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Are online eye tests any good?

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Have you considered getting online eye tests? The idea of being able to get an eyeglass prescription and buy glasses without a trip to the eye doctor may sound appealing. Before ditching the traditional eye exams, there are a few things you need to know!

Online Eye Tests

The most important thing to know about online eye tests is they do not evaluate the health of your eyes. Even if they are called “online eye exams,” these exams only measure your visual acuity and refractive error. Some online eye tests can check for contrast sensitivity and color blindness. However, none of this can tell the health of your eyes.

The only way to know the complete health of your eyes is through eye exams with your doctor. During an eye exam, your doctor can detect vision-threatening conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Early detection of these conditions can prevent vision loss and blindness.

Know The Risks:

  • Online eye exams cannot detect eye diseases
  • Improper testing can occur due to error or misreading instructions
  • Higher chance of getting incorrect prescription due to self-administered the eye test
  • If you think the prescription is incorrect, your only option is to pay again and retake the test
  • An eyecare professional is not present to answer questions or concerns

Validation of Online Eye Tests

The results of online eye tests have not been guaranteed to be accurate measures of your prescription. Due to this being relatively new technology, there have not been enough studies to determine the reliability and validity of online eye tests.

Additionally, many online eye tests say their technology is suitable only for people between the ages 18 and 40 who are in good health. The limitations of the eye test raise concerns to the overall validity of the test. For these reasons, we do not recommend them as your sole option for your receiving your prescription.

The best way to ensure your eyes are healthy, you receive the correct prescription, and get answers to all your questions is through face-to-face eye exams with your eye doctor. Our staff of trained eyecare professionals will help you through every step of the process. Our office is here to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Written by Dr. Kelsey Tillotson

Dr. Kelsey Tillotson was born and raised in Round Rock, Texas. She then made the journey south to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Tillotson then attended the University of Houston School of Optometry, where she obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree. She is certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and the Texas Optometry Board as a therapeutic optometrist.

More Articles By Dr. Kelsey Tillotson
  • Over 40,000 of your neighbors have chosen us for their eye care.
  • 98% of our patients would refer us to others

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Drew Provost

Clinic Director/Founder

Dr. Drew Provost received his bachelor’s degree studying Sociology/Microbiology from the University of Georgia followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Raymond Carneglia

Optometrist

Dr. Raymond Carneglia received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin followed by his Doctor of Optometry Degree from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry.

Dr. Kelsey Tillotson

Optometrist

Dr. Kelsey Tillotson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston. She then attended the University of Houston School of Optometry, where she obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree.

Dr. Ashish Patel

Optometrist

Dr. Ashish Patel earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University in College Station. He then attended the University of Houston School of Optometry, where he obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree.

Dr. Monica Do

Optometrist

Dr. Monica Do attended the University of Texas at Austin where she obtained her bachelor’s in biology followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Dr. Marcia Truong

Optometrist

Dr. Marcia Truong attended San Jose State University where she obtained her bachelor’s in chemistry followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree at Illinois College of Optometry.

Dr Emily Janak

Dr. Emily Janak

Optometrist

Dr. Emily Janak received her bachelor’s in biomedical sciences and nutritional sciences from Texas A&M University. She then obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Our Locations

North Austin

Find us conveniently located attached to the Costco just off Research Boulevard. Feel free to park anywhere in the Costco parking lot.

  • 10401 Research Blvd, Suite A
  • Austin, TX 78759

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM

Pflugerville

Our Pflugerville location is attached to the Costco at the corner of Highway 130 and Kelly Lane. Give us a call if you have any trouble finding us.

  • 1901 Kelly Lane, Suite A
  • Pflugerville, TX 78660

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:15 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM

Georgetown

Find us conveniently located attached to the new Costco just off I-35 . Feel free to park anywhere in the Costco parking lot.

  • 2201 I-35, Ste A
  • Georgetown, TX 78628

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM 6:30 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM 4:00 PM
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