For testing purposes, you should be able to control the starter directly (depending on the size of the starter). Not knowing exactly what make, model, and/or size of the starter, as long as you are NEMA size 1 or less (they pull around 2A inrush), you should be OK. Depending on the size of the starters, you might not be able to control 2 starters with 1 Photoeye. Look up the manufacturer of the starter and look at the inrush current at 120 VAC.
The Photoeye is a relay style and for longer life, you could put in a surge suppressor. But if this is a proof of concept, you should be OK. Make sure you fuse the control circuit at around 3 amps and you should be extra safe.