PurposeNon-human primates (NHPs) are useful models for human retinal disease. Chromatic pupillometry has been proposed as a noninvasive method of identifying inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in humans; however, standard protocols employ time-consuming dark adaptation. We utilized shortened and standard dark-adaptation protocols to compare pupillary light reflex characteristics following chromatic stimulation in rhesus macaques with achromatopsia to wild-type (WT) controls with normal retinal function.MethodsNine rhesus macaques homozygous for the p.R656Q mutation (PDE6CHOMs) and nine WT controls were evaluated using chromatic pupillometry following 1-minute versus standard 20-minute dark adaptations. The following outcomes were measured and compared between groups: pupil constriction latency, peak constriction, pupil constriction time, and constriction velocity.ResultsPupil constriction latency was significantly longer inPDE6CHOMs with red-light (P= 0.0002) and blue-light (P= 0.04) stimulation versus WT controls. Peak constriction was significantly less inPDE6CHOMs with all light stimulation compared to WT controls (P< 0.0001). Pupil constriction time was significantly shorter inPDE6CHOMs versus WT controls with red-light (P= 0.04) and white-light (P= 0.003) stimulation. Pupil constriction velocity was significantly slower inPDE6CHOMs versus WT controls with red-light (P< 0.0001), blue-light (P< 0.0001), and white-light (P= 0.0002) stimulation. Dark adaptation time only significantly affected peak (P= 0.008) and time of pupil constriction (P= 0.02) following blue-light stimulation.ConclusionsChromatic pupillometry following 1- and 20-minute dark adaptation is an effective tool for screening NHPs for achromatopsia.Translational RelevanceRapid identification of NHPs with IRDs will provide animal research models to advance research and treatment of achromatopia in humans.