Eyebot: Revolutionizing Eye Exams with Automation and Accessibility
The process of getting an eye exam and a prescription for corrective glasses or contact lenses can often be a time-consuming and inconvenient experience. With a shortage of eye care practitioners across the nation, it can take weeks, especially in rural areas, to secure an appointment. However, a new startup called Eyebot aims to change that by introducing self-service, vision-testing terminals that can provide an eye exam in just 90 seconds, without the direct involvement of an optometrist.
Eyebot, founded by Matthias Hofmann, is set to roll out its kiosks in shopping centers, grocery stores, and pharmacies in New England starting in October. The 5-ish-foot kiosk allows anyone to have their vision checked by simply pressing a button. Using advanced computer vision technology, Eyebot scans the person’s eyes and extracts their eyeglass or contact lens prescription. While the kiosk cannot perform initial fittings for contact lenses, it can update existing prescriptions.
Hofmann, who previously worked at EyeNetra, a startup that utilized smartphones for eye tests, realized that smartphones were not the ideal solution. He understood that people wanted a fully automated experience where they didn’t have to learn or do anything complicated. Eyebot’s technology allows individuals to stand in front of the kiosk and receive their prescription effortlessly.
Once the Eyebot-generated prescription is finalized, it is sent to teledoctors who review and approve it within 24 hours. Consumers who wish to purchase glasses from any retailer must pay $30 for the exam. However, if they choose to buy glasses from one of Eyebot’s partner brands, the eye exam is free. The technology used by Eyebot is registered with the FDA, ensuring its safety and reliability.
Eyebot’s business model revolves around partnering with major eyeglass brands and renting out their terminals to be placed in the retail locations of choice. Once a shopper completes their eye exam, they can conveniently choose to purchase eyeglasses from that brand directly on a touchscreen within the kiosk or through their smartphone. Eyebot earns revenue by taking a commission on each sale made through their terminals.
The startup is currently in the process of finalizing partnership agreements with several large eyeglass and contact lens merchants. By offering their kiosks in popular retail locations such as CVS, Walgreens, Stop and Shop, Kroger, and on college campuses, Eyebot provides retailers with new channels to reach customers. The demand for Eyebot’s services is high, and major eyewear brands see the opportunity to expand their presence and increase sales through this innovative model.
Eyebot’s potential has attracted significant investment interest. The startup recently announced a $6 million funding round led by AlleyCorp and Ubiquity Ventures, with participation from Susa Ventures, Village Global, Baukunst, Ravelin, and Spacecadet. This capital infusion will be used to further expand Eyebot’s presence to other geographies, ensuring more individuals have access to quick and convenient eye exams.
In conclusion, Eyebot’s self-service, vision-testing terminals have the potential to revolutionize the way people receive eye exams and prescriptions. By leveraging automation and advanced technology, Eyebot not only reduces the time it takes to get an eye exam but also makes it more accessible in areas with a shortage of eye care practitioners. With partnerships with major eyeglass brands and a lucrative business model, Eyebot is poised to transform the eyewear industry and provide customers with a seamless and efficient experience.
