Do-It-Yourself Eye Test?

Yes, you read it correctly!  A do-it-yourself eye test will be available compliments of EyeNetra.  EyeNetra created this inexpensive tool that runs around $2~ and it's a plastic device that snaps onto a smartphone.  Just 'snap the Netra-G adapter onto a smartphone loaded with Netra-G software, follow the simple instructions, and quickly receive the measurements for your eyeglasses on the phone. NETRA-G measures nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It fits snugly in a pocket and requires minimal training to operate.'  NETRA stands for Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment.  The way it works is you look through the device and use the arrows to align the patterns displayed.  

According to the company, 'the act of aligning the patterns gives a measure of the optical distortions of those regions and any required refractive correction is computed.  It can diagnose and provide a refraction regardless of whether you are near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism or presbyopia.  This easy-to-use device can be used for DIY eye exams and by minimally trained individuals in areas of the world where optometrists are not accessible and/or affordable.'

It's not available yet but it will be tested in markets this year in Brazil, India and Mexico and the United States will follow at some point.