A guide to online eye exams

Can I get a good eye exam online?

If you’re referring to a vision test to update your glasses or contacts prescription, then yes. If you’re thinking more along the lines of an eye health checkup — then, not quite.

The idea of updating your vision prescription online is relatively new and might still be unfamiliar to many. We’ll go over the ins and outs of online vision tests and help you decide if they’re right for you.

What does an online eye exam include?

Online eye exams are often referred to as vision tests or prescription checkups, since there isn’t an actual examination of the eyes. The purpose of this test is to quickly renew an existing vision prescription without the need for an office visit.

Online vision tests are available for both glasses and contact lens prescriptions.

These tests primarily focus on the “refraction” portion of an eye exam, when a visual prescription is determined. Some also test for astigmatism and color blindness.

After an online test, an optometrist will look over the results. If nothing unusual stands out, you should get your prescription shortly after. The exam itself can take as little as five minutes, and the entire process usually takes about one business day.