*All images are of past prototypes or our production product. Final results may differ.

Eyedaptic CEO, Jay Cormier, founded the company after his grandmother started losing her vision due to the incurable condition, AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Upon further research, he discovered that AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 60, and affects more than 15 million Americans and 170 million people worldwide (source).

Having had experience with Augmented Reality in the past, Cormier began to consider whether the technology could provide a solution to AMD. Cormier and his partner/CTO, Dave Watola, did not have medical backgrounds and so they sought the help of two ophthalmologists/retina specialists, Dr. Mitul Mehta and Dr. Brian Kim.

It quickly became clear to all of them that there was a significant need for a solution to AMD. So Cormier and Watola teamed up with the two doctors to found Eyedaptic.

*All images are of past prototypes or our production product. Final results may differ.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60. 90% of AMD cases are classified as Dry AMD, which has no cure (source). The disorder affects patients’ central vision, the fine, detailed segment of our vision that is used for reading or using a computer. This makes everyday tasks for sufferers extremely challenging, especially when many of us dependent on our phones, computers and other devices. 

The other 10% are referred to as Wet AMD, which is treated by several drugs that only slow the progression.

Eyedaptic has harnessed the power of augmented reality technology to create a pair of glasses that simulate natural vision. Eyedaptic’s EYE2 glasses are the only Augmented Reality (AR) glasses on the market that capture over 40 degrees of the patients’ FOV (field of view).

*All images are of past prototypes or our production product. Final results may differ.

Our glasses have an adaptive user interface for hands-free autonomous usage, as well as a range of controls to customize the user experience. This allows users to function more normally with a more natural viewing experience.

Of the over 400 million people worldwide with various retinal diseases, nearly half of them (approximately 170 million) suffer from some sort of AMD (source, source, source) Others suffer from retinal diseases like Stargardt’s Disease and DME (Diabetic Macular Edema) that also lead to a loss of central vision. Of the total macular degeneration patient population, it is estimated that roughly 90% suffer from dry AMD, which has no cure or therapy (source).

A comparable industry is that of global hearing aids, which has a similar market size, demographics and direct consumer payable. The hearing aid market is worth over $8B today and is projected to reach $14.45B by 2026 (source).

After a clinical study and a beta product release, Eyedaptic launched at the end of 2019 with its current iteration of hardware and software. In March, we announced our partnership with Vispero, the world-wide leader in low-vision aids and other assistive technologies. This provided us increased access to the low vision market. 

In the last year, Eyedaptic has received multiple awards across a variety of ophthalmology and technology organizations. A few noteworthy accolades include:

• 2020 Vision Tank Start-Up Competition winner

• 2020 Orange County High Tech Award Finalist

• 2020 SXSW Pitch Finalist, 

• 2nd place at Quick Pitch San Diego, 

• Nominee for Orange County Business Journal’s Top Innovators of the Year

In addition, we have a new pair of glasses that features enhanced image quality, form factor, and comfort. This product includes a new hardware platform, increased software capability and a redesigned user interface. We have kicked off beta testing with a launch planned for early 2021.

Eyedaptic glasses are distributed through low vision specialists, who are specialized optometrists, and also through our partner’s dealer network of low vision distributors. The glasses are sold on average at a price of $3K to $6K (priced in line with hearing aids). The retailer will potentially make roughly 20% to 30% margin. Cost of Goods is in the $500 to $1500 range, leaving a Gross Margin in the range of 50% to 70%. We also plan to distribute through general optometrists, which will produce similar profit margins. 

Our USA pilot partnership with Vispero is one in which they act as our distributor and support partner. This enables quicker servicing of the market and scalability, and lower expense overhead. This creates a lower need for working capital in sales, marketing and logistics. This can also potentially provide access to additional markets around the world in the future.

Eyedaptic’s current channels for lead generation and sales include direct to consumer advertising and referrals from local doctors. We will continue to 

test this model in the near future. However, once our product becomes more widely used and supported by MDs and ODs, we aim to develop a direct to consumer model, much like that of the hearing aid industry. 

At Eyedaptic, we make augmented reality (AR) glasses specialized for people with AMD. We first start with open market AR glasses that have satisfactory Field of View (FOV) 

The basic concept for a product like ours was first conceived by NASA about 30 years ago. However, wearable electronic technology is relatively new. Until recently, a comfortable, mobile, wearable solution with the computing power to handle advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms simply did not exist.

Our proprietary software, which uses image enhancement, pixel remapping and machine learning, provides both enhanced vision as well as a natural viewing experience. 

*All images are of past prototypes or our production product. Final results may differ.

Our algorithms perform double duty, first analyzing images, then monitoring the embedded motion sensor data to infer the user’s focus of attention. In addition, the software enhances images to help the user see the real world more clearly and optimize their remaining peripheral vision.

Based on our surveys most visual aids on the market today are essentially magnification devices like magnifying glasses or CCTV systems. These only work for close up tasks, and are not hands free for mobility.

Our product is an FDA Class I Exempt device, which does not require FDA approval or clinical trials to go to market. Our visual aid allows for major cost savings and enables a more frequent product update cycle.

We believe based on feedback from our customers that competitors have tried to create similar concepts with Virtual Reality (VR), but the head mounted devices are heavy and cumbersome. Also, they isolate the user from the real world, handicapping the user by cutting off their peripheral vision entirely.

Eyedaptic’s ultimate mission is to be the leader in our space. We envision being the primary manufacturer of the market-leading wearable visual aid device that simulates natural vision. 

*All images are of past prototypes or our production product. Final results may differ.

CEO, Jay Cormier, and CTO, Dave Watola, are both experienced technology executives. They have had successful careers at both hardware and software companies with multiple successful exits under their belts. Their MD co-founders,  Dr. Mitul Mehta and Dr. Brian Kim, are both retina specialists who see many AMD patients on a daily basis. Both have software and engineering backgrounds to successfully bridge any gaps between the technology and the patient.

Our board of advisors are amongst world leaders in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry, and low vision specialization. All have long, successful track records in helping people with eye conditions. Our board of directors is composed of successful and experienced early-stage CEOs and investors.

Eyedaptic is serving one of the largest unmet needs in medical vision today, with over 150 million people affected worldwide (source, source, source, source)  Our one-of-a-kind AR visual aid solution enables AMD patients to perform everyday tasks and remain independent.

With multiple successful exits under our belts, a proven market model, and an experienced team that understands both the technology and medical fields, we have the necessary components to potentially make Eyedaptic the world leader in wearable visual aids. We have already secured investments from Tech Coast Angels, Band of Angels, and New York Angels, and members of the America Retina Forum. With your help and this raise, we are just one step closer to improving lives all over the world. 

*This testimonial may not be representative of the experiences of other customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.