How ExpressExam really works

The Internet is a magical place. Where else could you learn Dutch, meet potential soulmates, and connect with people from around the world who share your love for dad jokes? With everything you can do online these days, it only makes sense that you can renew your contact lens prescription. 

How do online eye exams work? Let's make one thing clear: Online exams aren't comprehensive eye exams. They don't test for eye diseases or evaluate overall eye health. That's why we call the 10-minute ExpressExam an online vision exam because it evaluates how well you can see vs. the health of your eyes. It's a faster, cheaper, easier way to ensure that you can still see clearly with your existing contact lens prescription. 

Below, we'll dig deeper into how ExpressExam works and why it's the best (from our utterly unbiased perspective, of course). 

How ExpressExam works 

You can take an ExpressExam through our website (Google Chrome is the preferred browser if you go website route) or free mobile app. All you'll need are these five things: 

1. Contact lenses in your current prescription
2. Your current prescription details (from your expired prescription, contact lens boxes, blister packs, a previous order, etc.) 
   
3. A smartphone or computer with a webcam and microphone 
   
4. 10 feet of space in a quiet, well-lit area
   
5. A driver license, credit card, or another card of the same shape and size for screen calibration (if you're using a computer)

First, you'll answer some quick eligibility and screening questions. For example, we'll make sure you're in a participating state (most states participate) and within the exam age range (18 to 64 in most places). If you need an excuse for a little road trip, every non-participating state except Hawaii borders a participating state. Sorry, Hawaiians. But at least you're in Hawaii, right?

Next, you'll do a brief eye redness check and an acuity check. For the acuity check, you'll stand 10 feet from your screen and read the letters on the screen aloud, kind of like you would for an in-person vision exam. Lastly, you'll enter your brand and prescription information and pay $20. Assuming your prescription is still working well for you, a board-certified doctor will write you a new contact lens prescription within two business hours. We'll automatically add it to your account so you can order right away. You'll also be provided with a digital copy if you'd like to use it to purchase somewhere else.  

Why ExpressExam is the best 

• Takes 10 minutes or less (compared to an hour-ish plus travel time for an in-person comprehensive exam)
• Enables you to get your contacts up to two days sooner
• Is available 24/7 instead of only during business hours
• Provides the same contact lens prescription you'd get from an in-person exam
• Costs $20 (compared to $90-$150 for a typical in-person exam) and is FSA and HSA eligible
• Your prescription is guaranteed accurate and can be used anywhere in the U.S.
• The doctor may provide multiple prescriptions so you can try different brands based on wear length, price, etc.
• Doesn't require dilation or those dreadful air puffs 

Do you have any other questions or need any more reasons to try ExpressExam? Please chat with us online or call our ExpressExam experts at 1-800-815-8114.