IOL Reference vs Vision
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
IOL Reference
This ophthalmology utility helps surgeons find FDA-approved intraocular lenses. It features a searchable database of nearly 10,000 lenses, updated with new approvals and changes. The app also serves as a social media and networking platform for eye care professionals.
- Searchable IOL database
- FDA-approved lens catalog
- Database updates
- Ophthalmology networking
- Eye care tools
Read full descriptionHide full description
IOL Reference is a cross-platform ophthalmology utility, social media, and networking service that provides users with a wide array of eye care tools to optimize their outcomes. This unique app allows surgeons to quickly search for an FDA-approved, currently marketed intraocular lens (IOLs) that meets their needs and specifications. The database contains almost 10,000 individually cataloged lenses and will be updated to include newly FDA-approved IOLs, changes to current lenses, and corrections. This app was created by Gurpal Virdi, MD and Matt Hirabayashi, MD
Vision
Read full descriptionHide full description
This application, thanks to the iPad, works as an IOL simulator based on the type of IOL that is selected. The doctor will set the parameters of the patient’s pathology and, thanks to the iPad CAMERA, he will be able to see the surrounding environment through the IOL type that is selected by the patient/surgeon. This app requires LiDAR Scanner on iPad.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: IOL Reference at weekly against Vision's every 5 weeks. IOL Reference also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
IOL Reference ships an update weekly, Vision every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | IOL Reference | Vision |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (15 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 15 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | 15.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 823 MB | 262 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Gurpal Virdi | SBM Sistemi s.r.l. |
In-app purchases
IOL Reference
No in-app purchases
Vision
No in-app purchases
