SOLUTIONS
Custom app or platform for optometry practices
Most optometry practices don't need a native app first — a custom website or web platform usually covers it. When a optometry practice does need real logged-in workflows, a platform starts from $16,000 one-time or $1,399/mo for 24 months at Nabee Studio; a native app from $25,000 or $2,099/mo. We'll tell you honestly which tier fits after one scoping pass.
An optometry practice does not need a native app. Patients get an annual exam and reorder contacts occasionally — nothing that justifies an app download or the maintenance and app-store overhead behind it. Your records and inventory already live in systems like RevolutionEHR and your optical POS.
A logged-in web platform could suit a multi-location group wanting a patient portal — prescription history, contact reorders, recall status across locations (from $16,000 one-time or $1,399/mo for 24 months). But that's a later step built on a website that's already booking exams and driving eyewear sales. For a single practice, the custom website is the correct and far more cost-effective first build.
The reality for most optometry practices
Vision insurance confusion at every touchpoint
VSP, EyeMed, Davis, medical vs. vision coverage — patients don't understand what's covered, and the front desk explains it call after call. Unclear insurance info before booking leads to surprises at checkout and abandoned appointments.
Annual exam recall drives the whole business
Vision and eye health need yearly exams, and the eyewear sale usually follows. Without automated recall, patients skip years, the optical counter loses the attached sale, and manual reminder lists fall behind.
Contact lens refills are a phone loop
Contact wearers call to reorder, staff verify the prescription and expiration, then process or refer them to an online retailer that captures the sale instead. A manual refill path leaks recurring revenue to 1-800-CONTACTS.
What does it cost?
One scoping pass, one fixed number — no hourly billing. Optometry records and inventory live in dedicated systems; the win is a site that books exams, clarifies insurance, and drives eyewear and contact revenue — not a separate platform.
- Website — from $4,500 one-time (standard from $7,500), or $499/mo for 24 months with the Maintenance Plan and hosting included.
The monthly plan totals somewhat more than paying up front — that's the honest trade for spreading the cost and having us operate everything for two years. Details in the payment plan guide and on the pricing page.
Start a project — one scoping pass, a fixed number within one business day.
Related: Custom website for optometry practices · Business automation for optometry practices · Booking system for optometry practices · Nabee for optometry practices · website cost guide
Common questions
- Does a optometry practice need a mobile app?
- Usually not first. A well-built website or web platform covers most needs without app-store friction. A native app makes sense when push notifications, offline use, or device features are central — see our app vs website guide.
- What does an app or platform cost?
- A web platform is from $16,000 one-time or $1,399/mo for 24 months with updates and maintenance included; a native app from $25,000 or $2,099/mo. Fixed prices after one scoping pass.
- How long does it take to build?
- Most platform builds ship in two to three months. Tight scoping — a clear core first version — is what keeps both the timeline and the price down.
- Can we start with a website and grow into a platform?
- Yes, and it's usually the right order. A custom website built by the same team becomes the foundation — accounts, data, and workflows get added when the business is ready.