Description

City University London's suite of color vision assessment tools offers a comprehensive approach to detecting and quantifying color vision deficiencies. These tools are particularly adept at identifying both congenital and acquired red-green and blue-yellow (tritan) defects, making them invaluable in both clinical and occupational settings.

City University Colour Vision Test (CUCVT)

The CUCVT is a plate-based screening tool designed for quick and effective detection of color vision anomalies. Each test consists of 10 or 11 plates, featuring a central colored circle surrounded by four peripheral circles. The task is to select the peripheral circle most similar in color to the central one. This test is suitable for children as young as three to five years old and can be administered monocularly or binocularly. It is particularly sensitive to blue/yellow deficiencies and provides a more comprehensive assessment than the Ishihara test, though it is less reliable for acquired defects and optic nerve disease.

Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) Test

The CAD test is a sophisticated computerized tool that assesses and quantifies the severity of red/green and blue/yellow color vision loss. It involves identifying the movement of a colored block within a dynamic grid on a screen. This test is highly specific and sensitive, distinguishing between normal trichromats and those with color vision deficiencies. It is used in safety-critical occupational screening, such as for train drivers, and is available in two versions: a fast screening version and a full version.

Colour Vision Screener (CVS)

The CVS is a downloadable software program for Windows, designed to screen for color vision deficiencies in under three minutes. It requires a monitor with full sRGB color mode and provides a guided setup, including a learning mode. Test results can be saved as a PDF, and the software is suitable for a wide age range.

Key Features

• Versatile Formats: Includes both plate-based and computerized tests.
• Wide Applicability: Suitable for a broad age range, from young children to adults.
• Quick Administration: Tests range from 1 to 14 minutes.
• Quantitative Assessment: CAD test offers detailed analysis of color vision loss.
• Occupational Screening: Used in roles where color vision is critical.

Test Administration

• CUCVT: Requires a well-illuminated room with specific lighting conditions.
• CAD: Needs a calibrated monitor and specific software.
• CVS: Compatible with Windows 7 or higher, requiring sRGB monitor settings.

Considerations

While the CUCVT is less reliable for acquired defects, the CAD and CVS tests require specific hardware and software setups. Proper administration, including lighting and monitor calibration, is essential for accurate results. These tools provide a robust framework for assessing color vision, supporting both clinical diagnostics and occupational safety.