Color Vision

[trueace]

Hi all I've been doing research on color vision issues because I'm green/red deficient. I've done a search on a few forums and have read that smaller agencies tend not to be as strict. I'm interested in Federal/Military though and every kind of high speed job I find interesting seems to require perfect color vision. I wanted to be a combat controller in the AF then possibly move into FLE but thats a no go because all they accept is the Ishihara. Anyways it's just a bad situation when you're graduating college soon knowing that your BS color vision may ruin everything. Anyone else with me, especially the people who can distinguish real world colors fine although it may not be as crisp as people with perfect color vision. I'm sure there have been others before me who've made it through everything but got screwed because of this. I'm not at the point of course and something else could snag me, but it's my biggest fear obviously because I have a clean record, good work history, finishing an economics degree etc..

Even if I wasn't able to obtain an 1811 position does anyone else in my situation know of any interesting jobs that don't require perfect color vision? I'm near Tampa, Fl and my best bet would probably be to speak to the DEA/ATF/FBI recruitment offices to see what people with color vision issues can do. I'd still like to be part of an agency but if I'm going to be sitting at a desk all day answering the phone then why bother. If anyone has any help to offer it would be appreciated.

[SSA1811]

Hi trueace,

I'm not an eye doctor so I am not sure if green/red deficient is the same as being "color blind".

However, do not go disqualifying yourself until you have personally checked with the various Agencies HR/Personnel Offices, AND they have absolutely convinced you that you do not qualify because of the vision issue. In other words, do not give up before you even start!

As I have stated in another thread, the Federal Personnel Manual is extremely complex, confusing, and full of exceptions (if one were motivated to research and find them). A case in point/true story, a few years ago there was a candidate who management wanted to hire, but who was so nearsighted that Mr. MaGoo had better vision (I'm exagerating a little for emphasis, but not by much - I believe he is 20/400 uncorrected in one eye). The candidate was also a military veteran, and the Personnel Specialists "found" some obscure exception exempting military veterans from some of the physical requirements. The candidate was hired, and is still currently a GS-1811 Special Agent (and a good one too!).

Law Enforcement is not a profession for quitters. If this is the career you want, you are going to have to fight a little harder for it. Emphasize your strengths and downplay (don't hide but don't highlight) the vision issue. Best wishes and good luck!


.

[trueace]

I see what you mean I still have to go for it. I just know the Ishihara will give me trouble and hopefully I can pass some alternative test. If not then I hope to have some kind of interesting support job. Any other help would be appreciated on what's happened to you or people you know with a red/green color problem.

[squadcar]

I'm also red/green color deficient. I've been emailing tons of police agencies throughout Canada over the last little while stating my case to them, and all of them have said the exact same thing to me (with the exception of one or two smaller ones)...if you fail the Ishihara, you can do the Farnsworth D-15, which most borderline color deficient people can pass. They also say that it's not exactly something to worry about as long as my deficiency isn't too bad.

Like you, I can distinguish colors just as well as the next guy. My main problem lies in certain types of shades. By no means will I get confused with the red or green lights on a traffic light, like many people seem to think I will. However, I still can not pass the Ishihara, and therefore I do not meet the requirements of many PD's. I haven't tried the Farnsworth D-15 yet, so I hope I can pass that one.

Just keep trying. I may only be 16 but already I'm doing everything I can to make me stand out a bit more in the future, including finding different career paths just in case I still don't make it into law enforcement. If I remember correctly you said you're finishing an economics degree, which will certainly help you find employment if you still can't cut it.

Good luck

[briantheguy]

I have been working in law enforcement for 6 years now and doing SWAT for 3. I have the same red/green problem. I was a bit concerned when applying for my current department, but had no problems during their screening. They basicly sent me to an urgent care for the medical eval and I had to read off the color of the red and green bars on the standard eye chart. No problem.
I have failed the book test every time. I am now applying for an 1811 spot and have seen that most agencies seem to use the Farns 15 test for those who fail the book. I actually bought a Farns 15 test off the internet from an optimoligist. Not cheap. I took the test myself and passed it. Now I plan taking this test over and over until I am conditioned to it.

Check E-Bay if you want to order one.

[tunlrat]

To my fellow color deficient LEOS:
Not a current Fed LEO. Was one though, although not an 1811 (legacy US Customs 1801). I had the darndest time gettin hired but eventually I did. I failed the Ishihara miserably during the physical done for the Feds so I went to my personal opthalmologist. Again failed the Ishihara but was given the D-15 where I passed w/ flying colors. I submitted all the medical documentation to my US Customs "handler" (some nice admin. lady all the way in DC) and well, again, I still got hired. This was is 2002 so it wasn't too long ago either. So yes, there is a glimmer of hope for "special" people like us.

This still precludes me from certain occupations though. I still can never be a pilot, or a sniper, or some other "cool" thing but in the end I'm still happy just being your friendly neighborhood beat officer walking my beat...

Good luck!

[bigmanallen]

Just make sure that, when you're on the job, you don't volunteer to defuse any bombs with red and green wires.