantage of this test for color vision.

Maintenance. No maintenance is required.

Calibration. No calibration is required. However, the replacement bulb must be certified by the Physics Laboratory of London.

Reliability and Validity. No reliability or validity studies are available.

Other Remarks. The lantern stimulates the navigation lights of a ship and is used at a number of examination centers in the British Commonwealth for the fishing fleet and merchant navy.

Color Threshold Tester

Color Threshold Tester, Stock No. 6515-388-3700, Macbeth Corporation, P.O. Box 950, Newburgh, New York.

8 colored lights (2 reds, 2 greens, orange, yellow, blue, and white) plus 8 neutral filters of various intensities.

Available from Macbeth Corp., P.O. Box 950, Newburgh, NY 12550

General Description. This lantern was developed for the U.S. Air Force to determine quantitatively whether the color-defective applicant was competent to make the color perception requirements of a particular job. The colors of the lights were based on two considerations: (1) some were colors close to the standards for aviation signal colors, and (2) some were colors that would be difficult for the color-defective person to identify. The lantern presents one light at a time, located halfway between two blue guide lights. The eight colored lights are presented at eight different luminances.

Administration. A demonstration of the eight colored lights is given at the brightest of the eight luminances. The examiner then turns the luminance knob to the dimmest of the eight luminances and presents the eight colored lights consecutively, #1 to #8. The luminance knob is then turned to increase the luminance to level 2, and the colored lights are presented consecutively #8 to #1; the luminance knob is turned to level 3 and the colored lights are presented consecutively #1 to #8, and so on. The test is performed in a dark room at a distance of 10 feet. It takes about five minutes to administer the test. The observer names the colors presented.

Scoring. The exact color name is not always required for a correct response: red must always be called red, but orange may be called orange, yellow, or amber; green may be called green or blue; blue may be called blue or green; yellow may be called yellow, white, amber, or orange; and white may be called white or yellow. The part-score for each of the eight colored lights is obtained by counting the correct response, starting from luminance level 8 and continuing to lower luminance levels until an error occurs. Correct responses at still lower levels are not counted. The score for the entire test is the sum of the eight part-scores. A perfect score, of course, is 64 and is obtained by 95 percent of normal subjects. A score of 50 or better (obtained by all normal subjects and 30 percent of defective observers) is required for Class II or III medical certificates. ^* A score of 34 or better (obtained by 68% of defective observers) is required for entrance to the Air Force Academy.

Maintenance. The cover in front of the stimuli should be closed when the instrument is not in use, so that the filters will not become dusty.

Calibration. No calibration is required.

Reliability. Sloan (1944) reports correlation coefficients for the scores obtained by color-defective observers of 0.94 for same-day sessions and 0.80 for different-day sessions.

Validity. The Color Threshold Test (CTT) was designed for quantitative classification. Test scores of color-defective observers show a broad distribution. Sloan (1944) has compared CTT scores of defective observers with quantitative classifications obtained on other tests. Paulson (1973) has compared CTT scores of 130 deutans and 94 protans with results on the Farnsworth Lantern and other tests.

Other Remarks. The method of administration (consecutive order #1 to #8 at intensity level 1, and then consecutive order #8 to #1 at intensity level 2, etc.) often results in two contaminants on the final test score. First, the preceding colored light affects the observer's response. For example, a particular colored light might be named correctly for intensity levels 1, 3, 5, and 7 but incorrectly for intensity levels 2, 4, 6, and 8 because it appears after different colors in the two sequences. Second, the fixed pattern of administration (versus random administration) permits the observer to become aware of the pattern after a few of the eight runs have been given and also enables an observer to memorize the test.

Edridge-Green Lantern (1891)

7 colored glass filters and 7 modifying glass filters (ground glass, ribbed glass, neutral glass, etc.)

Available from House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60602. Replacement filters available from Clement Clark Ltd., London, England, and Hamilton Ltd., London, England.

General Description. The Edridge-Green Lantern is designed to produce a range of colors and tints. In addition to the seven colored and seven modifying glass filters, there are seven aperture sizes. The colored filters represent signal colors; the modifying filters represent smoke, fog, rain, and so forth; the various aperture sizes represent color judgments made at different distances.

Administration. The test is performed in a dark room at a distance of 20 feet. The lights are presented in random order, and the observer names the colors of the lights. Some of them are very difficult even for those with normal color vision. Administration is complicated for the examiner because the five rotating discs (containing the colored filters, the modifying filters, and the apertures) can be rotated singly or jointly, making hundreds of combinations possible.

Scoring. Although there are rules for the scoring, most often the test resolves into a contest of color-naming wits between the examiner and observer.

Maintenance. No maintenance is required.

Calibration. No calibration is required.

Reliability and Validity. No reliability or validity studies are available.

Other Remarks. This test is claimed to simulate railway signals and is used in testing engine drivers in Great Britian. It was used by the U.S. Navy for qualification of midshipmen and line officers prior to adoption of the Farnsworth Lantern Test in 1953.

Farnsworth Lantern (FaLant)

6 red, 6 green, and 6 white glass filters plus 9 dimming filters.

Available from Macbeth Corporation, P.O. Box 950, Newburgh, NY 12550

General Description. This lantern, developed for the U.S. Navy, is designed to pass normal trichromats and those persons whose color vision defect is mild and to fail those with more severe defects. The test is intended to select one-third of the color-defective population for assignment to naval duties that involve color-judging tasks. Nine combinations of red, green, and white lights are presented vertically and in pairs. A dimming filter is combined with one of the lights in each pair to reduce its luminance by up to 50 percent. Unlike other lanterns that use lights that simulate navigational, aviation, or railroad signal lights, the Farnsworth Lantern uses specific red, green, and white lights that are confused by people with more severe color vision defects. The reason for this choice was as follows. The spectral characteristics of signal lights that are used for different purposes (e.g., navigation or railroad signals) are different. Thus “red” or “green” lights comprise a relatively wide variety of spectral colors. Color-defective observers, however, confuse specific colors. Therefore, they would find some red-green pairs easy to distinguish but would be unable to distinguish other red-green pairs of lights. The idea behind the Farnsworth Lantern, therefore, is that an individual who can distinguish these pairs of lights which are known to be confused by color-defective observers, will certainly be able to distinguish all other pairs.

Administration. The test is simple to administer. All of the instructions for administration, scoring, and operation of the lantern test are printed as a metal plate affixed to the back of the instrument. Examiners are cautioned that failure to follow all these rules will result in invalid test results. The test is given in a normally lighted room at a distance of 8 feet. The lights are presented randomly. The observer reads a brief set of instructions and then names the colors presented. The test requires less than one minute to administer.

Scoring. If no errors are made on the first set of nine pairs of lights, the observer is passed. If errors are made on the first run, two more consecutive runs are presented, again in random order, without a break or comments between runs. The errors on these last two runs are averaged; an average error score of 1 or less is a pass score whereas an average error score of 1.5 or more is a fail score.

Maintenance. No maintenance is required. The bulb does not burn unless the examiner depresses the knob that rotates the lights. It is a 1000-hour bulb with an automatic cutoff, and a replacement bulb is located in the base of the instrument. The filters are very stable. They have been found to have the same chromaticities for over 20 years.

Calibration. The chromaticity specifications have been published by Paulson (1973). No calibration is required.

Reliability. Test-retest data were presented by Paulson (1966). The statistic of association, , was 0.98.

Validity. The Farnsworth Lantern was designed to pass normal trichromats and anomalous trichromats with good discrimination (i.e., mild discrimination losses). Some comparisons of Farnsworth Lantern data with data from other tests in the NSMRL battery (pseudoisochromatic plates, Farnsworth Panel D-15, and Farnsworth Panel H-16) are given by Paulson (1966).

Other Remarks. The Farnsworth Lantern Test is the final qualifying test for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. It also may be used by the U.S. Army for qualification of pilots and by the U.S. FAA Aviation Medical Examiners. In addition, it is used by some U.S. railroad systems and other organizations.

Holmgren Wool Test

Wool skeins

Available from:

1.

Bernell Corp., South Bend, IN 46601

2.

House of Vision, 137 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60602

General Description. The Holmgren Wool Test was one of the original tests designed to screen red-green color defects. The test consists of 75 small strands and three large strands of colored wools. The large strands serve as test colors, the small strands as comparison or matching colors. There is no identification of the skeins. An instruction sheet accompanies the test, but there is no scoring sheet or scoring instructions.

Administration. The skeins are placed in a heap. One test skein is selected. The subject is asked to select skeins from the heap that most nearly match the test skein in color. There is no exact match; similarly colored skeins, or skeins of lighter or darker shades of the same color, may be selected. The procedure is repeated for each test skein.

Scoring. There are no scoring instructions. The examiner looks for hesitation and for the selection of dissimilarly colored skeins (e.g., for the red test skein, the selection of other colors, such as green, blue, brown, or yellow skeins).

Maintenance. The yarns are subject to fading when exposed to light or dust. Handling should be avoided. The set should be kept in the cardboard container when not in use.

Calibration. Sample spectrophotometric data have been reported by Rasmussen and Lakowski (1978). The skeins vary considerably from set to set. No calibration is required by the user. The illuminant is not specified.

Reliability. No data are available.

Validity. No data are available.

Other Remarks. This test is primarily of historical interest. It is not recommended as a suitable screening test.

Lovibond Color Vision Analyzer

27 glass filters

Available from Tintometer Ltd., Salisbury, England

General Description. The Lovibond Color Vision Analyzer presents 27 colors in a circular display with a central neutral gray. The colors subtend 1°, complete the full color circle, and are arranged in random order in the display. The luminance of the central gray slide is variable. The colored lights may be desaturated by the use of superimposed white light. Instructions are included.

Administration. For a given luminance and saturation level, the observer indicates which colors on the circle match the central neutral slide.

Scoring. The examiner notes which colors are chosen as a match to the neutral slide at each saturation level. Normal observers select colors in the yellow-green and blue-purple regions at low saturations. The saturation level for which colors are accepted as neutral increases with age (Ohta, Kogure, and Yamaguchi, 1978). Congenital red-green color-defective observers select colors in the blue-green and red regions: dichromats select two or more colors at all saturation levels; anomalous trichromats select two or more colors at medium saturation levels. The actual colors chosen are diagnostic of the color defect: nos. 1 and 14 are protan confusion colors; nos. 2 and 15 are deutan confusion colors.

Maintenance. The tintometer glass is very durable and lasts for an extended period of time. The lamp itself, however, has a limited life (usually only 30 hours).

Calibration. The chromaticities of the filters are given in the instructions. No calibration is required of the user.

Reliability. Reliability is good for normal and dichromatic observers but poor for anomalous trichromats due to poor control of the desaturation device (Pokorny et al., 1979). Data for calculation of are not available.

Validity. The test distinguished normal from red-green color-defective observers (Dain, 1974; Ohta, Kogure, and Yamaguchi, 1978). The following classification data were given by Ohta, Kogure, and Yamaguchi (1978).

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Test of
Qualitative classification	.65
Quantitative classification	.88

The for qualitative classification is not good, the major problem being misclassification of protan observers. All deuteranopes were correctly classified. Deuteranomalous trichromats were classified correctly as such in 90 percent of cases and were incorrectly classified as deuteranopes in 10 percent of the cases. Protans were as likely to be classified deutan as protan. Therefore the test cannot be used for qualitative classification. Dain (1974) previously reported excellent qualitative classification but gave no statistics. Quantitative classifiction by Ohta, Kogure, and Yamaguchi (1978) are consistent with Dain's results.