IrisVision
IrisVision Global, Inc. develops FDA-registered Class I wearable headsets that combine AR optics and neuroscience-based software to help individuals with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other low-vision conditions read, recognize faces, and perform daily activities, selling primarily via direct-to-consumer e-commerce and the U.S. Veterans Affairs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersPleasanton, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What IrisVision does
IrisVision Global, Inc. is a privately held medical-device company headquartered in Pleasanton, California, that develops FDA-registered Class I wearable headsets for individuals with low vision caused by conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuropathy, and ocular albinism. The company's core technology combines smartphone-class hardware (notably a 50 MP camera and 1440 x 3120 resolution display) with augmented-reality optics and custom software informed by neuroscience research conducted by co-founder Dr. Frank Werblin (UC Berkeley, Guggenheim Fellow) and developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and funded in part by a National Eye Institute grant. Product generations include the original LIVE (2017), LIVE 2.0 (2020, discontinued 2024), IrisVision 3.0 (2023), and the Inspire 1.2 (2024), supplemented by a $649 Vision Cast HDMI streaming accessory, personal coaching services delivered by coaches who are themselves low-vision IrisVision users, and an annual extended remote support subscription at $79 per year.
The company monetizes primarily through one-time hardware device sales via its direct e-commerce channel, with quote-based pricing (not publicly disclosed), ancillary accessory revenue, coaching session bundles (non-refundable, three-month expiry), and recurring support subscriptions. Distribution is multi-channel: direct-to-consumer e-commerce with consultative inside sales, the U.S. Veterans Affairs Federal Supply Schedule, international shipping (including to Canada and Australia), and referral partnerships with organizations such as CNIB Foundation and Seva Foundation plus a network of low vision specialists. As of the most recent disclosures, approximately 3,500 individuals use IrisVision products, and the company has raised approximately $21.7 million across two SEC Reg D exempt offerings in 2021 and 2022, with a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics America announced in 2020 to extend the technology to a global low-vision population.
IrisVision firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IrisVision
- Legal name
- IrisVision Global, Inc.
- Website
- https://irisvision.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- IrisVision Global, Inc. develops FDA-registered Class I wearable headsets that combine AR optics and neuroscience-based software to help individuals with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other low-vision conditions read, recognize faces, and perform daily activities, selling primarily via direct-to-consumer e-commerce and the U.S. Veterans Affairs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IrisVision industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Low Vision Assistive Devices
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Optical Goods Retailers (456130)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids) (HLAHAJAN)
Keywords
Where IrisVision is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pleasanton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
IrisVision business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel
Revenue model
- Hardware Device Sales (LIVE 2.0): One-time purchase of the IrisVision wearable headset device. The LIVE 2.0 product line has been discontinued but previous versions (LIVE 1.0) and Inspire products remain available. Price is quote-based and not publicly listed on the website.
- Vision Cast Accessory: Vision Cast HDMI streaming accessory sold as an add-on for LIVE 2.0 at $649 one-time price, enabling TV/computer content streaming into the headset.
- Personal Coaching Sessions: Bundled coaching (1 free introductory session) included with device purchase, with additional coaching session bundles available for purchase separately. Coaching is non-refundable and bundles expire after 3 months.
- Extended Remote Support: Remote customer support available for first 6 months included with purchase. Extended support package available for purchase at $79 per additional year.
- Subscriptions (Software/Service): Terms & Conditions reference subscription-based billing for certain parts of the Service, indicating recurring billing components for ongoing software services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Vision Cast HDMI Streaming Accessory |
| Subscription | Annual | Extended Remote Support |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Device Purchase (LIVE 2.0, LIVE 1.0, Inspire) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
IrisVision product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IrisVision designs and sells FDA-registered Class I wearable headsets (LIVE 2.0, IrisVision 3.0, IrisVision Inspire 1.2) that combine smartphone hardware with proprietary software, augmented reality, and computer vision to help individuals with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and other ocular disorders read, watch TV, recognize faces, and perform daily activities. The company offers accessories such as the Vision Cast HDMI streaming module and bundles personalized coaching services with each device.
Product overview
IrisVision offers a portfolio of FDA-registered Class I medical wearable devices for low vision assistance. The core product line includes LIVE 2.0 (now discontinued), IrisVision 3.0, and IrisVision Inspire 1.2, which combine smartphone technology with augmented reality to help individuals with conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa see more clearly. The ecosystem includes Vision Cast ($649 accessory) for HDMI streaming, and Personal Coaching services for remote training and support. The company was founded in 2017 and has helped approximately 3,500 users worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LIVE 2.0: Discontinued wearable low vision headset product line featuring 1440 x 3120 resolution, smartphone technology integration, and multiple vision modes for conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa.
- Inspire 1.2
Products and services
- IrisVision Inspire 1.2 Next-generation wearable low vision device launched in 2024, designed to help visually impaired and legally blind individuals see again using advanced vision enhancement technology.
- IrisVision 3.0 Third-generation wearable low vision headset launched in 2023, representing the next evolution in wearable vision enhancement technology for low vision patients.
- LIVE 2.0 Wearable headset-based low vision assistive device combining smartphone technology with augmented reality, featuring a 50 MP camera, Octa-core processor, 1440x3120 resolution display, and multiple vision modes. Now discontinued with warranties and support continued.
- LIVE (1.0) Original wearable headset-based technology for low vision, introduced in 2017 as the first widely adopted headset solution for low vision. Preceded LIVE 2.0.
- Vision Cast HDMI streaming accessory priced at $649 that streams content from TV, computer, or streaming devices (including Amazon Fire Stick) directly into the IrisVision headset for an immersive viewing experience.
- Personal Coaching Remote, personalized training and support service provided by low vision coaches who are themselves IrisVision users. Includes 1 free introductory session with additional sessions available, offered in English and Spanish via phone or video chat.
Quantifiable outcome
- Approximately 3,500 users worldwide
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IrisVision
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
IrisVision technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability7 records
Feature7 records
IrisVision partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Samsung Electronics AmericacoreStrategic partnership announced to bring clinically validated vision technologies to over 200 million low vision patients globally. Dr. David C. Rhew, Chief Medical Officer at Samsung Electronics America, is quoted as a proponent of the technology, noting patients can read, watch TV, interact with people, garden, and perform daily tasks that were previously impossible. The partnership leverages Samsung's mobile hardware technology within IrisVision's wearable device platform.
- Johns Hopkins UniversitycoreIrisVision partnered with experts at Johns Hopkins University to develop its core technology. The collaboration contributed to the development of the neuroscience and augmented reality-based solution for low vision health. Dr. Frank Werblin's research at UC Berkeley, combined with Johns Hopkins expertise, formed the foundation of IrisVision's technology platform.
- Seva FoundationminorSeva Foundation partnered with IrisVision to democratize vision care through innovation. The partnership aims to expand access to low vision assistive technology globally, particularly in underserved communities.
- CNIB FoundationminorCNIB Foundation announced a new partnership with IrisVision to help visually impaired individuals access assistive technology. CNIB serves as a referral and advocacy partner connecting Canadian patients with IrisVision's products.
- RadiusXRminorRadiusXR was founded by Ammad Khan, who also founded IrisVision. RadiusXR is described as a leading platform in portable vision testing technology, representing a related venture by the same founder. The companies appear to share founder and potentially overlapping technology.
- Veterans Affairs (U.S.)coreIrisVision was awarded the Federal Supply Schedule Contract with Veterans Affairs, enabling VA hospitals and federal healthcare facilities to procure IrisVision devices for eligible veterans. The company has also developed specific programs for US Army veterans and participates in the Honor Flight program for WWII, Korean, and Vietnam veterans.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
IrisVision competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- eSight (eSight Eyewear): eSight makes electronic eyewear for people with central vision loss (e.g., macular degeneration, Stargardt disease), with magnification, autofocus, and bioptic tilt features. Direct head-to-head competitor to IrisVision in the wearable low-vision assistive headset category.
- OrCam (OrCam Technologies): OrCam MyEye and OrCam Read are AI-driven wearable assistive devices for blind and low-vision users, offering OCR, object recognition, and face recognition. Closest direct peer in vision-assistive wearable hardware, though the form factor is a clip-on rather than a headset.
- NuEyes: NuEyes builds smart glasses for the visually impaired using augmented reality and magnification, targeting macular degeneration and other low-vision conditions. Directly competes with IrisVision's wearable headset value proposition for the same patient population.
- Enhanced Vision: Enhanced Vision manufactures a range of low-vision electronic magnifiers and head-worn devices (e.g., Jordy, Amigo) sold through low-vision specialists. Comparable in serving low-vision patients through clinical channels with assistive vision hardware.
- HumanWare: HumanWare produces assistive technologies for people who are blind or have low vision, including video magnifiers and wearable solutions. Operates in an overlapping low-vision assistive device category with both retail and clinical distribution.
Emerging players
- Envision: Envision offers AI-powered smart glasses and a mobile app that read text, describe scenes, and recognize faces for blind and low-vision users. An emerging player focused on software-first wearable AI vision assistance, with overlapping target users.
- Aira: Aira provides on-demand, agent-assisted visual interpretation through smart glasses for blind and low-vision users on a subscription basis. Adjacent service-model peer with overlapping target customers but a fundamentally different human-in-the-loop delivery model.
Broad incumbents
- Vispero (Freedom Scientific / Optelec): Vispero, the parent of Freedom Scientific and Optelec, is a long-established leader in low-vision and blindness assistive products, including screen readers, magnifiers, and electronic video magnifiers. A broad incumbent in the same low-vision assistive category with deeper clinical distribution.
- Samsung Relumino: Samsung's Relumino mode on Galaxy devices uses VR/AR hardware and smartphone processing to deliver visual aids (magnification, color/contrast enhancement) for low-vision users. A broad incumbent threat with potential to absorb low-vision assistive features into mainstream consumer hardware.
- Apple Vision Pro (Accessibility): Apple Vision Pro and iOS ship accessibility features (magnifier, voiceover, point-and-speak, live recognition) increasingly usable by low-vision and blind users. A broad incumbent whose mainstream spatial-computing platform could compress the dedicated-assistive-device value proposition over time.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IrisVision social profiles
Digital presenceIrisVision compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
IrisVision financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IrisVision leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
IrisVision funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IrisVision M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IrisVision
What does IrisVision do?
IrisVision designs and sells FDA-registered Class I wearable headsets (LIVE 2.0, IrisVision 3.0, IrisVision Inspire 1.2) that combine smartphone hardware with proprietary software, augmented reality, and computer vision to help individuals with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and other ocular disorders read, watch TV, recognize faces, and perform daily activities. The company offers accessories such as the Vision Cast HDMI streaming module and bundles personalized coaching services with each device.
Is IrisVision a public or private company?
IrisVision is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was IrisVision founded?
IrisVision was founded in 2016. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is IrisVision based?
IrisVision is headquartered in Pleasanton, United States, in the North America region.
How does IrisVision make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Hardware Device Sales (LIVE 2.0) is the primary driver. The others are vision Cast Accessory, personal Coaching Sessions, extended Remote Support and subscriptions (Software/Service).
Who are IrisVision's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are eSight (eSight Eyewear), OrCam (OrCam Technologies), NuEyes, Enhanced Vision and HumanWare. Emerging players are Envision and Aira. Broad incumbents are Vispero (Freedom Scientific / Optelec), Samsung Relumino and Apple Vision Pro (Accessibility).
Does IrisVision have an API?
No public API is recorded for IrisVision.
What industry is IrisVision in?
IrisVision's product category is Low Vision Assistive Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAJAN, Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids). Its NAICS code is 339115 and its SIC code is 3851.