Eyebot, a new startup aiming to revolutionize the way Americans receive eye exams, is set to launch its innovative self-serve vision-testing terminals in New England this October. With over half of Americans wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses, the demand for eye exams is high. However, due to a shortage of eye care practitioners, getting an appointment can take weeks, especially in rural areas.
Eyebot’s founder and CEO, Matthias Hofmann, developed the technology behind the self-serve kiosks, which can provide a prescription in just 90 seconds without the need for an optometrist. Consumers can simply walk up to the kiosk, press a button, and have their eyes scanned by the company’s computer vision technology.
Once the prescription is generated, it is finalized by teledoctors within 24 hours. Consumers can then choose to purchase glasses from any retailer for $30 or receive a free exam if they purchase from one of Eyebot’s partner brands. The company plans to make money by partnering with major eyeglass brands and taking a commission on each sale.
With the announcement of a $6 million funding round led by AlleyCorp and Ubiquity Ventures, Eyebot is gearing up for expansion to new geographies. The company has already attracted interest from large eyeglass and contact lens merchants, with plans to place kiosks in retail locations such as CVS, Walgreens, and college campuses.
As the demand for convenient and affordable eye exams continues to grow, Eyebot’s innovative approach to vision testing could reshape the eyewear industry and make getting a prescription as easy as pressing a button.