Background: Medical image perception research relies on visual data to study the diagnostic relationship between
observers and medical images. A consistent method to assess visual function for participants in medical imaging
research has not been developed and represents a significant gap in existing research.
Methods: Three visual assessment factors appropriate to observer studies were identified: visual acuity, contrast sensitivity,
and stereopsis. A test was designed for each, and 30 radiography observers (mean age 31.6 years) participated in each
test.
Results: Mean binocular visual acuity for distance was 20/14 for all observers. The difference between observers who did
and did not use corrective lenses was not statistically significant (P ! .12). All subjects had a normal value for near visual
acuity and stereoacuity. Contrast sensitivity was better than population norms.
Conclusion: All observers had normal visual function and could participate in medical imaging visual analysis studies.
Protocols of evaluation and populations norms are provided. Further studies are necessary to understand fully the relationship
between visual performance on tests and diagnostic accuracy in practice
