Online eye refractions in California

There has been much discussion in the press lately about online eye refraction applications. AOA put out an alert and COA has subsequently received a number of inquiries from our members about Opternative.

COA is vigilantly working with AOA, the State Board of Optometry and the Medical Board of California to prevent Opternative from operating in California. Opternative advertises on its website that it uses ophthalmologists from each state to approve its prescriptions. COA believes this arrangement is prohibited in California.

COA is requesting members’ assistance in gathering evidence that providers in California are writing prescriptions for consumers based on the results of an online eye refraction technology, like Opternative, and any potential harm caused, or that California consumers are using this technology. This evidence will be used to take the appropriate action to have those activities stopped. If you are aware or have evidence these online services are being delivered in California, please contact Bill Howe, COA’s executive director.