Optain Health Acquires EyePACS, Expanding AI-Powered Retinal Screening in Primary Care

Optain Health, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence-powered retinal screening technology, has acquired EyePACS, a teleophthalmology network provider. This strategic move aims to broaden access to eye disease screening in primary care settings across the United States and globally.

Merger to Enhance Early Disease Detection

The acquisition combines Optain's next-generation robotic retinal imaging technology with EyePACS' established teleophthalmology network. This integration is expected to significantly expand the reach of early disease detection capabilities, particularly in underserved communities.

Optain's platform, which is currently operational at 200 provider sites globally, is set to grow with over 1,000 planned deployments. These include partnerships with seven U.S. health systems and a major primary care group. The merger with EyePACS, which has supported community-based eye disease screening at more than 740 clinical sites over the past two decades, will further accelerate this expansion.

Technological Advancements in Retinal Screening

Optain's innovative approach centers on a lightweight, portable robotic camera that captures retinal images without pupil dilation. This technology is designed for point-of-care use, making it suitable for primary care, internal medicine, and endocrinology settings. The platform's AI workflows can detect various sight-threatening eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, while also assessing cardiovascular disease risk.

The integration of EyePACS' expertise enhances the platform's capabilities, offering specialist multi-condition grading and seamless integration with major U.S. electronic health record systems. This combined solution aims to provide fast, effective, and comprehensive retinal exams for primary care partners worldwide.

Financial Backing and Future Prospects

While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Optain's recent funding rounds indicate strong investor confidence. In September, the company closed a $26 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners, following a $12 million seed round in 2023.

Optain, a product of Ascertain—a joint venture between Aegis Ventures and Northwell Holdings—is positioning itself at the forefront of oculomics, the science of using the eye as a window into overall health. The company's focus on providing clinical value, fiscal ROI, and ease of use in primary care settings sets it apart in the competitive healthcare technology landscape.

As Optain integrates EyePACS' capabilities, the company plans significant investments to improve both platforms, potentially redefining how retinal imaging can enable earlier, non-invasive detection of systemic diseases beyond eye health.