October 14, 2025
Online Prescription Renewal vs Traditional Eye Exams: Which To Choose?
Digital or in‑office? Here’s how to make an informed decision.
🆚 Online Renewal vs Traditional Exam: What They Each Offer
Feature | Online Prescription Renewal | Traditional Eye Exam |
|---|---|---|
Convenience | High — from home | Lower — requires travel |
Time required | Minutes | 30–60+ minutes |
Eye health assessment | Limited | Comprehensive check (retina, pressure, eye diseases) |
Best for | Stable prescriptions | New issues, symptoms, or first-time exams |
Reviewed by | Licensed provider reviewing data | In-person evaluation by optometrist or ophthalmologist |
When Online Renewal Makes Sense
Your prescription is stable
You feel your vision is unchanged
You’re renewing glasses (less ideal for contact lenses)
You’ve had a recent full exam
That’s when tools like ibis.vision are most valuable — fast, safe, and efficient.
When You Should Opt for a Traditional Exam
Sudden vision changes
Eye discomfort or pain
No recent eye health check
Risk factors (diabetes, glaucoma, family history)
Need evaluation beyond refractive error
A traditional exam is irreplaceable for deep eye health diagnostics.
Our Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
At Todd Smith & Associates, we:
Use online rechecks for eligible patients
Encourage regular full exams for screening and safety
Provide fallback referral to clinics when needed
Educate patients about when to use which service
This hybrid model respects safety, convenience, and accuracy.
Get Started
👉 Let us help you choose the right path for your vision.
