Hardware

Eye-exam kiosks see pushback from optometrist groups

Photo: Adobe Stock

February 10, 2026

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National and state optometric organizations have raised patient safety and regulatory concerns about Eyebot's rollout of its self-serve, AI-enabled vision-testing kiosks, arguing that the technology risks being misunderstood by consumers as a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. The Boston-based startup's kiosks provide a rapid, touch-free vision assessment, typically completed in about 90 seconds, and generate eyeglass prescriptions that are reviewed remotely by licensed eye care providers.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) warns in the trade publication Eyes on Eyecare that the language used to describe automated vision tests may blur the line between a prescription check and a full medical eye examination, potentially leading patients to overlook conditions that require in-person evaluation. Critics note that kiosks cannot perform key medical tests such as measuring intraocular pressure, which is critical for detecting glaucoma and other eye diseases.

At the state level, the Pennsylvania Optometric Association issued a patient safety alert tied to Eyebot pilot deployments in retail optical centers, urging consumers to consult licensed optometrists before relying on results from what it described as largely unregulated standalone kiosks.

Eyebot has emphasized that its technology is not intended to replace comprehensive eye exams, framing the kiosk as a preliminary or convenience-based screening tool that can guide patients toward professional care. Still, optometric organizations stress that innovation should not outpace safeguards, noting that telemedicine and automation are welcome only if they protect the doctor–patient relationship and meet existing clinical and legal standards.