Warby Parker's New App Lets You Skip the Eye Doctor

Warby Parker wants to get you the right prescription glasses without forcing you to get an in-person eye test. The eyeglasses retailer is now testing its new Prescription Check app that uses your phone and computer in tandem to administer a 20-minute series of eye tests, which are then reviewed by a doctor who makes the final call on your prescription. This could let Warby Parker sell people prescription glasses on impulse rather than hoping customers come back once they get their prescription the old-fashioned way. For now, Warby Parker says only people between the ages of 18 and 40 in California, Florida, New York and Virginia who already have Warby Parker glasses are eligible for the test. And initially Warby Parker will only confirm that someone’s existing prescription is still right, before allowing the app to give users updated prescriptions in the future.

Total Retail's Take: Warby Parker has always been recognized for its innovative nature, and its Prescription Check app is further proof that the reputation is well deserved. Having said that, I'm skeptical the app will gain widespread adoption. At least it wouldn't by me. There's little I would place higher in terms of importance than my eyesight, and I'm hesitant to put control of that into the hands of a doctor that I've never met or been directly examined by. I applaud Warby Parker for its vision (pun intended!), but I'm going to pass on the Prescription Check app.