Farnsworth lantern eye test

[rsmith]

My Masters is up for renewal and am looking for a Doc that has the Farnsworth test for color vision. The guy I usally use died and I'm having trouble finding someone with this test. I can't do the ishara plates. Anyone in Fla or Philladelphia area know anyone? My alternative is to buy one for $200 and take it with me.

 

[Boatsb]

For $200.00 buy the test. Take it home and study.

 

[seasalt]

The CG used to have a list of several acceptable tests in addition to the Farnsworth and Isihara. I passed one that was like # 10 on the list but can't remember its name.

Short story about Farnsworth:
A long time ago I was in the Navy aboard ship in Subic Bay, PI. I passed the all Navy competitive exam for direct admission to the Coast Guard Academy and was selected pending a color perception test. I failed the Isihara that was on the base. We were told that the definitive test was the Farnsworth Lantern Test. The captain of my ship searched all over the Far East for the Farnsworth and could not find one. I had to pass on the appointment because technically I failed the physical. For years afterwards I always felt that if only we had found a test I would have gone to the academy.

Fast forward to the 1980's and I go for my 100 ton Master's License. I fail the Isihara again. But...the local CG had a Farnsworth Lantern Test. It is looking at a series of pin hole points of light from across a brightly lit room. I failed it too. Green lights looked white to me and red was questionable although I have no trouble with seeing true red or green in paint swatches or whatever. So, I would not have made the academy anyway.

I then went to a major state university's school of optometry and took their test in a controlled lighting room. I made 75%, I took this result to the CG and they said that 75% was not good enough.

I found out about the list of other tests. I found the one that was #10 on the list at a health care clinic. It involved showing me five crochet balls each in a different basic color. The nurse held each one up and I correctly gave it a name. She wrote a letter that said I made 100%.

I took the letter to the CG, got my 100 Ton which I never used and finally let go after five issues.

Don't base you hopes on the Farnsworth...find out what else will work.

Edit: I just remembered that I was not required to do a new color test every time I renewed. Check the exact wording on the form. It used to say that the color test was only for original applications.

 

[krush]

Do what's common these days, claim the test is sexist.















Seriously....color blindness is almost exclusively a male problem.

 

[Freeebird]

My Masters is up for renewal and am looking for a Doc that has the Farnsworth test for color vision. The guy I usally use died and I'm having trouble finding someone with this test. I can't do the ishara plates. Anyone in Fla or Philladelphia area know anyone? My alternative is to buy one for $200 and take it with me.

I'm in the same boat where colorblindness is concerned, but I would talk to my PCP about it. It's been a while, but mine had a test other than the Farnsworth which basically proved I could see red, green, and yellow. I can't remember the name of the test, but whatever it was, it worked for the coasties.

I can't do the Ishihara tests either and actually accused my doctor of messing with me the first time I took one for a DOT physical for my CDL. As far as I know, there is no color that I can't see, so it makes me wonder what I'm really missing.

 

[Freeebird]

The CG used to have a list of several acceptable tests in addition to the Farnsworth and Isihara. I passed one that was like # 10 on the list but can't remember its name.

Short story about Farnsworth:
A long time ago I was in the Navy aboard ship in Subic Bay, PI. I passed the all Navy competitive exam for direct admission to the Coast Guard Academy and was selected pending a color perception test. I failed the Isihara that was on the base. We were told that the definitive test was the Farnsworth Lantern Test. The captain of my ship searched all over the Far East for the Farnsworth and could not find one. I had to pass on the appointment because technically I failed the physical. For years afterwards I always felt that if only we had found a test I would have gone to the academy.

Fast forward to the 1980's and I go for my 100 ton Master's License. I fail the Isihara again. But...the local CG had a Farnsworth Lantern Test. It is looking at a series of pin hole points of light from across a brightly lit room. I failed it too. Green lights looked white to me and red was questionable although I have no trouble with seeing true red or green in paint swatches or whatever. So, I would not have made the academy anyway.

I then went to a major state university's school of optometry and took their test in a controlled lighting room. I made 75%, I took this result to the CG and they said that 75% was not good enough.

I found out about the list of other tests. I found the one that was #10 on the list at a health care clinic. It involved showing me five crochet balls each in a different basic color. The nurse held each one up and I correctly gave it a name. She wrote a letter that said I made 100%.

I took the letter to the CG, got my 100 Ton which I never used and finally let go after five issues.

Don't base you hopes on the Farnsworth...find out what else will work.

Edit: I just remembered that I was not required to do a new color test every time I renewed. Check the exact wording on the form. It used to say that the color test was only for original applications.

Actually, it is required for renewals. http://www.uscg.mil/forms/cg/CG_719K.pdf

 

[seasalt]

Actually, it is required for renewals. http://www.uscg.mil/forms/cg/CG_719K.pdf

I am not surprised that the rules have changed.

 

[rsmith]

There is a lot of other new stuff too. Sounds like I need to take a gumby suit with me. As best I can figure out you don't need a current TWIC card the expired one will do.

 

[Freeebird]

I am not surprised that the rules have changed.

Yeah, read that entire form and you'll see just how much has changed. I have mild sleep apnea, but I have to have my doctor send documentation to the coasties every year that I'm being a good boy and am using my CPAP for which I'm issued a medical waiver which means absolutely nothing in the context of which I used my license. I would have to present it if I were operating an inspected vessel. Same deal with having to have yet another doctor explain that my kidney stones are documented and that I have a treatment plan in place. I drink tons of water and try to avoid eating crap that has me make more stones.

In fact, I'm waiting for a return call from medical as they told me I needed to have another physical from yet another doctor when I called to ask about particulars on the aforementioned CPAP reporting. Once I read the form, it would seem I was misinformed, so I called the NMC again. The lady I spoke to agreed that I shouldn't have to submit to another physical, but she thought the medical folks should clarify that again.

Next thing I expect is to be issued a Michelle Obama approved diet in order to retain my license. I'll then have to prove I ate everything on my plate which will have to be verified by yet another doctor. All this will ensure that I'm not a hazard to other boaters who have no license or training whatsoever.

 

[rsmith]

Yeah, read that entire form and you'll see just how much has changed. I have mild sleep apnea, but I have to have my doctor send documentation to the coasties every year that I'm being a good boy and am using my CPAP for which I'm issued a medical waiver which means absolutely nothing in the context of which I used my license. I would have to present it if I were operating an inspected vessel. Same deal with having to have yet another doctor explain that my kidney stones are documented and that I have a treatment plan in place. I drink tons of water and try to avoid eating crap that has me make more stones.

In fact, I'm waiting for a return call from medical as they told me I needed to have another physical from yet another doctor when I called to ask about particulars on the aforementioned CPAP reporting. Once I read the form, it would seem I was misinformed, so I called the NMC again. The lady I spoke to agreed that I shouldn't have to submit to another physical, but she thought the medical folks should clarify that again.

Next thing I expect is to be issued a Michelle Obama approved diet in order to retain my license. I'll then have to prove I ate everything on my plate which will have to be verified by yet another doctor. All this will ensure that I'm not a hazard to other boaters who have no license or training whatsoever.

This sleep apnea is becoming a huge business. They claim narcolepsy is a huge problem but I think it's the disease of the day. My uncle went to the Dr about snoring he got the mask wore it and it drove him crazy. Took it back to the Docs Doc turned him in to the state as a risk for narcolepsy state revoked his drivers license. Again he's never had an accident or falls asleep during the day. Now he has to wear the stupid mask at night and there is a snitch chip in the mask that he has to bring to the docs to show he's using the mask. The next up is BMI FAA is already going after neck size and body weight to say your prone to sleep apnea.

I guess we'll all be safer when everyone stays home and collects disability

 

[krush]

damn coasties sound tougher than the FAA!

 

[Freeebird]

The next up is BMI FAA is already going after neck size and body weight to say your prone to sleep apnea.

That next step is already here. From the link I posted above...

If the examining medical practitioner doubts the applicant’s ability to meet the guidelines contained within this table, and for all applicants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40.0 or higher, the practitioner shall require that the applicant demonstrate the ability to meet the guidelines.

 

[rsmith]

damn coasties sound tougher than the FAA!

Pretty much. When I took my 3rd class FAA medical I went to the local FSDO where they took me out on the runway and had the tower give me light gun signals. As color vision dosent change the waiver is good for life. The only other thing I had to do was when I got my first class medical for my ATP I had to take a flight check at night and point out other aircraft towers lighted obstructions and runway and landing lighting. Coast guard is just stuck on stupid!

 

[seasalt]

I had my 100 Ton through 5 issues and finally gave it up because of all this crap.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I'll bet those that have a license issued by a foreign government don't have nearly as much crap to go through. And they can still operate in our waters.

 

[captddis]

Find the right Doctor.

 

[Freeebird]

Heard back from the coasties today and was informed that there has been a recent change in the requirements for medical exams. Seems they are taking a page out of the USDOT handbook and are now requiring a medical card be carried along with the MMC. These expire every two years. The rest of you licensed Captains will be getting the news shortly if you haven't already.

I'm hoping my doctor can give me one exam (as in one bill) that will cover both the DOT and USCG requirements. It's more an aggravation than anything else, but I can think of more fun ways to spend time and money.

 

[captddis]

I am coming up on my 7th issue and I really wonder if it is still worth it. Every renewal there is some new hoop to jump threw. The TWIC card really did a lot of good!

 

[Boatsb]

I am coming up on my 7th issue and I really wonder if it is still worth it. Every renewal there is some new hoop to jump threw. The TWIC card really did a lot of good!

The TWIC card helped more than you think. Juan, Mahmoot and Patel all got jobs there checking our backgrounds. They seem to also give me a feeling of comfort at the airport security point.

 

[saltshaker]

There is a lot of other new stuff too. Sounds like I need to take a gumby suit with me. As best I can figure out you don't need a current TWIC card the expired one will do.

I'm actually working on some old SNL episodes right now.