AIM: To investigate the validity of computer-adapted Ishihara test and the concordance with classic Ishihara test for the diagnosis of colour blindness. The sensitivity and the specificity of computer-adapted Ishihara test and potential usefulness of the test for detecting congenital colour blindness or colour vision deficiency were discussed.METHODS: Colour vision of 104 university students aged between 20 and 23 (median 21) years was evaluated by two methods. These methods are: 1) Individual test method based on computer-adapted Ishihara colour plates; 2) Individual test method based on classic method of exposing Ishihara colour printed plates. The capabilities of students perceiving colours were evaluated by these two different methods. The specificity, concordance and validity for the computer adapted Ishihara test method were investigated.RESULTS: There were 6 male and 1 female colour blind students. The pedigree of the female student proved to have a carrier mother and colour blind father. The incidence of colour blindness was 13.6 % (6/44) among males and 1.7%(1/60) for females. The incidence of colour blindness in whole population was 6.7 % (7/104). These students had not been aware that they have colour vision deficiency before our examination tests. Test results of students with normal colour vision and the students with colour blindness were compared as well as the two test methods in terms of concordance. The sensitivity and the specificity were both found to be 100 %and concordance was also found 100 %.CONCLUSION: Computer-adapted Ishihara test is digitally mastered, and remains true with respect to the basic concepts of color vision testing. It has obvious advantages over manual testing because its total test time and its error scores are standardized. It has been found 100% in agreement with the golden standard of classic Ishihara test. These features make this test original and dependable one.