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California ODs warn patients about online vision testing
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The California Optometric Association this week cautioned consumers in the state that online vision tests come with significant safety concerns and may appear to violate federal law.
In a letter to the California Attorney General, the COA wrote that Opternative and its partner, 1-800 CONTACTS, appear to be violating an Oct. 30, 2017, FDA letter demanding Opternative cease marketing its online product in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, according to a press release from the association.
Optometrists warned patients that online vision tests cannot replace an in-person examination from an eye doctor. Technology that removes an in-person examination of the eye by an optometrist or physician raises significant health and safety concerns, the COA said in the release.
Seventeen U.S. states currently limit online vision tests or are considering legislation to limit the technology, according to the release.