T&T: 6 PAC license/ Color Weakness

[Kim Boyce & Eric Thoman]

Rudy wrote:

Met a fellow who was a great person to know, but he was partially color
blind; as I remember it, unable to distinquish red. The fellow teaching the
class guaranteed him that he knew a doctor that could help.

When asked how he past the physical, he said it was easy; the doctor held up
a ketchup bottle and asked what color he saw. 

At least he claims this happened. 
 
Reply:

This is a serious issue for a lot of us who are color weak.  Note that we do
not refer to it as color "blind." <g>  I had the problem getting my regular
doctor to sign off on my application.  The problem is that most family
practice docs apply the hardest test to pass because they are looking for
any signs of weakness.  The Ishihara Plates which are the well known circles
of color bubbles that contain hidden numbers are a nightmare for me.  I have
known that since I was a kid.  Fortunately, the USCG application lists
several other exams that are acceptable.  A little googling helped me
identify easier tests.  There are a couple of airline pilot websites
dedicated to the subject.  The hardest part once you find the right test is
finding someone who has it and will administer it.  This took a lot of phone
calls and shoe leather before I found an eye doctor who had one of the older
tests.  Once I explained my dilemma, he gave me the test, passed me, signed
my application and sent me out the door without charging me 1 cent.  He is
now my regular ophthalmologist!  A very nice guy with high tech office
equipment other than that color test.

See you out there.

Eric Thoman
Abyssinia