June 1, 2016
Pupil, a Colorado-based startup, has launched an on-demand vision testing service. Unlike other mobile eye exams, Pupil’s devices offer diagnostic screening capabilities utilizing retinal imaging and eye pressure devices for a more thorough assessment of eye health.
Patients book a day and time on Pupil’s web site, and a professional technician arrives to oversee a 30-minute vision exam which determines their need for prescription eyeglasses. The data is then securely transferred via cloud-based software to a remote optometrist who will then digitally prescribe eyeglasses if needed, or refer the patient to a local eye doctor for further evaluation.
Pupil employs only nationally certified paraoptometric technicians to oversee the patient’s vision screening who have ocular refraction backgrounds and undergo training in-house with Pupil. Pupil technicians collect refraction and diagnostic data which is then reviewed by the physician. They are equipped with five different devices, three of which were developed by EyeNetra: Netra, a smartphone-powered device that outputs the sphere, cylinder, axis and PD measurements; the Netrometer, a type of lensmeter and the Netropter, which functions like a phoropter. The kit also includes a retinal camera and a tonometer.
Pupil does not currently accept insurance and charges $75 per mobile exam in the Colorado Springs coverage area. The company currently only serves the Colorado Springs area, however promises expansion in the coming months.
Pupil said its mobile screening is not designed to take the place of a comprehensive eye exam performed by an eyecare professional, as indicated by multiple disclaimers on the its web site. Pupil also advocates for the optometric profession by providing patients with educational material and encouraging them to see an eye doctor at least every two years, or as advised.
For more information, visit www.pupil.vision or call (888) 81-PUPIL
