Which examination assesses a patient's color perception and helps in detecting color blindness?

The Ishihara test is specifically designed to assess a patient's color perception and is widely recognized for its effectiveness in detecting color blindness, particularly red-green color deficiencies. This test utilizes a series of plates that contain colored dots arranged in particular patterns, which form numbers or shapes that can only be seen by individuals with normal color vision. If a person cannot distinguish the numbers or patterns due to color vision deficiency, it indicates a potential issue with their color perception.

Other tests mentioned do not serve the same purpose as the Ishihara test. For instance, the Snellen test primarily evaluates visual acuity, determining how well a person can see at a distance, and does not assess color perception. The Rosenbaum test is used for assessing near visual acuity, while the Marshfield Clinic test encompasses a variety of vision tests but is not primarily focused on color vision like the Ishihara test is. Thus, the Ishihara test is the appropriate choice for detecting color blindness.