Technology and Big Data have altered the ways in which businesses interact with customers. In today’s competitive market, businesses are set on creating an experience that is custom-tailored to the consumer. Instead of waiting for consumers to come to brick and mortar locations to experience their services or buy their products, businesses are taking the products to the people. Whether it’s through custom mobile apps or online retail websites, customers can benefit from a wide variety of products and services without even getting out of bed!
One (perhaps surprising) area that has experienced this customer-focused approach is mobile eye care. While most assume that mobile eye exams would lack efficacy, that’s not necessarily the case. Virtual eye exams can be useful for screening patients and eye specialists have found some creative ways to leverage modern technology. There are two main ways that optometrists are bringing eye care to the consumer: mobile eye testing on wheels and virtual eye exams through mobile apps. Let’s start with the latter.
What Are Eye Exam Mobile Apps?
Prescription Check was released by Warby Parker in 2017 to check the prescription of current glasses wearers. Not intended to replace a comprehensive eye exam, it instead serves as a preliminary screening tool to determine if an individual’s eye prescription has changed. This eye exam mobile app serves as a way to streamline the prescription process for those whose eyes had not changed and to recommend a follow-up appointment for those who might be in need of an updated prescription. Though the eye exam may be completed through the app, the results are analyzed by an eye doctor.
The process takes around twenty minutes and involves using a mobile app and computer to go through a series of eye tests. Some initial concerns with this virtual eye exam were that it could not check for other vision problems or replace a comprehensive eye health visit. With this mobile app alternative, some users may opt to skip the normal annual visit entirely.
Another eye exam mobile app is EyeXam, based out of California. Beyond a prescription check, other exam offerings include tests for eye dominance, astigmatism, color blindness / color vision anomalies and more. This vision screening app also includes features to book appointments, contact the office, and connect through video conference.
The Apple App Store and Google Play store host a variety of eye care apps from do-it-yourself exams to eye exercise apps. Beyond eye care, other optical mobile apps include visual impairment companion apps, apps to assist those with color blindness, “cosmetic and try-on apps” and more.
Mobile Eye Care Testing Technology
While eye care can come in the form of a mobile app, another approach to mobile eye exams is literally a clinic on wheels. From optometrists traveling to perform on-site evaluations to decked out motor coaches, doctors are taking mobile eye testing to a whole new level.
On-site eye exams are especially helpful for nursing homes and other care facilities where it can be difficult to transfer patients for appointments. However, schools and businesses can also get in on the action. Mobile eye clinics set out to provide opportunities for those who may not have the time or resources necessary to book an appointment themselves.
Efficiency is key to this business model. One healthcare organization boasts a turnaround time under 30 minutes. Mobile vision centers are complete with all the necessary equipment so that the eye care truly comes to you. Mobile eye doctors are also fully certified, even if they are lacking a full-sized optometry office. Patients can even shop and pick out frames, lenses or contacts in the same visit.
Developing an Eye Care Mobile App
From mobile eye exam apps to traveling clinics, eye care has been transformed through a customer-centered approach. Eye care businesses can benefit from custom mobile app development, whether they include exam features or help customers connect with their services.
Additionally, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can help businesses optimize the use of their resources so they can improve business efficiency and provide better care. From scheduling and project management to task automation, businesses are gleaning the power of technology at work.
If you are looking to start a custom software or mobile app development project, the team at 7T is ready to help. We take great pride in our ability to leverage cutting edge technology to help businesses achieve their goals. Our team can help your business find the mobile app, ERP software, CRM platform, or SaaS solution that is right for you.
Based in Dallas, 7T maintains regional offices located in Chicago and Houston. To discuss your development project, contact the team at 7T today!
