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

Optain Health, a startup specializing in AI-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 Details and Strategic Vision

The acquisition combines Optain's next-generation robotic retinal imaging technology with EyePACS' established teleophthalmology network. This integration is expected to significantly expand early disease detection capabilities, particularly in underserved communities. The joint mission of the companies focuses on preventing avoidable blindness and improving patient care through earlier disease identification.

Optain's platform is currently operational at 200 provider sites globally, with plans for over 1,000 additional deployments. The company has secured partnerships with seven U.S. health systems and one of the nation's largest primary care groups. While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Optain recently closed a $26 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners, following a $12 million seed round in 2023.

Technological Advancements and Clinical Applications

Optain's technology incorporates a lightweight, portable robotic camera that captures retinal images without pupil dilation, designed for point-of-care use. The platform utilizes AI workflows to detect various sight-threatening eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, it assesses cardiovascular disease risk.

EyePACS, founded in 2003 at the University of California, San Francisco, has built a network spanning over 740 clinical sites, including federally qualified health centers and county health systems. The organization has identified more than 140,000 cases of severe sight-threatening disease among 1.5 million patients screened.

Jeff Dunkel, CEO of Optain Health, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the combined product: "We now offer rapid robotic imaging, specialist multi-condition grading, and seamless integration, making early detection possible for millions of patients."

Impact on Healthcare Delivery and Future Outlook

The merger addresses key challenges in healthcare screening, focusing on clinical value, fiscal ROI, and ease of use. Optain's platform is designed to integrate with major U.S. EHR systems and offers scalable analytics to support population health programs.

Dr. Zachary Tan, President of Optain, highlighted the potential of retinal imaging in systemic disease detection: "There's so much information in a retinal image. It's really a window to the body. We're looking to the future of detecting systemic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease."

As the companies integrate their operations, Optain plans significant investments to improve both platforms, potentially redefining how retinal imaging can enable earlier, non-invasive detection of systemic diseases beyond ophthalmological conditions.