Many Americans rely on corrective glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision. With a plethora of frames available for purchase, both online and in stores, it may seem like obtaining a new pair is a simple task. However, a current eyeglass prescription is necessary for any purchase, meaning an eye exam from an optometrist is required. Unfortunately, due to a nationwide shortage of eye care practitioners, getting an appointment can be a lengthy process, especially in rural areas.
Eyebot, a recently revealed startup, is looking to revolutionize this process. According to the founder and CEO Matthias Hofmann, the company’s goal is to reduce the time it takes to receive an eye exam to just 90 seconds without the need for an optometrist. This October, Eyebot plans to roll out their self-serving vision-testing terminals in shopping centers, grocery stores, and pharmacies throughout New England.
“Our technology now allows people to simply stand in front of our units,” said Hofmann. “It’s a fully automated experience, eliminating the need for learning or complicated processes.”
From the 5-ish-foot Eyebot kiosk, anyone can press a button and have their eyes scanned using the company’s computer-vision technology. This scan can extract a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, making the process quicker and more convenient. (Please note that initial fittings for contact lenses cannot be done by Eyebot, but they are able to update an existing prescription.)
The exam generated by Eyebot is finalized by teledoctors within 24 hours. If consumers want to purchase glasses from any retailer, they are required to pay $30 for the exam. However, if they choose to buy glasses from one of Eyebot’s partner brands, the eye exam is free. Hofmann assures that the technology is registered with the FDA to ensure safety.
“Once a shopper finalizes their exam,” explained Hofmann, “they can choose to buy eyeglasses from that brand directly on a touchscreen within the kiosk or by using their smartphone.”
Eyebot’s business model relies on partnerships with major eyeglass brands, who can rent the terminals and place them in retail locations of their choosing. For each sale made through the kiosk, Eyebot takes a commission, making it a lucrative opportunity for both parties. Hofmann hopes that this partnership will provide retailers with a new way of reaching customers, including those on college campuses and in popular stores like CVS, Walgreens, Stop and Shop, and Kroger.
Hofmann also mentioned that Eyebot is currently finalizing partnership agreements with several large eyeglass and contact lens merchants. “The demand for what we’re doing is very high,” he said.
Not only is there a demand for their services, but investors were also eager to support Eyebot. The company recently announced a $6 million seed fund led by AlleyCorp and Ubiquity Ventures, with additional funding from Susa Ventures, Village Global, Baukunst, Ravelin, and Spacecadet. The capital will be used for expansion into other regions.
