The company behind Eyebot’s automated vision test kiosks is launching a new strategic partnership with QUAY, a global eyewear brand.
First up: a look at Eyebot.
About the company: The Boston-based developer originally launched in 2021 with funding from venture capitalists and, most notably, the National Science Foundation.
Its technology: This is a self-serve, automated, and touch-free vision testing system offering an automated visual assessment for patients aged 18-64—within an estimated 90 seconds.
And take note: Its compact design as a stand-alone kiosk enables the technology to integrate into existing optical retail spaces.
Hold up—is this a replacement for comprehensive eye exams?
Not at all. See here for details on this.
And despite concerns surrounding this vision testing technology, Eyebot’s developers have emphasized:
- Patients who undergo the kiosk-based vision test should still visit an ECP for detailed diagnosis and treatment plans, especially for complex ocular conditions.
Noted. Now tell me more about how the test actually works.
Before the actual test: Eyebot collects patient information via an intake survey.
As for the test itself: The patient follows on-screen instructions while the test rapidly captures (via cameras and sensors) key measurements.
Immediately after: The collected information is sent to a qualified (remote) eyecare provider for final review and to generate an updated eyeglass prescription.
How does a patient receive their prescription?
Via email. They also have the option for it to be instantly transmitted to a retailer’s ordering system.
A quick note on cost: The test itself comes with a $20-$25 flat fee (similar to a co-pay), while the platform as a whole operates on an out-of-pocket cash model (with no insurance provider billing).
Speaking of retailers … give me the rundown on QUAY.
With an online shop and retail locations across the globe, the Australian-based eyewear brand offers an extensive range of frames, including sunglasses, blue light glasses, and prescription-based lenses.
And in recent news: QUAY relaunched its optical division last year as a wholesale business targeting ECPs, with a focus on affordable pricing and expanded distribution.
- This expansion has extended to optical and prescription lenses available across 24 U.S. brand-owned retail stores and showcased at key industry trade shows (Vision Expo included).
And how does Eyebot tie into this?
As part of this new strategic partnership, QUAY will feature Eyebot’s self-serve kiosks in a select number of its retail stores across Southern California.
These initial locations include QUAY’s Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, California, and Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The plan: To roll out more locations in the near future (no word on where or when yet though).
Noted. What’s the reasoning behind this?
For both companies: It’s essentially creating a “two birds, one stone” situation for patients looking for new frames to accommodate their updated prescription—all in one visit.
As QUAY noted: “The integration creates a more seamless path from browsing frames to completing a purchase, particularly for customers who discover they need an updated prescription while shopping.”
So with these two locations, how many retail spaces is Eyebot in now?
The grand total: 16.
See here for a look at the 14 other locations across the United States.
And click here for a look at Eyebot’s other recent partnerships (including with Zenni Optical).