IOL Reference vs SmartDrop App
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
SmartDrop App
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
| Parameter | IOL Reference | SmartDrop App |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 823 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Gurpal Virdi | Toromedes, Inc |
In-app purchases
IOL Reference
No in-app purchases
SmartDrop App
No in-app purchases








