Colorblindness Test
The image below can be used as a simple, non-medical test for red-green colorblindness in children as well as adults. Originally published in Field and Stream magazine, the test was intended for potential hunters. However, the animal shapes can usually be identified by young children who may not yet be able to read numbers, which are used in standard colorblindness tests.
A larger version of the image, which can be printed on plain white paper (or photo paper), can be found here.
The image should be presented to a child in private. The child can be asked if they see any animals. There should be no prompting. The key for what can be seen with differing color vision can be seen below:
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A larger image of the key can be found here.
This and any such test should be done individually without comment by the “tester.” Any color vision issues detected should first be discussed with the child’s parent(s) and not with the child. Further testing by a qualified ophthalmologist might be indicated.
Past use of this test indicates the following:
Children with normal vision can see the bear, deer, rabbit, and squirrel. They cannot see the fox.
Children with a red-green color vision deficiency see a cow (instead of the deer), a fox (in the lower left), and usually the rabbit and squirrel. They cannot see the bear. Red-green colorblindness apparently occurs in varying degrees--mild to severe. Children with severe red-green color vision deficiency may have difficulty seeing the rabbit and/or squirrel. Generally, anyone with a red-green color deficiency cannot see the bear, but can see the fox.
Children (and adults) with a red-green color deficiency have difficulty differentiating shades of the following colors from each other:
red from green
green from brown (especially beige)
blue from purple
pink from gray
Note that most color deficient children can identify pure primary colors.
In each of these cases, the color red (found in red, brown, purple, and pink) cannot be discerned, making the distinction difficult. Thus children see purple flowers as blue. They have difficulty seeing the browned leaves or pine needles among the green ones. A flashing traffic light could appear red or amber. Green traffic lights look white.
Because of the shift in the color vision of those with red-green colorblindness, those with the deficiency can more readily differentiate yellow and blue from green. Yellow and/or blue are frequently the “favorite colors” of those with a red-green color deficiency.
Obviously once identified, tact must be used when informing a child of this vision issue. Care must also be shown when dealing with such children in a group setting, so as not to call undue attention or create a reason for discrimination or ridicule.
The most common form of color vision deficiency (usually referred to as red-green colorblindness) occurs in about 8% of males in the United States. It is an inherited trait, carried by females but occurring in males, who pass it on to their female children. Colorblindness can be a complicated topic. Basic information can be found online, including this Wikipedia article. Suggestions for teachers can be found here.
Given the frequency of this condition, it is surprising that testing is not done on all children prior to entering pre-school or school. This condition should be identified early, so that parents, caregivers, and teachers can address it with understanding, patience, and respect.
For questions or further information, contact:
norm.hellmers (at) gmail.com
