[MCOH-EH] Testing Color Vision in Healthcare Institutions - Depth Perception

[Cockrum, MD David S]

Laura-

The short answer is no.

DP is a very complex area with very little data to support what “good” depth perception even means. The FAA and the military flying world get wound up about it, but there is strong evidence that someone with long-standing “poor” depth perception or even monovision has good compensatory skills. The brain is an amazing thing that is really good at compensating for things like that.

Unless there is a published standard in health care (I’ve never heard of one), I would recommend avoiding this rabbit hole. There is just no value added!

David


DAVIDCOCKRUM, MD
Physician
Faith Regional Physician Services
Occupational Medicine
(402) 844 8300
2024 Pasewalk Avenue, Suite 2, Norfolk, NE 68701
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From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net> On Behalf Of Radke, Laura L. M.D.
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 6:23 PM
To: 'MCOH-EH' <mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Testing Color Vision in Healthcare Institutions


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My employee health team has recently asked me if they should be providing depth perception testing for any new hires.  Short of physicians who perform complex procedures, I really can’t come up with a group of healthcare workers who needs to be tested but am wondering if any in this group are doing such testing and, if so, for which healthcare workers.

Appreciate any feedback you can share!

Laura L Radke, MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, F&MCW Occupational Health Services
Phone: 262-253-8197 | Fax: 262-253-5152 Cell Phone: 414-530-0723
E-mail: laura.radke at froedtert.com<mailto:laura.radke at froedtert.com>
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Workforce Health / North Hills Health Center
Building B First Floor
W129 N7055 Northfield Dr.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051



From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net>> On Behalf Of Swift, Melanie D., M.D., M.P.H. via MCOH-EH
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 6:12 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Cc: Swift, Melanie D., M.D., M.P.H. <Swift.Melanie at mayo.edu<mailto:Swift.Melanie at mayo.edu>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Testing Color Vision in Healthcare Institutions

I’m not aware of a regulatory requirement for medical color vision testing of any specific occupational group. The closest are CLIA requirements for assuring that laboratory staff can correctly identify colors on the tests they use (which can be done via competency testing if designed carefully, avoiding the need for a medical color vision test.) Accreditation of dialysis units often includes making sure staff can interpret color indicators for water quality monitoring etc, but again that can be accomplished with competency testing.

Most labs, dialysis clinics, and some regulatory site visitors reflexively interpret those standards as requiring a medical color vision test, and pressure their OH service to perform something like Ishihara plates, but per prior posts that can miss color vision deficiencies pertinent to the task at hand. If you as the occupational physician educate them (and your internal accreditation professionals and attorneys) then you have hope of changing this longstanding, entrenched practice!

Melanie

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net>> On Behalf Of Rudnick, Howard L
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 2:43 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [MCOH-EH] Testing Color Vision in Healthcare Institutions

Cn someone provide a list of those employees in a hospital that require color vision testing in order to do their job?

Howard L. Rudnick, MD,MHA,FACP
Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Department of Medicine
Medical Director, Occupational Health Services
Temple University Health System
Office:  (215) 707-3026
Cell:  (267) 838-7040


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