Overview
John Stossel got an eyeglass prescription over the internet. Should that be illegal?

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Science / Technology and Business
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

Sample discussion questions
• John Stossel says the American Optometric Association is a bottlenecking group. Why might the AOA stand to gain from an online test ban?
• The benefit of banning online eye tests like Opternative is that in order to get a corrective lens prescription, patients must see an optometrist who can also check for more serious diseases like glaucoma and diabetes. What is the cost of banning these online tests?
• Optometrists who belong to the AOA argue that outlawing online eye exams will force patients into higher quality care and better outcomes. Consider the accessibility of cheap, online tests to answer the following question: Why could banning online tests be worse for some patients’ optic health?
• Dick Carpenter compares eye exams to Chevrolets and Cadillacs, saying that many Americans are satisfied with a less expensive, online test. How would you expect the AOA to respond?
• According to the AOA, 92% of Americans prefer a comprehensive test to online exams, and 86% prefer face-to-face interaction with their eye doctor. In-person exams seem to be the overwhelming choice of Americans, and John Stossel favors choice. Why, then, does Stossel not agree with the AOA about online testing?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 1-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.