AcuityMaster vs PVVAT
Precision Vision’s PVVAT and AcuityMaster Cloud both publish pricing and both run on a Mac — which makes this the rare comparison that comes down to delivery model and chart set, not guesswork.
Quick verdict: AcuityMaster Cloud and PVVAT are both digital visual acuity systems from vendors that publish their pricing. AcuityMaster runs in a browser on Mac, Windows or iPad with no installation, on a graduated subscription starting at $249 a year for a first seat. PVVAT is installed desktop software for Windows and Mac, listed at $1,750 as a one-time license. If you want browser delivery and iPad support, AcuityMaster fits; if you want a one-time purchase or scored contrast-sensitivity testing, PVVAT may fit better.
Side-by-side comparison
PVVAT details taken from Precision Vision’s own product pages, checked August 20, 2026. Where the vendor states nothing, we say “not stated” rather than guess. Vendors change pricing and specifications without notice — confirm directly before you buy.
| Feature | AcuityMaster Cloud | PVVAT (Precision Vision) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Subscription — $249 first seat/yr, graduated bands above | One-time license — $1,750 listed (software only) |
| Hardware bundle option | None — uses your existing display | $2,475 listed with 22″ monitor, single-board PC, mount |
| Pricing published | ✓ In full | ✓ Yes |
| Mac compatible | ✓ In the browser | ✓ Desktop download |
| iPad / tablet support | ✓ Yes | Not stated |
| Browser-based (no install) | ✓ Yes | ✗ Installed, license remotely activated |
| Free trial / demo | ✓ 7-day full-featured trial | ✓ Free demo, no credit card |
| Automatic updates | ✓ Always current | Versioned releases; update policy not stated |
| Snellen / ETDRS-LogMAR | ✓ Both | ✓ Both (incl. Bailey-Lovie, Sloan) |
| Pediatric optotypes | ✓ HOTV, Tumbling E, Landolt C, pictures | ✓ HOTV, Patti Pics®, Allen pictures |
| ATS-HOTV / E-ETDRS protocols | Not claimed — HOTV optotypes and crowding bars provided | ✓ Advertised |
| Contrast-sensitivity testing | ✗ Reduced-contrast acuity only (4 levels) | ✓ Advertised |
| Worth 4-Dot | ✓ | ✓ |
| Color vision screening | ✓ Screening plates built in | Red-green balance listed; screening plates not stated |
| Remote control | Any signed-in browser or keyboard | ✓ Dedicated remote + receiver included |
| License portability | Seat follows the sign-in, not the machine | Per-computer activation; transfer terms not stated |
| Clinician-developed | ✓ MD-founded | Vision-science supplier since 1976 (vendor-stated) |
The bottom line
PVVAT is a serious clinical product from an established vision-science supplier, with a deep chart list and published pricing — credit where due. The real difference is the delivery model. PVVAT is installed desktop software licensed per computer as a one-time purchase; AcuityMaster Cloud is a browser subscription where a seat follows the sign-in rather than the machine, runs on an iPad as well as Mac and Windows, and updates itself. Run the arithmetic for your own lane count and time horizon: one lane kept for many years favors a one-time license, while multiple lanes, mixed hardware, or iPad use favor the browser model. Then trial both — each vendor offers one at no cost.
Where each system fits
Choose AcuityMaster for browser delivery
Nothing to install, nothing to activate, and the chart runs on the Mac, Windows PC or iPad already in the lane. Replace a workstation and the seat simply follows the next sign-in.
Choose PVVAT for a one-time purchase
If your group strictly prefers capital purchases over subscriptions, PVVAT’s $1,750 one-time license — or the $2,475 bundle with monitor and mount — fits that accounting. AcuityMaster Cloud is subscription-only.
Choose PVVAT for contrast sensitivity
PVVAT advertises contrast-sensitivity testing and E-ETDRS protocol support. AcuityMaster offers reduced-contrast acuity at four levels — a different measurement — and makes no protocol-implementation claim. If scored contrast sensitivity is essential to your caseload, that decides it.
Which is right for your practice?
The Mac or iPad practice
Both vendors state Mac support, so unlike the AcuityPro comparison, a Mac practice genuinely has two options here. The remaining separator is the iPad: AcuityMaster runs in Safari on iPadOS — as the chart itself or as the controller — while Precision Vision’s pages describe desktop downloads for Windows and macOS. See Mac setup and iPad setup for specifics.
The multi-lane group
Per-lane arithmetic is where the models diverge. Five AcuityMaster seats are $745 a year, published on the pricing page. Five PVVAT lanes at the listed one-time price would be $8,750 up front with no recurring fee — if the license is per computer, which their pages imply but do not spell out; confirm with the vendor. Over a long horizon a one-time license can win on cash; the browser model wins on hardware flexibility and zero license administration when machines change.
The research or protocol-driven site
PVVAT advertises ATS-HOTV and E-ETDRS protocol testing. AcuityMaster provides ETDRS/LogMAR charts, HOTV optotypes and crowding bars, but does not claim implementation of those study protocols — if your site's work requires them by name, ask each vendor exactly what its protocol support covers before deciding.
Try both before deciding
Each vendor offers a no-cost way in: PVVAT has a free demo download, and the AcuityMaster Cloud trial is fully functional for 7 days with no credit card. Check the system requirements, run both in your own lane, and let the exam flow decide.
Common questions
Is AcuityMaster a good alternative to PVVAT?
For practices that want a browser-based system with no installation, yes: AcuityMaster runs in Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Edge on Mac, Windows or iPad, includes Snellen, ETDRS/LogMAR, color vision, Worth 4-Dot and pediatric charts, and publishes graduated subscription pricing. PVVAT is installed desktop software sold as a one-time license, and if you need scored contrast-sensitivity testing or prefer a one-time purchase, PVVAT may be the better fit.
How does AcuityMaster pricing compare to PVVAT?
Both vendors publish pricing, which is rare in this category. AcuityMaster Cloud is a subscription: $249 per year for the first seat, with lower graduated band rates for additional seats (10 seats total $1,280 per year). Precision Vision lists PVVAT as a one-time purchase — $1,750 for the software license, or $2,475 bundled with a 22-inch monitor, single-board computer and mount, as shown on its product pages in August 2026. Which is cheaper depends on how many lanes you run and how many years you run them — do that arithmetic for your own practice.
Do AcuityMaster and PVVAT both run on a Mac?
Yes — both vendors state Mac support, which makes this comparison unusual. PVVAT is offered as a desktop download for Windows and macOS per Precision Vision’s product page. AcuityMaster runs in the browser on macOS, Windows and iPadOS with nothing installed.
Try AcuityMaster free for 7 days
Full-featured trial. No credit card. Works on Mac, Windows and iPad. See for yourself in your own exam lane.