Letters: Are Eye Exams Necessary?

The Great American Eye-Exam Scam

In November, Yascha Mounk argued that vision-wear rules in the United States are too strict—and that Americans should be allowed to buy any pair of glasses or set of contact lenses at a moment’s notice.

“After all, the added cost of having to see an optometrist,” Mounk wrote, “presumably stops many Americans from accessing the corrective lenses they need to improve their vision.”

I work for a company whose goal is to provide high-quality, affordable eyewear to customers while helping others who don't have access to eye care. I've heard every "I've lost my glasses" story imaginable, in addition to many unkind reactions to a policy whereby we cannot accept expired prescriptions. Yet, personally, I stand by it.

Years ago, I visited my optometrist for a routine eye exam when