Retail
Eyebot's 90-second eye exam kiosk revolutionizes vision care
Eyebot technology promises to make eye exams easier and more accessible.
August 1, 2024 by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group
A groundbreaking technology is poised to transform the way people access vision care. Eyebot, a tech startup, has developed a self-service kiosk capable of conducting a vision test in just 90 seconds.
The kiosk, which is being piloted in shopping centers, uses advanced imaging to assess a patient's vision. It can detect a range of eye conditions, including refractive errors and cataracts.
"Our goal is to eliminate barriers to vision care," Eyebot Founder Matthias Hofmann told Kiosk Marketplace in a Zoom interview. "By providing quick, accessible, and affordable eye exams, we hope to improve the overall health and well-being of millions of people."
How it works
The kiosk is simple to use. Patients stand in front of the machine and follow on-screen instructions. The device captures images of the eye, which are then analyzed and the results are reviewed by a licensed optometrist, who can provide a prescription or refer the patient for further evaluation.
"We have developed a variety of different easy access technologies that make this such a simple process where you don't need to stick your head into anything. You just stand there, look at the screen, and that's basically the interface," Hofmann said.
"If you have glasses, we can also scan your existing glasses to extract the prescription. We can compare the exam that we did to your old glasses to see if your prescription needs updated."
Addressing a critical need
According to the American Optometric Association, millions of Americans delay or avoid necessary eye exams due to cost, time constraints, or lack of access to care. The Eyebot kiosk aims to address these issues by providing a convenient and affordable option.
"We are focused on eliminating the barriers to vision care. So, although prescription and optical is where we monetize, what we are really focused on is providing a common social good that everybody has access to," Hofmann said. "It doesn't matter what background you have or how much you earn. We're equalizing this for everybody and everybody has the same access. And we want to eventually become the first point for people to go to check their vision, so that they know what they need to get done and we can then send them to the doctor if we detect something like an anomaly."
The company plans to expand the availability of its kiosks to include grocery stores, pharmacies, college campuses and shopping malls. By increasing accessibility, Eyebot hopes to encourage more people to prioritize their eye health.
Simon Malls embrace new technology
Simon Property Group, one of the largest mall operators in the U.S., is enthusiastic about the potential of Eyebot's technology. The company views the kiosks as a convenient and innovative way to access eye care.
"We see Eyebot as a complementary service to the traditional optometrist and ophthalmology practices available at our Simon Centers in New England. Simon is always strategically implementing the very latest technology for our shoppers, and Eyebot is another unique opportunity to do just that. Providing an essential service in a convenient way while you are already out and about at the mall," Nancy L. Gilbert, CMD, regional vice president of marketing/Northeast for Simon Property Group, told Kiosk Marketplace in an email interview.
"Simon Property Group is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience and provide retail offerings that you cannot get anywhere else. Strategic partnerships like the one with Eyebot showcase what Simon Centers are all about, embracing and highlighting the very latest technology and innovations, always at the cutting-edge of retail and beyond."
Simon Malls plans to roll out the Eyebot kiosks in its New England properties this fall, marking a significant step forward in the integration of technology into the retail experience.
"The early success of Eyebot highlights the demand for quick access to eye care, and Simon is proud to be the home to such unique offerings, providing a new and essential service for shoppers who need it," Gilbert said.
The big picture
While the technology is still in its early stages, it has the potential to significantly impact the eye care industry. By making vision exams more accessible, Eyebot could help prevent vision loss and improve the quality of life for many.
"One of the biggest barriers, even for those who have vision insurance, is just being able to make their doctor's office hours. So having this available on the weekends and the evenings is going to be a big deal," Hofmann said. "Once you plug it into the wall, our system is always on."
About Sandra Carpenter
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