AMSTERDAM—GrandVision NV (Euronext: GVNV) has agreed to utilize on a limited basis a digital eye test platform developed by easee, which the companies said gives customers another avenue to renew their glasses and contact lens prescriptions other than through in-store visits. The platform is being piloted with GrandVision’s Finnish and Polish retailers, Instru Optiikka and Vision Express, respectively, according to the announcement this week. GrandVision, a global leader in optical retail, operates stores in more than 40 countries, including the For Eyes optical business in the U.S. (The company is in the midst of negotiating its sale to EssilorLuxottica, but the deal has become bogged down in a dispute over access to operating results during the COVID-19 outbreak, as VMAIL reported. 

The new partnership between easee, which is based here in Amsterdam, and GrandVision further enhances the retailer’s customer journey in the Finnish and Polish markets. It creates new possibilities for better delivery of, and access to eyecare as more customers choose to shop online, the announcement noted.

“As the eyewear market is moving online, the need for adequate and fast online eye testing grows, especially considering COVID-19’s impact on retailers and the eyecare sector,” GrandVision vice president of operations Andreas Jacobsen said. “Using easee’s platform, our customers in Finland and Poland can now choose to visit a store to receive validated renewal prescriptions, or simply take eye tests online.”

The easee online eye exam takes 15 minutes to complete and can be done at home with a laptop and a smartphone. The exam is suitable for the most common refractive errors for those in the age range of 18 to 45, according to easee.

Yves Prevoo, chief executive of easee, added, “We are delighted to partner with a global optical retail leader like GrandVision. Our mission is to make clear vision accessible to everyone, and this proves we are on the right path.”

easee developed its proprietary platform in close cooperation with UMC Utrecht and in line with the requirements of the European Commission. Research demonstrating that easee’s online refraction test is as accurate as an in-person exam was published last year in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, according to the announcement. The easee test is the world’s first CE certified online eye test, the tech company said.

In addition, easee said it continues to develop its software, and is looking into applying the technology to other areas, providing the world with a comprehensive digital platform for online eye tests.