Visibly

About Visibly

Visibly is a Chicago-based healthcare technology company that developed the first FDA-cleared online visual acuity test. Founded in 2012 as Opternative by Dr. Steven Lee and Aaron Dallek, the company rebranded to Visibly in 2018. The platform enables consumers to renew prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses from home using a computer and a mobile device. The test takes approximately six minutes, and results are reviewed by a licensed doctor in the user's state, with a new prescription typically issued within 24 hours.

The company's business model includes both direct-to-consumer (B2C) services, charging a fee for the online test, and business-to-business (B2B) solutions for eye care professionals and optical retailers. Visibly provides a white-label version of its technology that allows eye care providers to integrate the online vision test into their own services. This helps optical retailers and independent eye care professionals expand service availability, especially in locations with limited doctor coverage, and capture additional revenue from eyewear sales. The company's revenue is generated from test fees, prescription fulfillment, and verification services, which it may share with its eye care partners.

Significant milestones for Visibly include receiving 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 12, 2022, for its Visibly Digital Acuity Product (VDAP), making it the first cleared at-home test of its kind in the US market. This clearance is restricted to adults aged 22 to 40 for prescription renewals. To expand its service offerings, Visibly has made strategic acquisitions. In May 2024, it acquired Lensabl, an optical e-commerce platform, to add retail capabilities. In January 2024, it merged with EyecareLive to incorporate real-time video consultations and remote comprehensive eye exams into its platform.