Evaluation of Next-Generation Vision Testers for Aeromedical Certification of Aviation Personnel

Introduction: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows the use of a variety of vision screening devices to evaluate a pilot applicant’s vision performance for medical certification purposes. This study compares human subject test scores obtained using two new vision testing instruments (Optec 5000 and Titmus i400) with those from previously approved counterparts (Optec 2000 and Titmus 2A), which have been discontinued by their manufacturers. Method: Testing included near, intermediate, and distant visual acuity, when appropriate, as well as heterophoria and color perception. Aside from color vision deficiencies, visual performance for all subjects was within the minimum Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) vision requirements for Class II airmen. The test subject population included 36 individuals who ranged in age from 18 to 66 (34.4 ± 14.2). Six subjects were 50 years of age or over, requiring intermediate vision testing and 12 were color deficient. Analysis was designed to detect statistically significant differences between the test scores obtained with the new instruments vs. the older models. Results: The results of this study indicate that both new instruments provided visual acuity and heterophoria scores that are statistically equivalent to the older models. Color vision test scores for the Titmus i400 were found to be statistically equivalent to those of the Titmus 2A, with little or no change in failure rate. Although the color vision scores of the Optec 5000 were statistically equivalent to those of the Optec 2000, it failed 50% of the color normal subjects in the study. Conclusion: FAA approval is recommended for the Titmus i400 for use in all applicable aviation vision tests. Conditional approval is recommended for the Optec 5000, provided the Aviation Medical Examiner has an appropriate alternate color vision test should individuals be identified as color deficient during the certification exam.