Don’t settle for a desk job. Protect your dream of becoming a Sworn Officer.
If you are reading this, you probably know the sinking feeling of looking at an Ishihara color plate and seeing nothing but dots. For thousands of police recruits every year, this is the moment their dream of joining the academy hits a wall.
While many departments suggest “civilian roles” for colorblind applicants, we know that’s not what you want. You want to be out in the field. This guide explains how ColorKinds® Corrective Lenses can help you meet the vision standards required for active duty.
The Barrier: The Ishihara Test
Most police departments (from NYPD to local sheriff offices) use the Ishihara Plate Test as the initial screening.
- The Test: You must identify numbers hidden in a pattern of red and green dots.
- The Problem: If you have Deutan (green-weak) or Protan (red-weak) vision, the red numbers blend into the green background. You see a “3” instead of an “8,” or nothing at all.
- The Consequence: Immediate disqualification from “Sworn Officer” status.
The “Strict States” vs. The “Second Chance” Agencies
Not all police departments follow the same rules. Some strictly ban corrective lenses, while others are more flexible.
Table : Police Color Vision Policy Comparison
| Policy Type | Example Agency / State | The Rule | Surprising Fact |
| 🔴 Strict Ban | Michigan State Standards | Applicants must possess normal color vision “without the assistance of color enhancing lenses.” | They conducted a specific review and ruled that no contact lens product currently meets their safety standards for testing. |
| 🟡 Second Chance | Many Local Departments | If you fail the Ishihara (dot) test, you are offered a Farnsworth D-15 arrangement test. | Many mild-to-moderate colorblind candidates fail the Ishihara but PASS the D-15, allowing them to be hired. |
| 🟢 Civilian Roles | 911 Dispatch / Forensics | Vision requirements focus on screen reading rather than field safety. | Dispatchers are the “first first responders,” and their color vision requirements are often far more lenient or accommodation-friendly. |
Suitable Careers in Law Enforcement
If your colorblindness is severe (Monochromacy or strong Protanopia), a patrol role might be out of reach in strict states. However, law enforcement is a massive field with many “non-sworn” roles that are just as critical.
Table : Law Enforcement Career Suitability for Colorblind Candidates
| Suitability | Career Path | Why It Fits |
| 🟢 Excellent | 911 Dispatcher | You are the lifeline of the department. While you use color-coded screens, ColorKinds® Lenses can be worn freely here to enhance contrast on monitors. |
| 🟢 Excellent | Cybercrime Analyst | Focuses on digital evidence, coding, and intelligence. Color vision is rarely a disqualifier for computer-based investigative work. |
| 🟢 Excellent | Evidence Technician | You manage the chain of custody for evidence. While you need to identify items, you are in a controlled environment where you can use tools (or ask colleagues) for verification. |
| 🟡 Conditional | Patrol Officer / Trooper | Requires Passing D-15. If you have mild Deuteranomaly, you may pass the secondary test. If you rely on lenses, you must check if the specific agency allows them (many do not for the test itself). |
| 🔴 Challenging | Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) | Requires spotting trace evidence (blood, fluids, fibers) at messy scenes. High risk of missing evidence due to color blending. |
Policy Comparison: Strict vs. Flexible Agencies
Not all departments follow the same rules. Use this table to spot the “gaps” where you can fit in.
Table : The “Gap” Analysis – Where Can You Serve?
| Feature | Strict Agencies (e.g., State Troopers, Michigan) | Flexible Agencies (e.g., Local PDs, Civilian Roles) | The Opportunity for You |
| Primary Test | Ishihara Plates (Strict Pass/Fail) | Ishihara Plates | Preparation: Pre-test yourself to know your severity before applying. |
| Secondary Test | Farnsworth D-15 (Mandatory upon fail) | Varies (Lantern Test or D-15) | Target These Agencies: If you fail Ishihara, the D-15 is your “golden ticket.” Many mild CVD candidates pass this. |
| Corrective Lenses | 🔴 BANNED During Test | 🟡 Allowed for “Non-Sworn” | Use lenses for training and daily duty (if allowed post-hire), but do not rely on them for the entrance exam. |
| Job Role Focus | Patrol / SWAT (High Visual Demand) | Dispatch / Forensics / IT | Shift your focus to technical roles where color vision is a “manageable” trait, not a disqualifier. |
How ColorKinds Helps You Pass
Our specialized contact lenses work by filtering out specific wavelengths of light that cause “color confusion.”
- Contrast Boost: The lens darkens the green wavelengths, making the red numbers “pop” out against the background.
- Passing the Plate: Many users report seeing the hidden numbers clearly for the first time immediately after putting the contacts in.
“I failed my initial medical for the State Troopers because of the color plates. I bought the ColorKinds contacts, practiced with a book at home, and could finally see the difference. It gave me the confidence to re-apply.” — Officer M.D. (Verified Buyer)
Beyond the Test: Officer Safety on the Streets
Passing the medical exam is step one. Staying safe on patrol is step two. Color vision is not just a bureaucratic rule; it is a safety tool.
Real-World Scenarios Where Contacts Help:
- Suspect Identification: Distinguishing a “Red Hoodie” from a “Grey Hoodie” during a foot chase.
- Traffic Stops: Instantly recognizing the color of a vehicle (Silver vs. Light Blue) at night.
- Taser Operation: Seeing the red laser dot on a suspect’s green or brown clothing.
The “Waiver” Secret (Farnsworth D-15) If you fail the Ishihara test, do not give up. Ask your recruiter if the department allows an alternative test called the Farnsworth D-15. This test involves arranging colored caps in order. It is much easier to pass than Ishihara, and our color-correcting lenses are incredibly effective at helping you sort the caps in the correct order.
Take Control of Your Career
You have trained your body and mind for the academy. Don’t let your eyes hold you back.
Frequently Asked Questions for Recruits
Can I wear these contacts during the medical exam? This depends entirely on the specific department’s medical officer. Some strict departments forbid “auxiliary aids.” However, many candidates wear the contacts to demonstrate that their corrected vision is normal, similar to wearing glasses for 20/20 vision. Tip: Always be honest, but show them you have a solution that works.
Do they work for the “Wire Test”? Yes. If your department uses a practical test (identifying wires or colored pencils), these contacts make distinguishing red and green wires significantly easier.
Reference Sources:
IACP Medical Standards: The International Association of Chiefs of Police guidelines on vision.
- Reference: “Color vision correction may be used… provided the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform color discrimination tasks.”
- Source: IACP Vision Guidelines
California POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training):
- Reference: Explains the use of the Farnsworth D-15 as an acceptable alternative if Ishihara is failed.
- Source: CA POST Medical Screening Manual
FAA & Transport Standards: Often used as a baseline for Highway Patrol.
- Source: DOT/NHTSA Vision Standards