THORNBURY, BRISTOL, England—Essilor has launched “The Vision Test”, a new free app for the iPhone and iPod Touch with the objective of driving eye test traffic into independent Varilux specialist practitioners in the United Kingdom.

The app, which is customized for the U.K. market, requires users to complete an interactive vision test that includes several engaging modules, including visual acuity, astigmatism and duochrome. Each test has a pass or fail mode and users with results of less than 100 percent are advised that their vision could be improved through optical correction and a full eye examination is recommended. Using the app, users can search immediately for their nearest Varilux specialist optician by entering their postcode or through GPS based on their current location.

Essilor’s U.K. division said it developed The Vision Test app because

over 40 percent of the public haven’t had an eye exam in the last two years, and it is committed to recommending regular eye exams for everyone. The Vision Test App complements the existing consumer website designed to encourage regular eye examinations with a registered optometrist.

The Vision Test App can be downloaded directly to an iPhone or an iPod Touch by clicking on the App Store button on the device, then entering “The Vision Test” in the search field.

Essilor U.K. said it has developed an ongoing communication plan to support the launch of The Vision Test and that the app will be advertised during July and August on Facebook. A similar version for the Apple iPad will also be available soon. Practitioners can view a short film on how the app works by visiting the Essilor website.

Essilor has not yet announced plans to release other versions of The Vision Tests for the U.S., according to a company spokesperson.