Summary:
Eyebot raised $20M in Series A funding, totaling over $30M, to expand its 90-second vision test kiosks that provide doctor-verified prescriptions.
The startup addresses barriers in vision care like appointment delays and high costs, with kiosks in malls, schools, and airports offering free tests reviewed by licensed doctors.
Since its seed round in 2024, Eyebot has conducted over 45,000 tests and aims for half a million annually, with partnerships growing and revenue scaling.
Key differentiator is the combination of speed and clinical oversight, ensuring reliability and trust, even referring patients for in-person exams if needed.
Funding will support scaling kiosk deployment and team expansion, led by General Catalyst and other investors.
Eyebot Secures $20M to Expand Vision Care Access
Eyebot, a startup offering a 90-second vision test kiosk that delivers doctor-verified glasses prescriptions, has secured $20 million in Series A funding. This brings the Boston-based company's total funding to over $30 million.
Founded in 2021, Eyebot aims to streamline vision care by eliminating traditional obstacles like appointment delays, limited accessibility, complex insurance requirements, and high costs. Its kiosks are already deployed in malls, universities, retail stores, pharmacies, grocery chains, schools, and airports, providing a free, 90-second vision test. Each test generates a prescription that is reviewed and approved by licensed eye doctors, ensuring fast, convenient, and reliable results.
Since raising its seed round in June 2024, Eyebot has conducted more than 45,000 free vision tests and is on track to deliver over half a million annually. Matthias Hofmann, co-founder and CEO, highlighted the dramatic shift: "We've gone from piloting to partnering with some of the largest companies in the U.S., launching kiosks all over the country, and delivering tens of thousands of vision tests. Revenue is scaling, and our team has doubled in size. Most importantly, we've proven the model works: people are using Eyebot, doctors are validating the results, and retailers are excited about the traffic it drives."
What sets Eyebot apart is its combination of convenience and medical assurance. Every test is reviewed by a doctor, and all prescriptions are issued under clinical supervision. If results indicate anything unusual, patients are referred for in-person, comprehensive exams. This balance of speed and oversight builds trust, with Hofmann noting surprising uptake from parents with kids in mall locations.
Initially, there was skepticism from traditional eye care providers and patients regarding accuracy and reliability. However, hesitancy eased once it was understood that experienced doctors, many with over a decade of experience, review every result.
Eyebot is in the early phases of commercialization. The vision test is free to consumers, and if a prescription is needed, it is verified by a doctor for a fee. The company also leases kiosks to optical retailers, eyewear brands, and independent practices.
With the Series A funding, led by General Catalyst with participation from returning investors like AlleyCorp, Baukunst, Village Global, Humba Venture, Ravelin, and Ubiquity Ventures, Eyebot plans to scale kiosk deployment and expand its team across product, clinical operations, and commercial growth.
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