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AOA addresses Eyebot technology
November 4, 2025
The AOA Federal Relations and Advocacy Action Committee and the New Technology Committee advocate for patient safety and greater regulation of potentially misleading diagnostic devices.
Tag(s): Advocacy, Patient Protection
Key Takeaways
- Eyebot kiosks promise 90-second “vision tests” and doctor-reviewed eyeglass prescriptions at patients’ convenience.
- After assessing and testing the technology, the AOA alerted the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the need for further assessment to safeguard patient health and privacy, as well as raising potential regulatory concerns with the relationship between Eyebot and Zenni Optical.
- The AOA is monitoring the Eyebot development and will continue to advocate for the highest standards of patient safety.
- The AOA recently revised its Policy Statement on Telemedicine in Optometry.
When Eyebot kiosks first popped up in late 2024 in New England, the AOA immediately mobilized to assess the technology.
The standalone kiosks promise 90-second “vision tests” and doctor-reviewed eyeglass prescriptions. Found in shopping malls, the kiosks promise easy access to quick prescriptions. Through a partnership with Zenni Optical, the kiosks also offer the vision test and prescription for free with the purchase of a pair of glasses priced at $49 or more.
In a joint letter to the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, then-AOA President Steven T. Reed, O.D., and David Metsch, O.D., president of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists, encouraged further assessment to safeguard patient health and privacy, as well as the relationship between Eyebot and Zenni Optical.
“We believe that the technology needs to be assessed to ensure compliance with federal rules and immediate attention is warranted to address misinformation regarding the capabilities and accuracy of this product,” the letter states.
In addition, AOA raised concerns with a potential violation of PART 456—OPHTHALMIC PRACTICE RULES (EYEGLASS RULE) section 456.2, separation of examination and dispensing. The regulations indicate it is an unfair act or practice for an ophthalmologist or optometrist to fail to provide to the patient one copy of the patient's prescription immediately after the refractive eye examination is completed and before offering to sell the patient ophthalmic goods, whether or not the prescription is requested by the patient.
Eyebot and Zenni’s offering to patients inherently ties the purchase of prescription eyewear to the release of the prescription, and those who choose not to purchase from Zenni are forced to pay for the prescription and vision test if they choose not to purchase from Zenni.
In addition to these federal concerns, further advocacy is underway at the state level with AOA collaboration.
AOA prioritizes patient safety
Eyebot presents an interesting question: are patients getting an eye exam or a vision test? For Deanna Alexander, O.D., chair of the AOA Federal Relations and Advocacy Action Committee, this language is problematic.
“The greatest red flag is that it may not be testing vision accurately, and it’s misleading to the patients,” Dr. Alexander says. “Their eye health is not being checked. If they were having vision issues and went to an in-person exam, their optometrist could detect those markers of silent disease.”
Eyebot kiosks do not advertise themselves as eye exams, but the language is similar enough that patients without prior knowledge may assume they are receiving the full breadth of services they receive during an in-person eye exam. After receiving a prescription for glasses, they may not see the need for testing for glaucoma, cataracts or other common vision-related diagnoses, according to Dr. Alexander.
AOA seeks to embrace trusted technology
Chris Wroten, O.D., chair of the AOA New Technology Committee, says AOA aims to embrace technology, but only that which advances patient health.
“AOA is committed to advocating on behalf of patients and patient safety, and we never want to throttle or prevent new technologies from coming to market just because they’re new or different. We're not about stifling innovation,” Dr. Wroten says. “However, some technologies, whether intentional or unintentional, may endanger patients in the pursuit of profits. As new innovations roll out, there is an opportunity for standards of care to be compromised, so as the primary eye care profession, organized optometry must remain vigilant on behalf of our patients.”
The AOA recently revised its Policy Statement on Telemedicine in Optometry. The new statement specifically refers to technology such as Eyebot. Direct-to-patient technology should not be used as a replacement for a comprehensive eye exam or for diagnostic eye, health or vision conditions.
Telemedicine offers the opportunity for high-value, high-quality eye, health and vision care, expanding access for patients and improving implementation of care. However, important criteria must be met to ensure these services meet the existing standard of care. If new technology contributes to care coordination, protects and promotes the doctor-patient relationship, and meets state and licensure and legal requirements, it will be welcomed into the optometry toolbox.
The AOA is monitoring the Eyebot development and will continue to advocate for the highest standards of patient safety.