How Much Does ICare Home Tonometer Cost?

Last Updated on January 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Are you considering purchasing an Icare Home Tonometer to monitor your intraocular pressure (IOP) from the comfort of home? This innovative glaucoma management device allows you to easily check your eye pressure anytime.

But what price can you expect to pay for the Icare Tonometer? What other costs are involved with owning and operating this handy tool? This in-depth guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Icare Home Tonometer costs, value, and how it compares to other options.

Read on for everything you need to know about the investment and ongoing expenses of at-home IOP measurement and monitoring.

How Much Does ICare Home Tonometer Cost?

The most significant cost associated with home tonometry is the upfront purchase price of the Icare device itself. What exactly can you expect to pay?

When new, the Icare tonometer will usually cost somewhere between $1,500-$2,000 for a unit designed to be used by an individual at home, to more than $5,500 for a piece that is made to be used in a clinic or hospital.

The Main Unit and Accessories

The main Icare Home Tonometer unit typically costs between $1,500 to $2,000. This includes:

• The handheld tonometer
• A charging stand
• A protective carrying case
• Instructions for use
• Icare app connectivity

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the disposable probes used for taking measurements. A package of 24 probes generally runs $30 to $60.

Some optional accessories you may want to purchase include:

• A soft silicone sleeve to protect the probe tip ($25-$30)
• A tablet for easy data viewing ($150-$300)

So the very basics – the device, a pack of probes, and sleeve – would be around $1,600 to get started. But many users find the tablet helpful for reviewing measurements, so budget $1,800-$2,100 to also include that.

MyEyes.net offers the iCare HOME2 Tonometer for purchase at a price of $106 per month with flexible financing options. The website also mentions a yearly iCare CLOUD subscription cost of $49.99 or a monthly subscription cost of $4.99.

Active Medical Store lists the iCare HOME Handheld Tonometer for $1,240.00.

Icare tonometer models and prices

Model	Average Price Reported
TA01i	$1,750
Icare ic100 Tonometer	$1,850
PRO	$2,250
Icare HOME2 tonometer	$1,550

What Impacts the Exact Price?

Several factors influence the exact Icare Home Tonometer price you’ll pay:

• Retailer – Buying directly from your doctor’s office is usually more expensive than purchasing online from a medical equipment retailer. Shopping around online can help you find the best price.
• Optional accessories – While not mandatory, extras like the probe sleeve and tablet add to the total cost. But they can be worthwhile for protecting the device and making use of its capabilities.
• Discounts and promotions – Watch for sales, bundle deals, coupon codes, etc. that may lower the purchase price. Join retailer email lists for deal alerts.
• New or refurbished – You can sometimes save by opting for manufacturer-refurbished models, which function like new but cost up to 25% less.
• Insurance coverage – Many vision and health insurance plans will partially or fully cover home tonometry for glaucoma management. This can significantly offset what you pay out of pocket.

So while the base price is typically $1,500+, there are ways to potentially reduce the amount you ultimately pay through smart shopping and insurance coverage.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Bionic Lens, Strabismus surgery, or Lasik surgery.

Ongoing Costs of Owning an Icare Home Tonometer

The initial device investment is the biggest cost, but owning an Icare also involves some ongoing expenses. These include:

Probe Replacement

The probes that make contact with your eye during measurement must be replaced yearly for proper sterilization and accuracy. A pack of 24 probes runs around $30-$60 annually. While a small recurring cost, using fresh probes is essential.

Battery Replacement

The rechargeable battery in the Icare may need replacement every 2-3 years. Battery kits cost roughly $50-$75. Proper charging and maintenance can help maximize battery life.

Data Plan/App Subscription

To sync your IOP monitoring from the device to the cloud, you need to subscribe to the IcareLink app. This enables sharing data with your doctor. Expect app subscription fees of $250-300 per year.

Accessories

Over time, you may need to replace small accessories like probe sleeves, portable chargers, cases, and tablets. Budget $30-$50 annually for these potential extra purchases.

Cleaning Supplies

To keep your device in top shape, you may want cleaning wipes, lens solution, sterilization spray, and other supplies. Estimate around $20 per year for these optional cleanliness tools.

Technical Support

If you ever need help troubleshooting your Icare Tonometer, phone and email tech support is available. Per-incident fees of $20+ may apply if under warranty.

Shipping Costs

When ordering probes, batteries, and other replacement parts, factor in e-commerce shipping fees. These are typically $5-$15 per order.

Device Replacement

While the Icare Tonometer is built to last for years, you may eventually need to replace the entire unit if it malfunctions outside the warranty period. This major future cost can be budgeted for by saving over time.

So in addition to the upfront equipment investment, budget several hundred dollars annually in ongoing operating costs. But keep in mind the substantial value home tonometry provides for your long-term eye health.

Icare Home Tonometers and IOP Data

Now, let’s briefly overview what the Icare Home Tonometer is and why it’s useful for glaucoma patients. This provides context on why it’s worth the price.

The Icare Home Tonometer is a portable, easy-to-use device for measuring IOP. It uses a gentle “rebound” technique, bouncing a lightweight probe off the eye to take a reading. No drops or anesthesia are required, so you can quickly check eye pressure anytime.

The main benefit is the ability to monitor IOP fluctuations from home. Daily home measurements give a more complete IOP profile than occasional in-office checks. This empowers patients to better manage glaucoma and supports treatment decisions. Frequent monitoring also provides peace of mind.

The Icare connects to a mobile app to track and share data easily. This is extremely valuable for identifying IOP patterns and early pressure changes before vision damage occurs. For these reasons, the Icare Home Tonometer has become a popular tool for at-home glaucoma management.

Strategies for Saving on Icare Costs

While the Icare Home Tonometer requires a significant financial investment, there are ways to keep costs manageable:

Shop Around for the Best Initial Price

Use price comparison sites to find retailers offering the lowest price on the main unit and accessories. Look for sales and special deals. Purchasing a refurbished model can save hundreds.

Discuss Insurance Coverage with Your Doctor

Many health plans help pay for glaucoma monitoring tools like the Icare. Have your physician provide documentation to submit claims.

Only Buy Recommended Extra Features

Stick to the key items you’ll really use like probes and sleeve. Hold off on non-essential add-ons until you determine their usefulness.

Buy Replacement Parts in Bulk

Stock up on probes, batteries, and accessories to take advantage of bulk pricing discounts. Shop online for the lowest prices.

Compare Data Plan Options

Review the features of each IcareLink app subscription tier with your doctor to determine the right fit. You may be able to manage with a basic plan.

Maximize Device Longevity

Follow all cleaning, charging, storage, and handling instructions to extend the life of your equipment and avoid replacements.

Price Match Guarantees

If you find a lower published price within a certain period after purchasing, request a retailer price match. This ensures you get the best deal.

With some savvy shopping and strategic cost management, you can reduce the overall investment in home tonometry without sacrificing essential benefits.

How the Icare Compares to Other Tonometers

The Icare Home Tonometer provides convenient, accurate IOP tracking superior to basic tonometers. But how does it compare cost-wise to advanced home monitoring options?

Vs. Perkins Tonometer

The handheld Perkins Tonometer used in eye doctors’ offices runs just $300-$600. But it only provides IOP spot checks, not continuous home monitoring. Lacking an app, data must be recorded manually. For robust glaucoma management, the Icare is well worth the higher price.

Vs. Triggerfish Contact Lens Sensor

The Triggerfish system is another high-end home tonometry option. But it uses special lenses and solutions costing $500-$600 yearly. The Icare requires no recurring supplies, making it more affordable long-term. Triggerfish sensors also must be replaced annually at around $2,500.

Vs. Eyenovia Electronic Delivery System

This smart device administers prescription eye drops for glaucoma. The unit costs around $5,000, plus you must purchase costly electronic doses. The Icare provides more complete IOP data to complement drops at a lower overall cost.

Vs. Sensimed Triggerfish Contact Lens Sensor

The Sensimed Triggerfish monitoring contact lens runs about $2,500 yearly for lenses, transmitters, and solutions. It provides continuous data but is far pricier than the Icare. Lens sensors must be replaced every 6 months, adding to long-term costs.

Final Words

For self-administered home tonometry, the Icare device offers excellent value compared to other advanced systems that require price options. With an affordable one-time purchase price and minimal recurring costs for supplies, the Icare delivers robust IOP tracking capabilities for substantially less investment.

No other solution matches its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, precision, and intuitive functionality. For more information, go to the closes Icare clinic and ask about the  Icare tonometers