Evaluation of participants' awareness of color vision deficiency: a comparative analysis of self-reported diagnosis and objective diagnostic testing.

Despite the extensive literature on the challenges faced by people with color vision deficiency (CVD), significant gaps persist in participant awareness of the age of CVD diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which participants are aware of CVD, focusing on their understanding of the deficiency. A total of 283 participants participated in a study designed to assess the age at which they became aware of their CVD, what color vision test their diagnosis was based on, and the challenges they faced. In addition, 190 participants underwent color vision testing using the Color Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test, compared to their knowledge of the type of CVD they have. The findings showed that 55% of the participants had found out about their CVD in adulthood, predominantly within occupational contexts. A substantial discrepancy was observed between self-reported diagnoses and clinical findings, with 43% of the participants being unable to specify their type of CVD. There is a necessity for enhanced early diagnostic practices, improved participant education about CVD, and increased public awareness to optimize the quality of life for affected individuals.