High and low contrast word reading chart

Historical Significance: This test is derived from the logMar word reading test devised by Ian Bailey and Jan Kitchin (Bailey IL, Lovie JE. The design and use of a new near-vision chart. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1980; 57: 378-87.) but extends their concepts to a low contrast version to test whether there is impairment of contrast sensitivity in addition to any loss of high contrast visual acuity. Its other novel features are the multiple scales for word size and clear succinct instructions on each side. The designer of this test, Alan W Johnston graduated in optometry at the University of Melbourne in 1963. He went into private practice but returned to do a Masters degree and then a PhD degree. He was a research fellow funded by the Australian Road Research Board in Professor Cole's ergonomics laboratory while enrolled as a PhD student. He was appointed lecturer in the Department of Optometry in 1974 and was well regarded as a clinical teacher and an expert in low vision. He served as Clinic administrator in the Australian College of Optometry for some years and as Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Science. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his contributions to low vision care. He became an Associate Professor and resigned in 2000 to enter private practice. This test had an earlier incarnation as a product of Alan Johnston Vision Consulting 87 Barrabool Road Highton Victoria 3126 Australia (See Cat No 1394). The earlier test and this one are undated, but this test was probably published in 2013. It is referred to and illustrated in an article written by Alan Johnston and published in Pharma (a supplement to Australian Optometry) September 2013. See Cat No. 993, 1407 and 1408 for other low contrast visual acuity tests.