The Rabin Cone Contrast Test is a diagnostic tool used to assess a patient’s ability to detect subtle contrast differences, particularly in the context of visual dysfunctions related to conditions like glaucoma, optic neuropathies, and other diseases that affect the visual system.
he Rabin CCT is used by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard for color vision screening. It is also approved by the FAA for color vision testing for pilots, and is one of the three FAA-approved computerized color vision tests.
Key Aspects of the Rabin Cone Contrast Test™
- Target Type: The test usually involves patterns or visual stimuli that consist of concentric rings or “cones,” often resembling a set of circles or disc-like shapes.
- Contrast Variability: These patterns are presented at varying contrast levels, with the primary goal being to determine the lowest contrast at which the patient can still identify the target.
- Assessment of Sensitivity: The test evaluates contrast sensitivity, which refers to the ability to detect differences between an object and its background. This is critical for tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, especially in low-light conditions or when there are subtle variations in the visual scene.
Benefits of the Rabin Cone Contrast Test™
- Early detection of of contrast sensitivity loss, which can be an early sign of eye diseases like glaucoma or optic neuropathy.
- More accurate reflection of real-world visual function, especially in low light, glare, or complex visual conditions.
- Useful in monitoring disease progression, especially for diseases affecting the optic nerve or other visual conditions.
- Non-invasive and quick, making it suitable for routine screening and follow-up assessments.
FAA Color Vision Testing Policy Change as of Jan 1, 2025
FAA NEW POLICY CHANGES
The Rabin Cone Contrast Test (CCT) has been approved as 1 of 3 required color vision tests for all commercial pilots.
- Pilots must pass 1 of the required color vision tests or be issued a flying restriction by the FAA.
- Rabin Cone Contrast Test can be taken if they fail any other approved test.
- Periodic testing is required for pilots with a medical condition, or who are taking a medication, which affects color vision.
- Optometry practices can administer initial, retest, and periodic FAA color vision tests.
- Most FAA color vision exams using the Rabin Cone Contrast Test can be billed to insurance.
- All optometry practices with the Rabin Cone Contrast Test will be included on a FAA Pilot Referral List.
ROUTINE COLOR VISION SCREENING
In addition to one-time hereditary color vision screening, routine color vision screening must be performed for all commercial pilots with a medical condition, or who takes a medication, which could affect color vision. Conditions include:
- Eye conditions such as glaucoma, AMD, retinal detachment, or cataracts
- Brain and nervous system conditions such as Alzheimer’s, MS, or certain tumors
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, leukemia
- Medications such as Plaquenil, blood pressure medications, and erectile dysfunction medications
- Other conditions affecting color vision
RABIN CONE CONTRAST RULES FOR FAA EXAM
- Administration of the test is the same as for medical patients:
- Use “Test at Near”
- Ensure the patient is seated 3’ from device
- Test monocularly
- Color correction lenses are not approved to be used during the test
- For best results:
- Avoid using blue filters
- For dry eye patients, administer dry eye drops before the test and advise the patient to blink throughout test
- Passing score for Class 1 flying is 55 in all cone types/ both eyes. Rabin CCT software upgrades are available to reflect FAA passing score. Please contact Innova Systems.
- All tests must be performed in person; on-line testing is forbidden
- Pilots can retake the Rabin CCT up to 3 times. The best results of the 3 tests should be reported.
- Reports should be printed and given to the pilot for uploading to the FAA
BILLING FOR FAA EXAMS
- The cost of the Rabin CCT is $65 out of pocket as an additional service on top of an exam (not included in an annual eye exam).
- Initial color vision tests are routinely charged to the pilot
- Retests can be billed to insurance, regardless if the failure was due to a hereditary or acquired color vision deficiency. A copy of a previously failed color vision test or diagnosis is required. See the Rabin CCT Utilization & Billing Protocol for more details.