Connecticut optometrists seek to limit online eye exams

While proponents of these limited online eye exams argue they provide both financial savings and convenience, medical professionals contend patients could be put at risk.

In Virginia, for example, online eye exam providers must meet certain consumer protection standards, while South Carolina last year barred consumers from getting a prescription for glasses or contact lenses from an online exam.

Ryan said an optometrist will make sure a patient's contact lenses, which he referred to as "a medical device on the eye," are a good fit.

According to the company's website, their test takes 15 minutes or less to complete.

"New clinically proven technologies like Opternative would be blocked from providing patients access to safe, convenient and low-cost prescriptions for glasses and contacts," said Dr. Steven Lee, OC, chief scientific officer and co-founder of Opternative, in written testimony.