Eyebot Aims to Disrupt Eye Exams With Three Minute Kiosk Tests Getting a vision test is a routine but often inconvenient task, typically requiring a scheduled appointment and a twenty minute session with an optician. A startup called Eyebot believes it has a solution that cuts that time down to just three minutes using an automated kiosk. The device addresses two key problems in eye care accessibility and convenience. According to Eyebot CEO Matthias Hofmann, while a majority of Americans still prefer buying glasses in person, many face significant barriers to getting a prescription. This is especially true in rural areas where the nearest eye doctor could be an hour’s drive away, followed by a potentially lengthy wait for the prescription itself. The Eyebot kiosk is designed for walk up use, allowing people to get a test on demand without an appointment. The process is straightforward. A user approaches the kiosk and follows instructions on a large touchscreen. After answering some basic screening questions the test is intended for adults aged 18 to 64 the user completes a standard letter chart exam. The final step involves staring at a picture of a hot air balloon. Once finished, the user provides an email address to receive their results. A common concern might be the accuracy of an automated machine. Eyebot clarifies that the process is not purely algorithmic. Each test result is reviewed and signed off by a licensed eye doctor working remotely, who examines the data collected by the kiosk. In a test comparison, a prescription generated by the Eyebot system matched a previous prescription from a traditional in person exam. It is important to note the kiosk’s limitations. It cannot perform medical diagnostic tests, such as the puff of air test that checks for glaucoma risk. Therefore, while it can provide a vision prescription, the company still advises users to schedule regular comprehensive exams with an eye care professional. Currently, Eyebot kiosks are available in a limited number of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Pennsylvania, with plans for a broader national rollout. At Walmart, the service requires a payment, while at Sam’s Club it is offered as a membership benefit. Hofmann envisions these kiosks expanding to shopping malls and physical stores for online eyewear retailers, making it easier for customers to get a prescription and immediately order new glasses. The technology represents a shift towards more accessible and efficient vision care, offering a quick alternative for prescription renewal amidst busy schedules and provider shortages.
