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What is the difference between an online eye exam and an in-person eye exam?

If your peepers are in need of a little TLC, your best bet is to schedule an eye exam. Thanks to the wonders of telemedicine, some eye care professionals now offer two options:

  • Vision test: Also known as visual acuity tests, online eye exams help determine how well you see at different distances.

  • Eye exam: An in-person eye exam combines visual acuity testing with other assessments.

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Online eye exams and in-person eye exams aren't the same, but they can both help you get a handle on your vision. We compared an online vs. in-person eye exam to help you understand what to expect.

Stay tuned for details on the advantages of each one, along with a list of states where you can get an online eye exam at your convenience.

Find out more on what an online vision exam is from Dr. Nagori:

What to expect from an online eye exam

This type of exam uses the miracle of modern technology to assess your vision via the internet. You won't have to leave home, but you will need a computer or mobile device. It's also critical to sit in a well-lit room. After all, you wouldn't want your device to mistake you for Dracula.

An online eye exam usually includes these tests:

  • Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test determines how well you see at certain distances. Have you ever seen a chart with a few big letters at the top and a bunch of tiny letters at the bottom? That's the Snellen chart. It's just one of the tools used to determine if you need corrective lenses.

  • Refraction test: When light enters your eyes, it has to bend (refract). If your eye has an unusual shape, light doesn't refract correctly, making everything a bit fuzzy. Never fear! A refraction test helps your eye care professional whip up the perfect pair of glasses or contacts.

  • Astigmatism test: Astigmatism is an abnormal curvature of your lens or cornea. During an online astigmatism test, you cover your left eye and look at an image. Then you cover your right eye and look at the image a second time. If any of the lines look blurrier or darker than others, you may have astigmatism.

Once you complete these easy tests, an eye care professional reviews the results. If you need corrective lenses, they'll prepare a prescription.

How does an ExpressExam compare to an online eye exam?

ExpressExam is a 1-800 Contacts eye exam that takes place entirely online. It's comparable to other online eye exams as it takes place in the comfort of your own home. All you need is an internet-capable device, 10 feet of space, and a quiet, well-lit area. 

After you answer some questions, you'll do a quick redness check. The coup de grace is the visual acuity test, which requires you to stand 10 feet from your screen and read the letters loudly enough for your microphone to pick up what you're saying. That's it! Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

ExpressExam vs. in-person exam: Which is right for you?

ExpressExam is a great option if you already wear corrective lenses and just need an updated prescription. It's not the right fit if you have glaucoma or another eye problem. Schedule your online eye exam today.

Learn more about ExpressExam:

What are the advantages of online eye exams?

One of the main advantages of an online vs. in-person eye exam is convenience. You don't have to make an appointment, and you don't have to go anywhere. Hey, if you want to do the exam with bedhead and a pair of flannel PJs, we won't judge.

Online eye exams also save you money. Since they have fewer components, they typically cost less than in-person eye exams. As an added bonus, many providers have your new lens prescription ready in under 24 hours.

How accurate is an online eye exam?

So, how reliable are online eye exams? If you follow the instructions to a T, they're highly accurate.

What states allow online eye exams?

As of April 2025, these 37 states allow online eye exams:

  • Alabama

  • Alaska

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Connecticut

  • Florida

  • Hawaii

  • Iowa

  • Illinois

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Massachusetts

  • Maine

  • Minnesota

  • Missouri

  • Mississippi

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • Vermont

  • Washington

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

What to expect from an in-person eye exam

In-person eye exams have some of the same components as online exams. Your eye care professional will check your visual acuity, do a refraction test, and look for signs of astigmatism. However, an in-person exam takes a deeper look at your eye health.

Your eye care professional may also do the following:

  • Visual field test: This test looks for blind spots and other problems with each field of vision.

  • Conjunctival exam: The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that covers the white part of each eye. A conjunctival exam looks for redness, irritation, and other signs of eye problems.

  • Pupillary reflex test: During this test, your eye care professional makes sure your pupils react as expected when they're exposed to bright light.

  • Intraocular pressure check: Both eyes contain fluid that must be kept at a certain pressure. During an in-person eye exam, a technician delivers a puff of air against the surface of each eye, which helps determine if this pressure is higher than it should be.

What are the advantages of in-person eye exams?

The main advantage of an in-person eye exam is that it includes tests you can't do at home. For example, scientists haven't come up with a way to send a puff of air through your computer screen.

In-person exams are also ideal if you have a chronic health condition that could put your eye health at risk. Here are a few examples:

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Kidney disease

  • Autoimmune disorders

Learn more information on when to schedule an online vs. an in-person eye exam:

Is a digital eye exam better than a regular eye exam?

A digital eye exam is better if you're in good health and just want someone to check your vision. If you're concerned about glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye damage, or other eye problems, an in-person eye exam may be a better fit for your needs.

Once you compare an online vs. in-person eye exam, visit 1-800 Contacts to learn more about the ExpressExam option.

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

Original publish date: 3/25/2022

Updated date: 5/8/2025

Original author: Austin Brewer