Patient View
The FALANT (Farnsworth Lantern) and the OPTEC 900 are examples of older color vision tests once accepted by the FAA for aircraft pilots but now mostly used for boat captains. The Farnsworth lantern and the OPTEC 900 are essentially the same thing. These lantern tests are no longer being manufactured. The OPTEC 900 was a “newer” water resistant version of the FALANT. There were many acceptable alternatives to the tests which FAA medical examiners commonly used, such as the Ishihara and other pseudoisochromatic plate books. All of these were eliminated by the FAA on January 1st, 2025. For more information, visit www.leftseat.com/color-vision-information-for-pilots or contact Pilot Medical Solutions at 405-787-0303.
The Coast Guard still accepts the FALANT and the OPTEC 900, they recently added the Rabin Cone color vision test.
Tester View
While the FAA no longer allows aviation medical examiners to validate aircraft pilot’s color vision using the Farnsworth Lantern or the OPTEC 900 these tests may still be used to qualify air traffic controllers and maritime – ship captains. These testing units are often difficult to find in comparison to other color vision tests.
Pilot Medical Solutions maintains a list of color vision test providers. Clients may be referred to a practitioner nearest you.
To discuss your color vision issue, contact us at 1-405-787-0303.
Are you a doctor who owns a FALANT? Contact us to be added to our referral database.
