Walmart implements Eyebot Technology (VA testing kiosk) in its stores, a potential threat.
Walmart implements Eyebot Technology (VA testing kiosk) in its stores, a potential threat.
The Issue
Subject: ACTION REQUESTED BY AOSA LEADERSHIP
Support your profession and protect patients. AOSA is requesting immediate student support regarding a new technology Walmart implements Eyebot Technology (a VA testing kiosk) in its stores, a potential threat to patients and our profession.
Eyebot technology consists of automated, self-service kiosks that only measure refractive error and generate an eyeglass prescription quickly, without an in-person examination. While the company states its goal is to expand access to care, this claim raises concerns. Early pilots were placed in shopping malls where on-site Doctor of Optometry were readily available and actively bypassed. Future rollouts are planned for Pennsylvania stores where in-person optometric care is already available, indicating that these kiosks are being introduced in lieu of existing care rather than to serve areas lacking access. This suggests the technology may be replacing, rather than expanding, access to comprehensive eye care. Eyebot is not a replacement for a full eye exam, does not evaluate ocular health, screening for ocular or systemic disease, does not assess binocular vision in depth, or will ever replace the clinical judgment gained through direct patient interaction.
Patient confusion is therefore inevitable. There is no substitute for an in-person comprehensive eye exam. Automated vision testing risks giving patients a false sense of security and may delay diagnosis of serious, often asymptomatic eye diseases that could lead to permanent vision loss. These concerns are not theoretical. Earlier Eyebot placements in other states have resulted in detailed complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on information gathered and reported by the American Optometric Association. Other concerned health advocacy groups have submitted additional complaints to state enforcement officials; underscoring the need for clearer oversight and patient education as this technology continues expanding.
As optometry students, we recognize the threat this technology poses to patient safety and to the quality of eye care. We ask that you consider signing the attached letter to support advocacy efforts urging Walmart to reconsider the implementation of this technology. Help us to uphold standards that prioritize patient safety, comprehensive eye care, and the doctor-patient relationship.
If you wish to support this advocacy effort, please review and sign the attached letter.
83
The Issue
Subject: ACTION REQUESTED BY AOSA LEADERSHIP
Support your profession and protect patients. AOSA is requesting immediate student support regarding a new technology Walmart implements Eyebot Technology (a VA testing kiosk) in its stores, a potential threat to patients and our profession.
Eyebot technology consists of automated, self-service kiosks that only measure refractive error and generate an eyeglass prescription quickly, without an in-person examination. While the company states its goal is to expand access to care, this claim raises concerns. Early pilots were placed in shopping malls where on-site Doctor of Optometry were readily available and actively bypassed. Future rollouts are planned for Pennsylvania stores where in-person optometric care is already available, indicating that these kiosks are being introduced in lieu of existing care rather than to serve areas lacking access. This suggests the technology may be replacing, rather than expanding, access to comprehensive eye care. Eyebot is not a replacement for a full eye exam, does not evaluate ocular health, screening for ocular or systemic disease, does not assess binocular vision in depth, or will ever replace the clinical judgment gained through direct patient interaction.
Patient confusion is therefore inevitable. There is no substitute for an in-person comprehensive eye exam. Automated vision testing risks giving patients a false sense of security and may delay diagnosis of serious, often asymptomatic eye diseases that could lead to permanent vision loss. These concerns are not theoretical. Earlier Eyebot placements in other states have resulted in detailed complaints filed with the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based on information gathered and reported by the American Optometric Association. Other concerned health advocacy groups have submitted additional complaints to state enforcement officials; underscoring the need for clearer oversight and patient education as this technology continues expanding.
As optometry students, we recognize the threat this technology poses to patient safety and to the quality of eye care. We ask that you consider signing the attached letter to support advocacy efforts urging Walmart to reconsider the implementation of this technology. Help us to uphold standards that prioritize patient safety, comprehensive eye care, and the doctor-patient relationship.
If you wish to support this advocacy effort, please review and sign the attached letter.
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Petition created on January 25, 2026