Bill Could Ban Eye Prescriptions Based On Online Exam

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina House will decide whether companies can offer eye prescriptions for glasses and contacts following online exams.
The Senate voted 39-3 Wednesday to override Gov. Nikki Haley’s veto of a bill banning the practice. An override in the House would bar eye prescriptions based solely on a computerized test.
Chicago-based Opternative launched its online service in South Carolina and dozens of other states nationwide last summer. CEO and founder Aaron Dallek says the company has hundreds of customers in South Carolina.
Opternative offers $40 to $60 prescriptions within 24 hours for people ages 18 to 45.
Haley opposes the bill as stifling competition for low-cost eye care.
Sponsoring Sen. Ray Cleary says in-office eye exams by an optometrist can catch problems, including tumors, an online test can’t.