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Medicine & Health Optometry & Vision Science

Colour Vision Clinic

Studio shot of a man opening his eyes against a dark background

Colour vision assessments are conducted in the colour vision clinic for congenital and acquired colour vision deficiencies. 


Congenital colour vision deficiencies affect approximately 8% of males and 0.5% of females. 

Congenital colour vision deficiencies are genetic (the colour vision gene is carried on the X-chromosome) and are generally stable throughout life. Acquired colour vision deficiencies are not genetic and may result from illness, an eye disease or occur as a side effect of medication. The severity of the colour vision deficiency may change with time. A detailed referral is required if an assessment is requested regarding an acquired colour vision deficiency. If this is not available, we can arrange an appointment for a primary care consultation before being seen at the Colour Vision Clinic. 

At the UNSW Colour Vision Clinic, optometrists can measure the type and, depending on the client’s age, the extent of colour vision deficiencies. Once this information is known, clients can discuss with the optometrist the occupational and practical consequences of their colour vision. 

Examinations to assess the suitability of clients with normal colour vision for tasks requiring precise colour discrimination, for example colour matching and quality control work can also be requested.  

Reports of colour vision assessments to vocational bodies can be provided on request. 

Frequently asked questions

  • There is a $200 fee charged for a colour vision assessment for adults and a $150 fee for children under 15 years.

  • You do not require a formal referral to attend our clinic. However, if you have been given a written referral to the UNSW Optometry Clinic by your local optometrist, medical practitioner or other health care professional, please forward a copy of the referral to reception at least 48 hrs before your scheduled appointment either by fax +61 2 90551900 or email.

  • Your colour vision assessment will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, which includes the initial testing as well as the follow-up discussion.

    • Your current spectacles (and/or spectacle prescriptions).

    • A list of any regular medications and any known allergies. 

    • Any reports or visual field tests from other health care professionals that you might have.

    • A workplace referral or any workplace reports that need to be completed if required. 

  • No, a colour vision assessment does not include a dilated examination of your eyes. If required, you may  be referred to another clinic for further assessment of your ocular health.

  • Our UNSW Optometry Clinic offers a wide selection of fashionable frames as part of our complete service. Our specialist can advise you on all the factors to consider, including the type of lenses and frames that are most suited to your vision, comfort, and the intended use for the spectacles. 

    We also offer sunglasses, occupational eye protection as well as contact lenses and solutions. 

    Our prices are well below retail prices, and then discounted by up to 20% if you attend our student clinics. We also have competitively priced package deals.

    The UNSW Optometry Clinic is an agent for the free spectacle schemes run by the Department of Community Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The UNSW Optometry Clinic offers free spectacles to patients who qualify. 

  • Colour Vision clinics run every Wednesday.

Contact us

Colour Vision Clinic enquiries: 
Email: ´Ç±è³Ù´Ç³¾³¦±ô¾±²Ô¾±³¦°ª³Ü²Ô²õ·É.±ð»å³Ü.²¹³ÜÌý
Telephone: +61 2 9385 4624 

For further Information on the Colour Vision Clinic: 
Email: Vanessa Honson

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