Blind to the risk: an analysis into the guidance offered to doctors and medical students with colour vision deficiency

Abstract

Background/objectives: Doctors and medical students with colour vision deficiency (CVD) are less capable and less confident at identifying colour in a wide range of clinical scenarios, some of which could be potentially life-threatening. There have been numerous calls for screening and counselling over the last 25 years.

Subjects/methods: Surveys were sent to all 33 UK medical schools and 154 acute trusts, to ascertain what screening and support exists for doctors with CVD. The response rate was 95%.

Results: 1.4% of acute trusts and 16.7% of medical schools screen for CVD. 3.4% of trusts and 10.0% of medical schools had CVD-specific advice which they give to medical professionals. Guidance and advice given varied widely between different schools and trusts.

Discussions: Despite research showing a clear problem and lack of support for doctors with CVD, there has been a failure to respond by the medical profession. Screening, national guidance, counselling, and further research is needed to provide full support for practitioners with CVD and ensure patient safety.