A Melbourne-based startup that uses artificial intelligence to enable home glaucoma testing on laptop or tablet screens has finalised its oversubscribed $2.6 million seed round raise.
Eyeonic aims to transform glaucoma screening through cutting-edge technology. Its AI-enabled online visual glaucoma testing delivers diagnostic capability on any computer or tablet, eliminating the need for specialised machines and personnel.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, and early detection is vital to prevent vision loss. Eyeonic’s technology ensures that more patients can be screened accurately and conveniently, advancing medical diagnostics and improving patient outcomes.
Founded by associate professor Simon Skalicky, Eyenonic’s tech enhances accessibility and affordability, particularly benefiting underserved regions where traditional diagnostic tools are scarce.
An opthalmologist by trade, he explained to SmartCompany how glaucoma begins by affecting the peripheral vision, but over time causes central vision loss.
“There are 80 million people in the world with glaucoma, and in the developing world, 90% of cases go undetected. In Australia, 50% of glaucoma is undetected.”
“That’s a huge missed opportunity to save sight,” he said. “Our mission is to improve the method of detecting glaucoma, by online testing.”
By integrating advanced AI with innovative design, Eyeonic provides a dynamic, user-friendly solution that redefines medical diagnostics.
After an initial meeting at SmartCompany‘s the Pitch event last November, investor Paul Kirschner’s introduced Skalicky to Martin Goodrich who led the $2.6 million raise in collaboration with Haines Consulting Group and Kirschner Private Wealth group.
“The Pitch was really important to our raise,” Skalicky told SmartCompany.
“There are three key individuals, Stuart Haines was assisting in the capital raise and suggested I apply for the Pitch. At that event I had a brief chat with Paul Kirschner who said he really wanted to get involved. In February, Paul introduced me to Martin Goodrich, who saw the impact and wanted to get involved. Martin put together a cohort of investors.”
“Very proud moment for me and my collaboration with Martin Goodrich, Stuart Haines and Simon Skalicky enabling the future success of Eyeonic through a VC capital raise,” said Paul Kirschner on LinkedIn. “It’s been a great experience so far and looking forward to continuing on the journey with the team at Eyeonic as a board advisor and shareholder.”
Post-raise, Eyeonic is eying expansion in India, Vietnam and other parts of Asia.
“We’ve already got quite a strong presence in Africa, we have more than 100 clinicians registered in Africa, mainly in Ghana and Nigeria. We have a deal going through with the government of Ethiopia after a successful pilot. We have a staff member in Ghana, and contractors in the US and UK.”
“I’m learning so much from the people around me,” said Skalicky.
“The thing about Eyeonic is that we all share the vision and passion, but every brings their unique skills to the table. If you hire great people, they give you great advice. My personal role is to listen. One the raise is bedded down I would like to move into R&D and product development.”
Eyeonic’s team, composed of experts with deep expertise in ophthalmology and artificial intelligence, is committed to ensuring a brighter future for eye healthcare.
Since winning the Pitch in late November, Eyeonic has made impressive strides.
The startup’s technology is now used in 18 countries across four continents, with over 5,000 tests conducted. The company says this rapid adoption demonstrates the global demand for accessible and reliable glaucoma screening solutions.
The funds raised will be instrumental in accelerating Eyeonic’s global growth, enhancing its technology, and expanding its reach.
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Simon Crerar is the managing director of Impact&ble, a sustainable impact advisory firm. He was editor-in-chief of SmartCo Media from 2022-24, and before that the founding editor and then GM of BuzzFeed Australia. Simon began his career on Fleet Street at The Times, and has also worked for the SMH and News Corp Australia. He champions businesses having a positive impact on LinkedIn.
