Eyebot, a Boston-based vision care startup, has secured $6 million in seed funding to further its mission of making eye care more accessible and efficient (via TechCrunch).
The funding round was led by AlleyCorp and Ubiquity Ventures, with participation from Susa Ventures and existing investors Baukunst and Village Global.
Eyebot's AI-powered kiosks aim to make vision care more accessible by providing quick and convenient eye exams, eliminating the need for traditional optometrist appointments.Image via Eyebot
Eyebot's AI-Powered Vision Testing Terminal
Founded in 2021, Eyebot has developed a groundbreaking self-serve vision testing terminal that leverages artificial intelligence and computer vision to deliver accurate eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions in just 90 seconds.
This innovative technology eliminates the need for a traditional eye exam with an optometrist, making vision care more convenient and accessible for consumers.
"Eyebot's cutting-edge technology transforms vision care to be more accessible than ever before, fitting effortlessly into the modern consumer's lifestyle," said Matthias Hofmann, Eyebot's founder and CEO.
Hofmann, a former postdoctoral researcher in tomography at Harvard Medical School and a leading engineer at EyeNetra, brings a wealth of experience in vision care innovation to the company.
Starting in October, Eyebot will deploy these freestanding kiosks in shopping centers, grocery stores, and pharmacies across New England. Consumers can simply walk up to a kiosk, press a button, and let the AI system scan their eyes and extract the necessary prescription details. The results are then reviewed and finalized by teledoctors within 24 hours.
TechCrunch reports that the vision test is offered for a fee of $30, but it's free for users who purchase glasses from one of Eyebot's partner brands. This model encourages partnerships with major eyewear brands, allowing them to rent Eyebot terminals and place them in retail locations of their choice. Consumers can then purchase glasses directly from the kiosk or via their smartphone, providing a seamless shopping experience.
Eyebot's technology has the potential to transform the eyewear market by removing the traditional barriers associated with eye exams. The kiosks are designed to perform hundreds of vision tests per day, making them highly efficient and user-friendly. This approach not only benefits consumers but also provides retailers with new channels to reach customers.
What's Next?
"Eyebot is bringing vision care to health deserts across the world at the touch of a button," said Abe Murray, General Partner at AlleyCorp. Investors believe that Eyebot's technology can make a significant impact, particularly in underserved communities where access to eye care is limited.
The $6 million infusion of capital will be used to accelerate product development, expand the team, and scale operations geographically. Clinical studies involving hundreds of patients have already validated the efficacy of Eyebot's technology in several US cities, paving the way for broader adoption in 2025.
