Making vision screening accessible.
Home Eye Test is a free, web-based visual acuity screening tool that anyone can use from the comfort of their home.
What is Home Eye Test?
Home Eye Test is a browser-based visual acuity test that uses the internationally recognized Tumbling E method to screen your vision. It tests each eye independently and together, providing a Snellen-equivalent score (like 20/20) that gives you a snapshot of your visual acuity.
The test is designed to be quick (under 3 minutes), accessible (works on any screen), and educational. It helps you understand your baseline vision and whether you might benefit from a professional eye exam.
How the test works.
The test uses the Tumbling E optotype — a capital letter E displayed in four rotations (up, down, left, right). This method was chosen because it works for everyone regardless of literacy or language.
Based on the LogMAR scale, testing from 20/200 (large) to 20/16 (very small)
5 presentations per size level — need 3 correct to advance
Credit card calibration determines your screen's PPI for accurate letter sizing
Tests right eye, left eye, and both eyes independently
Limitations and disclaimer.
Home Eye Test is a screening tool only. It measures visual acuity — how clearly you can see letters at a distance — but it cannot:
- Diagnose eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy)
- Measure eye pressure or examine the retina
- Determine a prescription for glasses or contact lenses
- Replace a comprehensive eye exam by a qualified professional
- Account for all environmental factors (lighting, screen quality, etc.)
If you experience vision changes, eye pain, floaters, flashes of light, or any other eye concerns, please see an eye care professional immediately.
Your privacy matters.
Home Eye Test stores your results locally in your browser's storage. We do not collect, transmit, or store any personal data on servers. Your test results never leave your device unless you explicitly choose to share them.
No cookies are used for tracking. No analytics collect personal information. No account is required.
Our mission.
Vision problems affect billions of people worldwide, yet many go undiagnosed simply because screening isn't accessible. Our goal is to lower the barrier to vision awareness — not to replace professional care, but to encourage people to pay attention to their eye health and seek professional exams when needed.
Clinical standards & transparency.
The Home Eye Test is designed to translate standard clinical vision screening methodologies into an accessible digital format. Our testing logic adheres strictly to established ophthalmic and optometric testing principles.
Standardized Optotype (ISO 8596)
We use the Tumbling E optotype, which features a 5:1 ratio (height/width to stroke thickness) conforming to the international standard for visual acuity testing. This eliminates language barriers and literacy bias during screening.
Precise Scale Calibration
Visual acuity measurements require exact physical rendering. Our screening tool uses a physical reference (like a standard credit card) to calibrate your screen's pixel density, ensuring the optotypes are sized accurately according to your distance.
Evidence-Based Methodology
Our testing sequence uses the LogMAR progression system, with 5 randomized trials per size level to reduce guessing bias. This follows clinical guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) for visual screening.
By basing our visual acuity screening entirely on open international optometry standards, we ensure that your self-administered screening is grounded in solid scientific principles.
Clinical references & scientific basis.
The Home Eye Test is built upon established optometric research and international standards. For details on the science of visual acuity testing, consult the following references:
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). World report on vision. Geneva. Standardizes the use of the Tumbling E optotype for global vision impairment surveys. Read report
- Bailey, I. L., & Lovie, J. E. (1976). New design principles for visual acuity letter charts. American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics, 53(11), 740-745. Establishes the foundations of the LogMAR scale.
- International Organization for Standardization. (2017). ISO 8596:2017 — Ophthalmic optics — Visual acuity testing — Standard and clinical optotypes and their presentation. Defines physical size requirements for standard optotypes. View standard