Online Eye Exams That May Change the Rules

The Opternative startup offers a quick, online eye exam that requires no special equipment Chicago-based developer, Opternative, has created an online eye exam that uses any Internet connected computer or tablet to get a doctor's prescription for glasses or contact lenses in five to ten minutes, at a cost of $40. The startup company has closed $1 million in seed funding with lead investors such as Tribeca Venture Partners and Chicago Ventures. The software will be available within the next few months, but it will take a lot of work to overcome regulatory obstacles.   Opternative is the brainchild of Dr. Steven Lee, an optometrist in practice since 2007, and Aaron Dallek, an entrepreneur and expert in agile software development, passionate about creating new business, websites and mobile apps.   "Our vision is to help the world see and feel better. We will revolutionize the way eyecare is delivered in the U.S. and across the globe," said co-founder Steven Lee who taught ophthalmology, managed numerous surgical cases and has been a recipient of the G.F. Atkinson Citizenship Award.   "While traditional in-person eye exam practices might see Opternative as a dangerous competitor, the company hopess to partner with them down the line," reported Josh Constine, writer at TechCrunch. "Dallek explains he wants Opternative to be, 'not just an online eye exam but the gold standard digital eye exam that doctors could administer in their offices.' "