NCI's OcuTest Extended Ver. 14.0M system, a vision testing system that includes the Rabin Cone Contrast Test for color deficiency is the ONLY currently available color vision test approved by the USAF for "flying class exams", i.e. pilots, flight crew, etc. Version 14.0M represents the evolution of the automated Rabin Cone Contrast test for color vision deficiency first introduced by NCI in 2010 and incorporates many improvements that the USAF felt were necessary after years of experience and use in the field.

Improvements include:

1. Eliminates the onscreen keypad that required the subject to look away from the optotype presentation and find the letter on the onscreen keypad; instead using an xBox controller to enter responses.

2. Replaces the multiple letter optotypes with the "4 position” Landolt Rings, the international standard reference optotype. This maintains focus on the optotype presentation and eliminates the eye/hand coordination necessary to find the previous version’s alpha letter on the keypad. The test is timed so this was a critical improvement. The Xbox game controller provides for input without shifting focus from the optotype presentation.

3. Replaces the original LED computer screen with an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) screen which eliminates the need for a sighting alignment device to ensure alignment which, in the past, added a potential for error in the test with mis-alignment.

4. To eliminate multiple "on demand" retests, the new system automatically performs retests when the subject test results on any color fall below a cutoff level specified by the USAF.

5. All test data is saved but, the system generates a single consolidated report based on USAF specifications.

Considerations for running OcuTest Extended v 14.0M:

1. Calibration: The test should be conducted in reduced lighting and, the unit should be calibrated in the same lighting environment. We recommend a nearly darkened room. The new photometer/colorimeter is substantially more sensitive than the 2010 version for accuracy in the testing environment.

2. Dark Adaptation: Research shows that total dark adaptation of the eyes occurs in about 30 minutes. However, around 90% of dark adaptation usually occurs in the first 10-12 minutes in the darkened environment. We recommend at least 10-12 minutes of exposure to the darkened environment prior to testing. In 2014, the USAF with Dr. Jeff Rabin, lowered the contrast levels to allow the test to identify subjects with superior color sensitivity. With better calibration at these contrast levels, the test is …difficult! The USAF lowered standards for some assignments to reflect this. In a brightly lit room and/or without adequate dark adaptation, the test is extremely difficult. With proper lighting and adequate adaptation, any “color normal” with good vision will do fairly well.

3. Test Environment: Reports from the field indicate that the usual practice is to turn off all room lights and some leave the door slightly ajar. While this might seem a bit imprecise, it will yield a more or less scotopic light level (1-3 cd/m2) equivalent to a "moonless night".

4. Equipment Setup: The Rabin Cone Contrast Test is an automated test available on NCI’s OcuTest Extended v 14.0M system. USAF specified test distance from subject to screen is 3 feet.

5. Contrast Sensitivity: We have had several cases where the subject failed all three colors. IF this occurs, the subject is probably NOT color deficient. They may have cataracts or some other eye or health issue. The automated "Contrast Threshold Test" follows the exact same protocol as the color test and is calibrated along with the color calibration. If the subject cannot achieve a low score on the contrast test, we would recommend that the subject be seen by an eyecare professional for additional tests.