NCI releases improved Version 14 Rabin Cone Contrast Test for color deficiency!
April 2019: NCI Vision Systems (Nordstrom Consulting, Inc.), Burr Ridge, Illinois. The commercial/military Rabin Cone Contrast Test was developed by NCI and first released to the USAF and civilian users in 2011. Since then, thousands of military pilots, flight crew, commercial pilots and civilians have had their color vision evaluated using this test. While very successful, accurate and easy to use, the USAF identified a number of areas where the test could be improved. The updates were designed to provide better repeatability, simplify patient/subject responses, eliminate distractions and automatically initiate retests. Result? Version 14.0M/C of the NCI OcuTest Extended w/Rabin Cone Contrast Test is a great test made even better!
The original version (Ver. 12.1C) used an “onscreen” keypad/touchpad for subject input. This required the patient/subject to look away from the center of the screen, where the optotype is presented, and select the correct response. With the military optotype presentations timed at four seconds, the onscreen keypad is an unnecessary distraction. Version 14 uses the 4-position Landolt Ring optotype with responses entered using the popular xBox game controller. The civilian version allows the use of Landolt Rings, Tumbling E’s, HOTV, Letters and Numbers on the Rabin Cone Contrast Test as well as the automated Contrast Acuity and Contrast Threshold tests. Military users are restricted to the Landolt Rings and the onscreen keypad is no longer presented. Both versions offer a touch sensitive Amsler grid in cone specific and standard colors.
The automatic retest was added for two reasons. The first, with a reduced number of optotypes, a patient/subject had an increased probability of guessing correctly. In the case of borderline results, a correct guess could influence the outcome of the test. A retest, initiated automatically, either confirms the first passing or failing score or, initiates an additional retest. The second reason, when pilot/flight crew applicants did not achieve a passing score on the test (Ver. 12.1C), they routinely requested multiple retests in hopes of eventually succeeding.
There are also a number of additional upgrades to Version 14 of NCI’s OcuTest Extended systems. In addition to touchscreen sensitive controls, all current systems are shipped with “IPS” monitors/screens which allow wide latitude in viewing angle without shifts in contrast or saturation. The “sighting tube”, required with the prior version (12.1C) to adjust the viewing angle of the patient/subject, has been eliminated.
In addition to the Rabin Cone Contrast and other automated tests, the NCI OcuTest Extended also includes a standard digital acuity system with a wide variety of tests which, along with the automated tests, may be calibrated to standard exam room distances. While the military requires the Rabin Cone Contrast test to be conducted at a 1meter test distance, civilian users can use the acuity system as well as all automated tests at normal exam distances.
The Rabin Cone Contrast is currently being used in a variety of clinical studies. Sensitive enough to detect small changes in cone sensitivity, the test is useful in the diagnosis and early detection of various diseases and conditions. Research shows cone function loss is affected early in disease development including: AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Kidney Disease, Optic Neuritis, high-risk medications such as Plaquenil and, macular pigment density loss. Cone Contrast Sensitivity testing can detect the minute changes in color sensitivity before the patient reports vision problems. Early detection and intervention can limit or prevent permanent vision loss.
For more information, contact:
NCI Vision Systems
Email: NCIVision@yahoo.com
Or, Phone (815) 312-2020