IOL Reference vs Eye Disease Simulator
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
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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
Eye Disease Simulator
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Experience the world through different eyes with Vision Simulator. This innovative app uses your device's camera to simulate various eye conditions in real-time, providing a unique educational tool for understanding visual impairments. Key Features: Real-time simulation of multiple eye conditions Adjustable severity levels for each condition Easy-to-use interface for switching between conditions Educational information about each simulated condition Simulated conditions include: Cataracts Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy Glaucoma Astigmatism Posterior Vitreous Detachment (Floaters) Fuchs' Dystrophy Visual Snow Negative Dysphotopsia Whether you're a medical student, healthcare professional, or simply curious about vision disorders, Vision Simulator offers an immersive and enlightening experience. Disclaimer: This app is designed for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The simulations are approximations and may not accurately represent individual experiences of these conditions. For any medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: IOL Reference at weekly against Eye Disease Simulator's every 2 months. IOL Reference also leads on iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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, Eye Disease Simulator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | IOL Reference | Eye Disease Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 17.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 823 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Gurpal Virdi | My Call Bag LLC |
In-app purchases
IOL Reference
No in-app purchases
Eye Disease Simulator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is IOL Reference free?
Is Eye Disease Simulator free?
Do IOL Reference or Eye Disease Simulator have ads?
Which is updated more often, IOL Reference or Eye Disease Simulator?
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