 |
Top 10 Eye Disease and Blindness treatment startups
Updated: April 19, 2024 |
Startups that want to impove vision and cure cataract, glaucoma, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, blindness.
1
Country: USA | Funding: $763.8M
Spark is a leader in the field of gene therapy, seeking to transform the lives of patients by developing potential one-time, life-altering treatments for debilitating genetic diseases. We initially are applying our integrated platform to treat rare diseases where no, or only palliative, therapies exist.
Spark is a leader in the field of gene therapy, seeking to transform the lives of patients by developing potential one-time, life-altering treatments for debilitating genetic diseases. We initially are applying our integrated platform to treat rare diseases where no, or only palliative, therapies exist.
2
Country: USA | Funding: $694.9M
Pliant Therapeutics is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing breakthrough treatments for fibrotic diseases.
Pliant Therapeutics is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing breakthrough treatments for fibrotic diseases.
3
Country: USA | Funding: $317.8M
Emendo Biotherapeutics develops gene editing platform to expand the list of diseases amenable to treatment with gene editing, resulting in a pipeline of hematology and ophthalmology programs.
Emendo Biotherapeutics develops gene editing platform to expand the list of diseases amenable to treatment with gene editing, resulting in a pipeline of hematology and ophthalmology programs.
4
Country: UK | Funding: $269.5M
Gyroscope is an ophthalmology company developing gene therapies for the treatment of eye diseases linked to an unbalanced complement system
Gyroscope is an ophthalmology company developing gene therapies for the treatment of eye diseases linked to an unbalanced complement system
5
Country: France | Funding: $253.9M
We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye and central nervous system. To address these therapeutic areas, we leverage our integrated development platform by combining a gene therapy-based approach with our core technology platforms of mitochondrial targeting sequence, or MTS, and optogenetics.
We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye and central nervous system. To address these therapeutic areas, we leverage our integrated development platform by combining a gene therapy-based approach with our core technology platforms of mitochondrial targeting sequence, or MTS, and optogenetics.
6
Country: USA | Funding: $218.5M
Avedro is a privately held medical device and pharmaceutical company advancing the science and technology of corneal cross-linking.
Avedro is a privately held medical device and pharmaceutical company advancing the science and technology of corneal cross-linking.
7
Country: USA | Funding: $173.4M
IDx is a leading AI diagnostics company on a mission to transform the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare. The company’s first product, IDx-DR, is an FDA-cleared AI-based diagnostic system designed for use at the front lines of care to detect diabetic retinopathy. IDx is developing additional AI-based diagnostic algorithms for the detection of macular degeneration, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke risk.
IDx is a leading AI diagnostics company on a mission to transform the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare. The company’s first product, IDx-DR, is an FDA-cleared AI-based diagnostic system designed for use at the front lines of care to detect diabetic retinopathy. IDx is developing additional AI-based diagnostic algorithms for the detection of macular degeneration, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke risk.
8
Country: USA | Funding: $153.9M
Through dedication and innovation, Second Sight's mission is to develop, manufacture and market implantable visual prosthetics to enable blind individuals to achieve greater independence. The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (“Argus II”) is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals with severe to profound Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Through dedication and innovation, Second Sight's mission is to develop, manufacture and market implantable visual prosthetics to enable blind individuals to achieve greater independence. The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (“Argus II”) is also known as the bionic eye or the retinal implant. It is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals with severe to profound Retinitis Pigmentosa.
9
Country: USA | Funding: $139.5M
Gemini Therapeutics is a precision medicine company focused on genetically-defined dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated rare genetic diseases.Their therapeutic candidates are matched to molecular abnormalities found in patients with high clinical need and our broad multimodal pipeline includes monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and gene therapies.
Gemini Therapeutics is a precision medicine company focused on genetically-defined dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated rare genetic diseases.Their therapeutic candidates are matched to molecular abnormalities found in patients with high clinical need and our broad multimodal pipeline includes monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and gene therapies.
10
Country: Israel | Funding: $130M
OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into a wearable platform which improves the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, and have reading difficulties. OrCam has created a technologically advanced device unique in its ability to provide visual aid through a discreet wearable platform and simple easy-to-use interface which serves to enhance the daily lives of people with vision loss.
OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into a wearable platform which improves the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, and have reading difficulties. OrCam has created a technologically advanced device unique in its ability to provide visual aid through a discreet wearable platform and simple easy-to-use interface which serves to enhance the daily lives of people with vision loss.
11
Country: France | Funding: $127.6M
SparingVision is a biotechnology company focused on the discovering and development of an innovative, therapeutic approach for treatment of blinding inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
SparingVision is a biotechnology company focused on the discovering and development of an innovative, therapeutic approach for treatment of blinding inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
12
Country: USA | Funding: $120M
Aurion Biotechnologies is on mission is to cure leading forms of blindness and transform the lives of millions of patients, by developing a platform of advanced therapies to treat ocular diseases.
Aurion Biotechnologies is on mission is to cure leading forms of blindness and transform the lives of millions of patients, by developing a platform of advanced therapies to treat ocular diseases.
13
Country: USA | Funding: $118M
Zenas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing immune-based therapies for patients (including with Thyroid Eye Disease ).
Zenas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing immune-based therapies for patients (including with Thyroid Eye Disease ).
14
Country: USA | Funding: $112.7M
Meira Gene Therapy is argeting inherited retinal diseases with therapies designed to halt vision loss.
Meira Gene Therapy is argeting inherited retinal diseases with therapies designed to halt vision loss.
15
Country: USA | Funding: $87.6M
Atsena Therapeutics develops blindness gene therapy
Atsena Therapeutics develops blindness gene therapy
16
Country: France | Funding: €79.1M
Coave Therapeutics develops retinal gene therapy
Coave Therapeutics develops retinal gene therapy
17
Country: China | Funding: $78.5M
VoxelCloud provides automated medical image analysis services and diagnosis assistance based on AI and cloud computing technologies. VoxelCloud develops computer-aided detection systems for detecting and diagnosing various diseases ranging from cardiovascular and lung diseases to eye diseases. Our solutions are based on the state-of-the-art computer vision, deep learning and artificial intelligence technology.
VoxelCloud provides automated medical image analysis services and diagnosis assistance based on AI and cloud computing technologies. VoxelCloud develops computer-aided detection systems for detecting and diagnosing various diseases ranging from cardiovascular and lung diseases to eye diseases. Our solutions are based on the state-of-the-art computer vision, deep learning and artificial intelligence technology.
18
Country: Israel | Funding: $67M
ForSight Robotics created surgical platform designed specifically for ophthalmological (eye) surgeries — a category requiring a great deal of precision.
ForSight Robotics created surgical platform designed specifically for ophthalmological (eye) surgeries — a category requiring a great deal of precision.
19
Country: USA | Funding: $57M
EyeQue is a maker of at home visual acuity tests. Dedicated to inspiring people to learn about & care for their eyes by putting affordable, accurate vision tests directly into their hands.
EyeQue is a maker of at home visual acuity tests. Dedicated to inspiring people to learn about & care for their eyes by putting affordable, accurate vision tests directly into their hands.
20
Country: USA | Funding: $56M
Visus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing treatment for age-related long-sightedness.
Visus Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing treatment for age-related long-sightedness.
21
Country: USA | Funding: $46.8M
Surface Pharmaceuticals intends to advance state of the art treatments for ocular surface diseases.
Surface Pharmaceuticals intends to advance state of the art treatments for ocular surface diseases.
22
Country: USA | Funding: $47.4M
Eyenuk, Inc. is a global digital health company and leader in real-world AI eye screening for autonomous disease detection
Eyenuk, Inc. is a global digital health company and leader in real-world AI eye screening for autonomous disease detection
23
Country: Germany | Funding: $46.3M
Retina Implant AG is a medical technology start-up company founded in 2003. We are building upon the results of a research project in which numerous German university hospitals and German research institutes have participated since 1996. In close cooperation with our partners we plan to place the first fully functioning electronic retinal prosthesis, in order to give back to blind persons a part of their lost sight.
Retina Implant AG is a medical technology start-up company founded in 2003. We are building upon the results of a research project in which numerous German university hospitals and German research institutes have participated since 1996. In close cooperation with our partners we plan to place the first fully functioning electronic retinal prosthesis, in order to give back to blind persons a part of their lost sight.
24
Country: USA | Funding: $43.1M
Opternative builds online eye exam, the most convenient way to get a prescription from an ophthalmologist for contacts and glasses. The exam can be taken from anywhere, at any time, and a doctor issued prescription can be used to shop everywhere. Eye exams for glasses and contact prescriptions are just the beginning. We envision a world where technology allows patients and doctors to connect to make all aspects of vision care more convenient, accessible and even fun!
Opternative builds online eye exam, the most convenient way to get a prescription from an ophthalmologist for contacts and glasses. The exam can be taken from anywhere, at any time, and a doctor issued prescription can be used to shop everywhere. Eye exams for glasses and contact prescriptions are just the beginning. We envision a world where technology allows patients and doctors to connect to make all aspects of vision care more convenient, accessible and even fun!
25
Country: Israel | Funding: $43M
Orasis Pharmaceuticals develops a corrective eye drop to treat presbyopia as an alternative to reading glasses.
Orasis Pharmaceuticals develops a corrective eye drop to treat presbyopia as an alternative to reading glasses.
26
Country: USA | Funding: $42.4M
Abpro Therapeutics develops antibody drugs for cancer and vascular eye disease
Abpro Therapeutics develops antibody drugs for cancer and vascular eye disease
27
Country: France | Funding: $41M
Pixium Vision is developing innovative Bionic Vision Restoration Systems (VRS), which are active implantable medical devices intended to treat blindness resulting from the degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells. These devices are intended for blind patients whose optic nerve remain functional.
Pixium Vision is developing innovative Bionic Vision Restoration Systems (VRS), which are active implantable medical devices intended to treat blindness resulting from the degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells. These devices are intended for blind patients whose optic nerve remain functional.
28
Country: Israel | Funding: $38.1M
EyeYon Medical is an Israeli start-up company that develops innovative medical devices for the treatment of corneal edema.
EyeYon Medical is an Israeli start-up company that develops innovative medical devices for the treatment of corneal edema.
29
Country: Switzerland | Funding: $33.4M
Sensimed AG, a Swiss company, has developed a unique non-invasive soft contact lens-based solution, the SENSIMED Triggerfish, with the aim of revolutionizing glaucoma management by providing an automated recording of continuous ocular dimensional change over 24 hours.
Sensimed AG, a Swiss company, has developed a unique non-invasive soft contact lens-based solution, the SENSIMED Triggerfish, with the aim of revolutionizing glaucoma management by providing an automated recording of continuous ocular dimensional change over 24 hours.
30
Country: USA | Funding: $26M
Simple Contacts allows you to take a vision test and reorder your contacts In just five minutes, without the office visit.
Simple Contacts allows you to take a vision test and reorder your contacts In just five minutes, without the office visit.
31
Country: Israel
Nano Retina is an innovative company that took on the ambitious goal of restoring vision to blind people using advanced nanotechnology. Based on sound scientific knowledge and through rigorous research processes the team at Nano Retina is developing a device that will enable blind people due to retinal degenerative disease gain functional vision.
Nano Retina is an innovative company that took on the ambitious goal of restoring vision to blind people using advanced nanotechnology. Based on sound scientific knowledge and through rigorous research processes the team at Nano Retina is developing a device that will enable blind people due to retinal degenerative disease gain functional vision.
32
Country: Canada | Funding: $20.7M
eSight is the only patented, assistive-device of its kind anywhere in the world. eSight is wearable, handsfree, portable - and most importantly, eSight is a non-surgical device. eSight is currently registered with the United States FDA and Health Canada.
eSight is the only patented, assistive-device of its kind anywhere in the world. eSight is wearable, handsfree, portable - and most importantly, eSight is a non-surgical device. eSight is currently registered with the United States FDA and Health Canada.
33
Country: Australia | Funding: $18M
Bionic Vision Technologies develops visual prostheses to restore vision to the blind. The devices operate by electrically stimulating the remaining retinal cells in patients with retinal degeneration.
Bionic Vision Technologies develops visual prostheses to restore vision to the blind. The devices operate by electrically stimulating the remaining retinal cells in patients with retinal degeneration.
34
Country: USA | Funding: $17M
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that is developing a game-changing gene therapy to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved therapies to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions.
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that is developing a game-changing gene therapy to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved therapies to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions.
35
Country: Israel | Funding: $16M
NovaSight brings pediatric vision care into the digital age. Its revolutionary eye tracking-based solutions aim to prevent pediatric vision loss through rapid vision assessment and innovative vision therapy.
NovaSight brings pediatric vision care into the digital age. Its revolutionary eye tracking-based solutions aim to prevent pediatric vision loss through rapid vision assessment and innovative vision therapy.
36
Country: Germany | Funding: €13.2M
Dopavision is a therapeutic company developing a digital therapeutic for myopia.
Dopavision is a therapeutic company developing a digital therapeutic for myopia.
37
Country: South Korea | Funding: $12.8M
Medi Whale offers medical AI software for eye disease detection.
Medi Whale offers medical AI software for eye disease detection.
38
Country: USA | Funding: $10M
AEYE Health is a digital health company focused on automated, AI-based diagnostic screening solutions for retinal imaging. The company’s system is designed to enable clinicians to detect a variety of medical conditions, prevent blindness, and save lives.
AEYE Health is a digital health company focused on automated, AI-based diagnostic screening solutions for retinal imaging. The company’s system is designed to enable clinicians to detect a variety of medical conditions, prevent blindness, and save lives.
39
Country: Germany | Funding: $8.5M
Our EYEMATE eye pressure measurement system consists of an implantable micro sensor, responsible for pressure sensing. It also consists of an external hand held device, which is transferring energy to the micro sensor telemetrically and which is responsible for data read out and storage. A GSM module can be connected with the hand held device for transfer of measurement data to an internet-based database.
Our EYEMATE eye pressure measurement system consists of an implantable micro sensor, responsible for pressure sensing. It also consists of an external hand held device, which is transferring energy to the micro sensor telemetrically and which is responsible for data read out and storage. A GSM module can be connected with the hand held device for transfer of measurement data to an internet-based database.
40
Country: USA | Funding: $8.4M
Lumata Health is a practice management platform for ophthalmology
Lumata Health is a practice management platform for ophthalmology
41
Country: USA | Funding: $8.1 m
We developed the world’s first smartphone based wavefront autorefractor, SVOne, to combat this global challenge. To date, the SVOne is used in over 300 eye clinics across the United States and in 23 countries. Today, the team continues to create industry-changing technology to reinvent the future of vision care.
We developed the world’s first smartphone based wavefront autorefractor, SVOne, to combat this global challenge. To date, the SVOne is used in over 300 eye clinics across the United States and in 23 countries. Today, the team continues to create industry-changing technology to reinvent the future of vision care.
42
Country: Israel | Funding: $7.2M
IOPtima develops minimally-invasive surgical ophthalmic devices. The company’s flagship product IOPtimate is a surgical system for the treatment of Glaucoma, which utilizes a CO2 laser technology to significantly reduce internal eye pressure (“IOP”), by restoring the natural fluid percolation without penetrating into the eye.
IOPtima develops minimally-invasive surgical ophthalmic devices. The company’s flagship product IOPtimate is a surgical system for the treatment of Glaucoma, which utilizes a CO2 laser technology to significantly reduce internal eye pressure (“IOP”), by restoring the natural fluid percolation without penetrating into the eye.
43
Country: India | Funding: $7.1M
We envision a world where all people feel empowered and able to make informed decisions about their health. We are, in particular, passionate about sight - we believe everyone has the right to experience their world and their journey with perfect visual performance. We are not satisfied with the current state of vision care, and we see a near future where mobile technologies and self-diagnostics will create a true sea change, bringing light and possibility to eyes everywhere. At EyeNetra, we are committed to making that future real.
We envision a world where all people feel empowered and able to make informed decisions about their health. We are, in particular, passionate about sight - we believe everyone has the right to experience their world and their journey with perfect visual performance. We are not satisfied with the current state of vision care, and we see a near future where mobile technologies and self-diagnostics will create a true sea change, bringing light and possibility to eyes everywhere. At EyeNetra, we are committed to making that future real.
44
Country: Lithuania | Funding: $6.6M
At Oxipit we are harnessing the latest AI and Machine Learning developments for better patient outcomes all over the world.
At Oxipit we are harnessing the latest AI and Machine Learning developments for better patient outcomes all over the world.
45
Country: Switzerland | Funding: $5M
Vivior develops Vivior Monitor - wearable that combines data from the patient’s behavior with objective measurements. The patient wears the device during the testing period, and the Vivior Monitor captures information about daily activities, e.g. working on a computer, tablet, smartphone, gardening, driving, and so on.
Vivior develops Vivior Monitor - wearable that combines data from the patient’s behavior with objective measurements. The patient wears the device during the testing period, and the Vivior Monitor captures information about daily activities, e.g. working on a computer, tablet, smartphone, gardening, driving, and so on.
47
Country: USA | Funding: $1.3M
Hemera Biosciences develops anti-complement gene-based therapies for the treatment of dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.
Hemera Biosciences develops anti-complement gene-based therapies for the treatment of dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.
48
Country: Singapore
Cornea Biosciences was founded in 2011 with the express objective of furthering development of the bioengineered cornea, and providing this cornea to the millions of people unilaterally or bilaterally blind from corneal disease or injury and unable to obtain a corneal transplant due to a severe shortage of human donor corneas. The company’s cornea is the result of ten years of research and development conducted at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Linkoping University in Sweden.
Cornea Biosciences was founded in 2011 with the express objective of furthering development of the bioengineered cornea, and providing this cornea to the millions of people unilaterally or bilaterally blind from corneal disease or injury and unable to obtain a corneal transplant due to a severe shortage of human donor corneas. The company’s cornea is the result of ten years of research and development conducted at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Linkoping University in Sweden.
49
Country: Ukraine | Funding: $1M
Altris.AI, a health tech company, develops ophthalmology deep learning platform for retinal diseases detection from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans or Fundus images at early, asymptomatic stages by learning from a large dataset of clinical cases.
Altris.AI, a health tech company, develops ophthalmology deep learning platform for retinal diseases detection from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans or Fundus images at early, asymptomatic stages by learning from a large dataset of clinical cases.
50
Country: Ukraine | Funding: $1M
AI-powered ophthalmic image management system that helps to detect 54 pathologies and 49 pathological signs on OCT scans.
AI-powered ophthalmic image management system that helps to detect 54 pathologies and 49 pathological signs on OCT scans.