The World’s Smallest Eye Examiner

An automated refractor, or autorefractor, is a computer-controlled machine used during eye examinations to objectively measure nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, autorefractors are typically cumbersome, stationary and expensive, and Hawaiian company Daphne LLC wanted to develop a hand-held, low-cost autorefractor that would rather dramatically increase accessibility, speed and precision.

In 2003, Daphne LLC teamed up with Ergonomidesign and Helbing Technik, a Swiss engineering company specialising in advanced optics, to pursue their vision of developing low-cost and technologically advanced diagnostic instruments for the eye care industry. To start of with, Daphne LLC needed to raise substantial amounts of capital to cover development and design costs.

To help attract investors, Ergonomidesign brought Daphne’s vision to life by generating product concepts, developing prototypes, conducting tests, and designing sales material. In the end, Daphne managed to raise USD 3 million from investors all over the world to boost further development work. Daphne’s first product is currently undergoing clinical tests.