US association urges review into ‘misleading’ online vision tests

An online vision test used by retailer 1-800 Contacts could be misleading patients, said the American Optometric Association (AOA), which has asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the use of the digital technology.

Data from an online health care terminology survey commissioned by the AOA on the ExpressExam vision test used by 1-800 Contacts showed over half (56%) thought an ExpressExam was the same exam or test that an ECP would provide during an in-person office visit, but in less time.

A further 49% thought that an ExpressExam, that uses technology provided by Visibly (previously known as Opternative), would afford them the opportunity to talk about their eye issues with an optometrist or eye doctor, that the test does provide, said the AOA.