Professional color vision screening
Short answer
The Neitz Test of Color Vision is a paper screening using shapes, suitable for children and adults. It checks red-green and blue-yellow differences; copied images or an ordinary online quiz cannot replace the original calibrated materials.
In detail
Developed for efficient group screening, the Neitz test can be used in classrooms as well as individual assessments. Its shape-based task avoids reading numbers.
This page explains the original instrument and how it differs from other children's tests; Color Vision Labs does not administer or reproduce the Neitz test.
Instrument overview: Neitz Vision — developer's overview.
The original sheet has one demonstration and eight scored panels. The examiner explains the shape choices, checks understanding, and follows the manual's lighting instructions. Young children can trace their response. PhenX specifies retesting an error with a different form and using the official scoring key. PhenX Toolkit — Color Vision protocol 110201.
The developer describes classroom administration in under five minutes. A parent or teacher should focus on whether the child understands the task, rather than coach a particular answer. A concern raised during screening is a reason to discuss a suitable follow-up assessment. Neitz Vision — developer's overview.
These are distinct instruments. Shape-based answers make a test approachable without making the materials, coverage, or scores interchangeable.
The original study evaluated classroom screening and followed repeated errors with individual conventional testing. The authors also tested a sample of children who passed, while explicitly noting the statistical limits of that smaller sample. This supports discussing the actual paper protocol, not claiming identical accuracy for a browser imitation. Neitz & Neitz (2001) — original childhood screening study.
PhenX states that reproductions do not retain the required calibration and that the test materials are proprietary. Use authorized materials and their manual for the Neitz procedure. We do not reproduce the sheet, publish an answer key, or label our independently generated screening as Neitz. PhenX Toolkit — Color Vision protocol 110201.
Our children's hub helps you choose a picture or symbol activity by age. These are online self-checks with screen limitations, and do not administer the Neitz instrument.
For a professional assessment, ask an eye-care practitioner which test suits your child's age and the purpose of testing.
Children's picture self-check
An independent online activity inspired by a pictures-not-numbers approach.
HRR test
Explore symbol-based color screening and its screen limitations.
Waggoner tests explained
Understand CVTME and the other Waggoner instruments.
Compare color vision tests
Choose between online self-checks and professional methods.
Last reviewed September 12, 2026. Independent educational guide. No affiliation with the test developer or publisher; original materials and professional interpretation are required where applicable.