Comparison

IOL Reference vs SmartDrop App

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Searchable IOL database
  • FDA-approved lens catalog
  • Database updates
  • Ophthalmology networking
  • Eye care tools
Features
Read 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

About

SmartDrop App

Features
Read full description

Every time you tilt and squeeze the bottle, it sends a signal to the SmartDrop App and registers your activity. This allows you and your doctor to monitor your glaucoma medication administration history. The SmartDrop App also alerts you when your next dose is due. Your medication name(s), frequency of administration per medication, time of each administration, and the eye(s) for administration of each medication is displayed in the App.

Screenshots

IOL Reference4 screens
SmartDrop App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: IOL Reference at weekly against SmartDrop App'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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IOL Reference ships an update weekly, SmartDrop App every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
IOL Reference versus SmartDrop App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIOL ReferenceSmartDrop App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (15 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings15 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.5 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size823 MB4 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGurpal VirdiToromedes, Inc

In-app purchases

None

IOL Reference

No in-app purchases

None

SmartDrop App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is IOL Reference free?
IOL Reference is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SmartDrop App free?
SmartDrop App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do IOL Reference or SmartDrop App have ads?
Neither IOL Reference nor SmartDrop App shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IOL Reference or SmartDrop App?
IOL Reference ships an update weekly, and SmartDrop App every 5 weeks. Most recently, IOL Reference was updated on July 5, 2026 and SmartDrop App on September 7, 2026.

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