Online Eye Exam Apps
Renew Rx without office visit.
Online eye exam services
- Warby Parker Virtual Vision Test — $15. Renew prescription if you're 18-65 and recent exam.
- 1-800 Contacts ExpressExam — $20. Contact lens Rx renewal.
- EyeQue — $30 device + free test. Measure your refractive error at home. Not Rx-valid.
- Visibly — $35 online vision test. Available in 36 states.
- Lensabl Online Vision Test — $20.
Why you STILL need eye doctor
Online "exams" only test refraction (glasses strength). They DON'T check for:
- Cataracts.
- Glaucoma.
- Macular degeneration.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Eye cancer (rare but real).
- Detached retina.
For seniors — full in-person eye exam every 1-2 years is essential. Online apps are good for off-year prescription updates.
Free / cheap eye exams for seniors
- EyeCare America (AAO) — FREE eye exam for 65+ seniors who haven't had one in 3+ years. eyecareamerica.org.
- VSP / EyeMed — vision insurance covers $0-25 exams.
- Costco / Sam's Club Optical — $60-80 exam (much cheaper than retail).
- Walmart Vision Center — $50-70 exam.
- Lions Club — free eye exams + glasses for low-income seniors.
- Original Medicare — covers only glaucoma + cataract follow-ups, NOT routine exams.
Buy glasses online cheaper
- Zenni — frames + lenses from $7. $25-50 typical pair.
- EyeBuyDirect — $8 frames, $30 typical pair.
- Warby Parker — $95+. Try-on at home program.
- Costco Optical — best in-person price.
- Walmart, Target — strong mid-range.
- Need PD (pupillary distance) from eye doctor — measure yourself with apps too.
Senior eye health basics
Most seniors need NEW prescription every 2-3 years. Cataracts develop in most people 70+. Sudden vision change, sudden floaters, curtain in vision = ER. Annual visit catches problems while still treatable.