Color Blind and Programs

[hoosierdude]

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Hey guys and gals,

I am going to potentially apply to ophthalmology residency programs next year, and I am wondering if I should even bother applying as I have either weak red-green discernment or red-green color blindness. I can identify some of the numbers/figures on Ishihara tests, but there are some palettes that I do not see ANYTHING. I've heard that some programs test you and some don't care? Anybody have any experience with this situation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Merlin0082]

Don't worry about it.. I'm also RG deficient and only 2 programs have even asked about eye exams

You'll be ok

 

[RestoreSight]

You can get by. Its not ideal, but its not a restriction to becoming an ophthalmologist. A few programs required eye exams, but definitely the minority.

 

[kleinl]

Several programs have recently run into problems in training their residents with deficits in color vision and stereopsis. A few programs will ask for eye exams to even be considered for interview. Don't be surprised if you're shown color plates or stereo dots at your interview. Do yourself a favor...test yourself first and seriously reconsider ophthalmology if you have problems.

For example...UTSW used to advise students not to rank them if they had no stereopsis. Students are now tested at interview.

There was a resident elsewhere who could not see where to aim the laser...

 

[ophthope]

For example...UTSW used to advise students not to rank them if they had no stereopsis. Students are now tested at interview.

Interviewed there last year, no stereo or other vision testing was performed. Did they change that recently?

I agree that if you're thinking about Ophtho you should go get a thorough eye exam including stereo and color testing.

 

[hoosierdude]

I have no problems with stereovision, but I'm pretty sure I have either protanomaly or deuteranomaly. I'll try to get a formal dx.

 

[msmith83]

Sorry if off topic, but what degree of visual acuity is needed for ophtho? I've heard stereopsis and no color deficits but as far as acuity is there any certain standard? Like correctable to......? As far as that goes, obviously there are certain surgeries where you would need better vision than others, what if you just didn't do certain surgeries?

Thanks for any input

 

[digitoad8]

I am in the same situation. Can anyone tell me which programs have tested for colorblindness, and which ones have not? If you happen to fail a color vision test, will that program notify other programs you're applying to? Should you be upfront and say that you're colorblind in an interview, or not mention it unless asked directly?

I am only slightly colorblind, but I can see everything just fine (like on fundus photos, path slides, surgery, etc.) and I've never had any functional problems with my color vision. I'm REALLY interested in ophtho, but I'm just afraid to apply because of the color vision testing.

 

[PhillyMed777]

I am in the same situation. Can anyone tell me which programs have tested for colorblindness, and which ones have not? If you happen to fail a color vision test, will that program notify other programs you're applying to? Should you be upfront and say that you're colorblind in an interview, or not mention it unless asked directly?

I am only slightly colorblind, but I can see everything just fine (like on fundus photos, path slides, surgery, etc.) and I've never had any functional problems with my color vision. I'm REALLY interested in ophtho, but I'm just afraid to apply because of the color vision testing.

also interested in exploring the field but cautious because I cannot make out anything on color blindness tests.

 

[DrZeke]

You can get by. Its not ideal, but its not a restriction to becoming an ophthalmologist. A few programs required eye exams, but definitely the minority.

I think there are 5 max programs that require eye exams. San Antonio is the one I remember.

I agree that you should really think about whether or not a field like ophtho is for you if you have significant color deficiency or limited stereopsis.

ophtho depends on interpreting color photos and fine detail involving subtle color differences. If you notice you had trouble discerning detail in pathology/histology slides I might reconsider applying.

If you don't have good enough stereo (remember to test it with best corrected visual acuity), then I don't know that I would apply at all. Intraocular surgery can't safely be performed without stereo.

If you can avoid a program that has a vision requirement, but know that you can only get 3/14 ishihara plates and have limited stereo you would be cheating yourself by applying.

 

[Lafakads]

I think there are 5 max programs that require eye exams. San Antonio is the one I remember.

I agree that you should really think about whether or not a field like ophtho is for you if you have significant color deficiency or limited stereopsis.

ophtho depends on interpreting color photos and fine detail involving subtle color differences. If you notice you had trouble discerning detail in pathology/histology slides I might reconsider applying.

If you don't have good enough stereo (remember to test it with best corrected visual acuity), then I don't know that I would apply at all. Intraocular surgery can't safely be performed without stereo.

If you can avoid a program that has a vision requirement, but know that you can only get 3/14 ishihara plates and have limited stereo you would be cheating yourself by applying.

What about having fine stereo but Red-Green deficient. I would expect a decent amount of males in ophthalmology have it since it's decently prevalent.

 

[DrZeke]

What about having fine stereo but Red-Green deficient. I would expect a decent amount of males in ophthalmology have it since it's decently prevalent.

I would reiterate what I said before. If it affects your ability to differentiate detail in color images correctly then that's a problem. If you aren't seeing the right color but have learned to recognize the color and call it the right color based on cues or still discern detail, it doesn't really matter.