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Online eye exam Opternative receives $1M in funding
A website that aims to provide patients with an online eye exam and valid prescriptions has received $1 million in seed round funding, according to the company.
Opternative, a Chicago-based company, hopes to make eye care more accessible, convenient and inexpensive.
With Opternative’s technology, a complete eye exam would be available to patients who can access a computer or tablet that is connected to the Internet. After the 5- to 10-minute exam, patients would receive a prescription signed by an eye care practitioners for contact lenses or glasses.
The exam would cost 75% less than a traditional office visit, according to the company.
“I knew I needed to make the eye exam experience better,” Steven Lee, OD, co-founder of Opternative, said in the release. My years working as an optometrist led me to create Opternative.People who use Opternative will receive a prescription that is accurate and convenient. They can use it to buy glasses or contact lenses either online or from a local eye wear provider.”
“I know firsthand the challenges people face in having their eyes examined,” Aaron Dallek, CEO and cofounder of Opternative, said in the release. “Our goal at Opternative is to offer an eye exam that is easy to use, precise and saves people time and money. Our vision is to help the world see and feel better. We will revolutionize the way eye care is delivered in the U.S. and across the globe.”
In an earlier email to Primary Care Optometry News, Opternative said it hoped to make the technology available to the public this spring or early summer.