An MIT mobile health spinoff EyeNetra has managed to secure $4 million as part of a Series A round, MedCityNews is reporting. The company hasn’t named any names, but their website lists Khosla Ventures and Khosla Impact as investors.
Previously known as PerfectSight, EyeNetra developed a device called NetraG that works with a phone to create a portable vision test. The device can be used to test for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as for measuring the distance between eyes. The company claims this technology is as accurate as auto-refractors, which can easily cost north of $40,000.
Device aside, EyeNetra is also working on a data analytics component to identify patterns and trends to develop specific recommendations for each patient.
EyeNetra is also working on a data analytics component to identify patterns and trends to develop specific recommendations for each patient.Coupled with a smartphone, the NetraG device could provide easy access to eye exams in developing countries where early identification of vision problems could improve outcomes for easily treatable conditions. Nevertheless, the company’s clinical partners include New England College of Optometry, LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Lotus Eye Institute and Hospital. EyeNetra is also in the midst of clinical trials in Boston and outside the country. For one thing, they managed to test NetraG in India.
Among the company’s advisers are Dr. Jay Duker, chairman of ophthalmology at the Tufts Medical Center and the Tufts University School of Medicine; Frank Moss, the head of the New Media Medicine group; and Bruce Moor, a professor of pediatric studies at the New England College of Optometry.