Last March 16, the world came to a screeching halt when the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus or COVID-19 a pandemic. Countries began closing their borders to international shipments. On a local scale, numerous businesses have adjusted to either temporarily close or shift to take-out and delivery.
There is a spotlight for the medical field because of its involvement as the frontline, but those participating are only a fraction of the actual medical specialties available. One specialty not highlighted in the current issue is Optometry. In response to this, Mister Spex, Europe’s leading multi-channel brand, began offering online applications for individual eye tests.
Take your eye tests online
easee, a TÜV1 and CE2-certified Dutch software company, developed this innovation which is clinically tested at Utrecht Medical Centre. The website offers myopic or nearsighted users with glasses and contact lenses to check their vision, most specifically those in the low to medium single vision range. This also allows the user to examine their prescription for free.
In need of new contacts or #Glasses from @misterspex combined with a validated prescription from @easeeonline
Mister Spex made our online eye exam accessible for customers in multiple countries including the Netherlands!https://t.co/t6jesFYVTU#FlattenTheCurve #COVID19 #StayHome pic.twitter.com/Tkccmx2J1o— easee (@easeeonline) April 8, 2020
Last March, Mister Spex decided to close 21 of its stores in Germany, in addition to closing new store openings, to help avoid the transmission of COVID-19. Mister SPEX Managing Director Dr. Mirko Caspar explained, “In these times of coronavirus, online opticians are currently playing an important role in local care. We have therefore decided to now provide our customers with an online eye test.”
Gathering data
in the succeeding months, Mister Spex will be gathering feedback and information regarding the customers’ experience. “We are continuously reviewing how customers take up the offer. We want to help now since the majority of the brick-and-mortar offerings have closed for the time being.” Dr. Caspar added. The gathered data will be used to further the development of the project.
The latest version of the online test allows the customers to use a phone or computer to execute the test by themselves, with a time allotment of 15 to 30 minutes. The refraction values will be collected and validated by qualified optometrists to determine possible changes from the user’s previous values.
“These are exceptional times and we are proud that our software can add value. We have spent many years researching and testing. Now we are able to do our part for medical care.” easee CEO Yves Prevoo says.
How it works
The online examination is equipped to gather measurements from customers ages 18 to 40 with common refractive errors such as myopia (up to -3.00 D) and astigmatism (cylinder up to -2.5 D). However, this exam is not suitable for problems like comorbidities, amblyopia, and presbyopia.
Here’s how you can avail of the free service on the computer or a smartphone:
- Before the eye test, the customer is given a few questions such as their age and prescription to validate their eligibility for the online exam.
- The online application will guide the user to a step-by-step process with a voice assistant and on-screen instructions. This will take about 15-30 minutes.
- After submission, an optometrist will validate the results. The results will be sent via email within 24 hours. The information will also be stored in the customer’s Mister Spex account.
Our CEO @YvesPrevoo was interviewed by @BNR business radio about @easeeonline "online eye exam gap in the market" Want to hear the interview? (in Dutch) https://t.co/2p0Un6d8Ar#hospitals #eyecare #innovation #startups #business #news #Radio #bnr #eyes #eyeexam #cataract #care
— easee (@easeeonline) March 31, 2020
Going digital
Thanks to this project, people can now experience fast, reliable optometrist service that’s free of charge. This is especially helpful during this time as people don’t need to go outside and expose themselves to potential COVID-19 carriers.
Mister Spex’ founder and Managing Director Dirk Graber stated that the company’s goal was to introduce innovative services both online and offline. “We are convinced that digital refraction is the way of the future and we are pleased to be able to offer such a helpful tool, especially at this time,” he adds.
Aside from that, Mister Spex continues to offer its original online services. These include their customer service, and the shipping of various products, including glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.
Photo credits: The images used are owned by Mister Spex and were provided for press usage.
Source: Mister Spex
