What happens at this clinic?

Most people have comfortable vision, however, some individuals suffer from eyestrain, especially when reading, watching TV, or using computer screens. They may also experience headaches, blurred vision or, in some cases, double vision.

Where these problems involve the eye muscles it may be necessary to wear glasses or carry out a series of exercises to strengthen the muscles.  It is likely that any prescribed exercises will be done at home for a number of months in order to strengthen the muscles. Where visual stress is identified we can offer a colorimetry assessment.

How long do appointments last? 

First visit about one hour. Follow-up visits last about thirty minutes.

How much does it cost?

No charge in the student clinics. Charges may apply in the professional clinic.

How do I make an appointment?

The binocular vision clinic in the National Optometry Centre welcomes referrals of individuals of all ages from optometrists, ophthalmologists, general practitioners, and educational psychologists.

Referrals must be accompanied by a referral letter, or a patient referral form filled out by the professional referring you to the clinic.

What happens at this clinic?

Approximately 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females have defective colour vision. These individuals may find it difficult to tell the difference between certain combinations of colours. This can affect their ability to perform some everyday tasks and in some cases may exclude them from certain occupations.

The colour vision clinic offers a private, diagnostic service for children and adults suspected of having a defective colour vision. The type of colour vision deficiency can be diagnosed and its severity assessed. The clinic is run by Dr Peter Davison PhD, who is a colour vision specialist and formerly a Senior Lecturer in Optometry at TU Dublin.

Who can attend the clinic?

We can assess children from the age of 4 onwards, but a more accurate diagnosis can usually be achieved with 8-10 year olds.

What services does this clinic offer?

• Analysis of inherited or acquired colour vision deficiencies
• Advice on suitability for specific occupations
• Advice to employers on colour vision standards for specific tasks
• Advice on ‘long pass’ red filter use to distinguish colours, where appropriate

A complete range of colour vision tests is available, including those commonly used for specific occupations, for example:

• Aviation/Air traffic control
• Defence forces
• Fire Service
• Merchant Navy/Coastguard
• Garda (some specialized units)
• Other occupational e.g. electrical engineering, train drivers

Colour vision tests available at TU Dublin:

• Pseudoisochromatic plate tests (Ishihara plates, HRR test*, Mollon-Reffin test*, City University test)
• Colour arrangement tests (D15, FM 100 hue test)
• Lantern test (Fletcher-Evans test: modern equivalent of the Holmes-Wright Type A & B tests)
• HMC Anomaloscopy – a sophisticated diagnostic instrument to assess colour vision.
• CAD detailed computerized instrument.

* tests are suitable for young children

How long do appointments last?

An assessment lasts about 45 minutes.

How do I make an appointment?

• Self-referral
• Referral from professionals or employers