The Maryland eye care community urges lawmakers to exclude virtual "vision examinations” from approved telehealth services. Virtual vision tests are unregulated and are no substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Currently, there is no accepted telehealth technology to replace physical examination of the eye or determination of glasses or contact lens prescriptions. Unregulated virtual vision screenings negatively impact patient and consumer safety for several reasons.

1. Comprehensive eye examinations detect asymptomatic eye and health conditions that could otherwise lead to damaging health or vision complications. Diseases detected during routine eye exams include diabetes and sight-threatening glaucoma, both of which have better outcomes when detected early.
2. Telehealth vision services are not FDA approved. They are not standardized for accuracy and they fail to detect eye and medical conditions that are screened for as part of a comprehensive eye exam.
3. An analysis of online glasses sales revealed that 44.8% of lenses ordered online were fulfilled with an inappropriate prescription or materials. Use of an inaccurate eyeglass prescription can lead to eyestrain, difficulty focusing, and headaches.
4. Contact lenses are medical devices, custom fit to a patient’s eye surface. Inappropriate size, fit, or material is associated with increased risk of sight-threatening infection and inflammation.

Help protect the health of Maryland citizens by preserving the integrity of primary eye care delivery. Sign the petition to urge Maryland lawmakers to stop online vision testing disguised as a comprehensive eye exam.