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View all search resultsLack of early screening leaves color-blind children behind
Experts said early detection of color blindness would help children adapt more effectively, develop their potential and better anticipate future challenges.
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Elementary school students participate in a coloring contest at a literacy festival and book on Feb. 18. 2026, fair held in Padalarang, West Bandung regency.. (Antara/Abdan Syakura)
D
espite the significant impact of color blindness on educational and career opportunities, the lack of early detection continues to prevent many Indonesian children from receiving timely support and reaching their full potential.
Dr. Antonia Kartika, president director of Cicendo National Eye Hospital, said the Health Ministry estimates that about 0.7 percent of Indonesia's 280 million population, or around 2 million people, has color vision deficiency. However, several independent studies suggest the prevalence could be as high as 5 percent, or reaching 14 million people.
Antonia said most cases of color blindness are present from birth. Although the condition can affect educational and career opportunities, many people are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.
"Public awareness about color blindness and early screening in Indonesia remain limited," Antonia said, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
She further explained that color blindness may affect children’s development, noting that around 75 percent of brain development, including motor, emotional and cognitive functions, is influenced by vision. She said undiagnosed color blindness can therefore lead to difficulties in school.
“For example, a child is asked to read a colored chart. The teacher then asks which color represents the highest value on the graph. A child with color vision deficiency may give the wrong answer, not due to a lack of understanding, but because they perceive colors differently from other children,” Antonia said.
She said early detection of color blindness would help children adapt more effectively, develop their potential, and better anticipate future challenges.
