Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What chart is commonly used to screen for color blindness in children?

1. Snellen chart

2. Ishihara chart

3. Cover/uncover test

4. Red reflex

The correct answer is: Ishihara chart

The Ishihara chart is specifically designed for screening color blindness, particularly to test for red-green color deficiencies, which are the most common types. It includes a series of plates with colored dots that form numbers or shapes against a contrasting background. Individuals with normal color vision can easily identify these numbers, while those with color blindness may struggle or be unable to see them, making it an effective and widely used tool in both clinical and educational settings. Using the Ishihara chart allows practitioners to quickly assess a child's ability to perceive colors correctly, which is important for activities requiring color discrimination. This screening method is particularly relevant in pediatrics, where early detection of color vision deficiencies can guide interventions and help educators and parents make informed decisions regarding a child's learning environment.