UK-based optical technology specialist, Eyoto Group, has announced that it will be opening its US corporate headquarters in Dallas in October 2022, with Eyoto CEO Paul Clapton relocating to set up and lead the US operations.

The company seeks to tackle problems facing the optical industry through advanced software and technology, with a specialty in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It has introduced Theia, the world’s first, and currently, only Remote Digital Slit Lamp that provides a comprehensive anatomical health check of the eye whilst removing the need to have the optometrist and the patient in the same location. It has also introduced the ground-breaking lens mapping and quality control platform, Atlas.

Paul Clapton said: “After a site search that included the DFW and Atlanta areas, we have selected the DFW area because of the strong presence of optical companies and talent, and specifically the Lewisville area, due to its proximity to DFW airport and the R&D staff that will be hired.

“It gives me huge pleasure to head up a fantastic team and company as we revolutionize the optical industry with disruptive and ground-breaking technology. Advancing lens production QA with Atlas and enabling cutting edge tele-optometry with Theia puts Eyoto at the forefront of our sector, pushing the boundaries and setting new standards.”

Named after the goddess of sight and light, Theia can deliver multiple opportunities, including increasing the provision of ocular health examinations through more efficient and flexible use of optometrist time. The device features a 4K resolution camera and screen, with full image and video capture capability to export to a patient management platform and aid the secondary care referral process. Small enough to sit on a standard optical equipment table, it delivers the same eye health examination as if the optometrist were with the patient.

Clapton continues: “Patients want convenient and affordable eyecare at times and locations to suit them. However, there is a limit to the number of patients and locations an optometrist can cover in person and there is a growing shortage of qualified specialists in many areas and in many countries. Theia solves the timing and geographical challenges, increases capacity, and delivers convenience to patients. With optometrists conducting eye examinations remotely, there is the opportunity for one optometrist to cover multiple centers, or to balance schedules across centers to match optometrist supply and demand.”

Additionally, Eyoto will use the new Dallas base to aid and support the growing US distribution of Atlas, the ground-breaking lens mapping and quality control platform. Atlas provides a fully objective pass/fail on every ophthalmic (spectacle) lens based on international or personalized standards in play, displays power maps, and conducts a full surface analysis, storing the results of every job on a cloud portal providing a full analytical suite. With the ability to run circa 50 jobs per hour per machine, a lens production facility can now evidence standards to customers whilst benefitting from huge cost savings and increases in operating margins.