DOT Glasses
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBrno, Czechia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
DOT Glasses firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DOT Glasses
- Legal name
- Dot Glasses
- Website
- https://dotglasses.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DOT Glasses industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Eyewear and Vision Care Solutions
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Optical Goods Retailers (456130)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical) (CRAAAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL)
Keywords
Where DOT Glasses is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brno
- HQ country
- Czechia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
DOT Glasses business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Glasses and Frame Sales: Sale of patented adjustable glasses, frames, and lenses directly to consumers and through distributor/agent networks. Multiple lens options including single vision, photochromic, bifocal, and blue light blocking.
- Vision Kit Sales: Sale of portable vision testing and glasses assembly kits (Large kit for 120 people, Small kit for 20 people) to distributors, NGOs, governments, and healthcare organizations.
- Screening Tools: Sale of screening equipment including Arclight (solar-powered ophthalmoscope), Holo Bio (binocular indirect ophthalmoscope), and vision testers.
- Distributor/Agent Partnerships: Partner network model where distributors and agents purchase kits and glasses wholesale, then sell to end users. Margins built into distribution chain for profitability.
- Training Services: Training programs for individuals, local teams, and businesses on vision screening, glasses assembly, primary eyecare knowledge, and micro-enterprise business models.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ultra-affordable glasses at fraction of traditional cost |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Large Vision Kit - serves 120 people (8kg) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Small Vision Kit - serves 20 people (2kg) |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels5 records
DOT Glasses product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DOT Glasses designs, manufactures, and distributes patented adjustable one-size-fits-all eyeglass frames (engineered with Mercedes-Benz's design subsidiary) and interchangeable polycarbonate lenses (single vision, photochromic, bifocal, blue light blocking) at ultra-low cost. The company also sells portable vision testing and glasses assembly kits (Large 8kg/120 people; Small 2kg/20 people) and screening tools (Arclight, Holo Bio ophthalmoscopes, distance and near vision testers) that enable vision screening and dispensing without an optometrist present. Distribution operates through e-commerce, governments, NGOs, healthcare facilities, corporate wellness, micro-entrepreneur networks, and vision camps across 8+ countries.
Product overview
DOT Glasses is a global social enterprise offering a comprehensive, all-in-one vision correction solution. The portfolio centers on patented adjustable one-size-fits-all frames (engineered by Mercedes-Benz) combined with interchangeable polycarbonate lenses. Distribution is enabled through two vision kit configurations: the Large Vision Kit (for 120 people, 8kg) and the Small Vision Kit (for 20 glasses, 2kg). The ecosystem includes multiple lens types (single vision, photochromic, bifocal, blue light blocking), screening tools (Arclight and Holo Bio ophthalmoscopes, distance and near vision testers), accessories (microfiber cloths, pouches), and training services (vision screening, primary eyecare, micro-enterprise). The company operates two models: the 'Radical' concept (no optometrist needed) for underserved areas and the 'Classical' concept (optometrist needed) for areas with existing eye care infrastructure. Products are available through an e-commerce platform with distributor and agent partnership programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Dot Glasses Adjustable Frames Patented adjustable one-size-fits-all eyeglass frames developed with Mercedes-Benz design subsidiary. Made of ABS/Polycarbonate (materials from automotive, aerospace, and riot shields). Scratch-resistant, impact-resistant, lightweight, and tested in 16 countries for diverse face shapes. Sold to consumers via e-commerce and through distributor, NGO, government, and micro-entrepreneur networks.
- Large Vision Kit Self-contained mobile optical shop with assembly and testing tools; serves 120 people. Includes pop-out modules and is portable as a shoulder bag or backpack weighing 8kg. Sold to distributors, NGOs, governments, and healthcare organizations.
- Small Vision Kit Laptop-sized portable bag containing everything needed to test vision and provide 20 customized eyeglasses (2kg). Durable, low-cost, refillable. Designed for individual distributors and small-scale operations.
- Single Vision Lenses High-quality scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses for near or distance correction. Power range from -6D to +6D. Designed for use with the patented adjustable frames.
- Photochromic Lenses Lenses that adapt to sunlight so wearers need only one pair for both indoors and outdoors. Scratch and impact resistant polycarbonate material.
- Bifocal Lenses Single pair of glasses providing both near and distance vision. High-quality scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses.
- Blue Light Blocking Lenses Lenses designed for screen users to reduce eye strain. High-quality scratch-resistant polycarbonate material.
- Distance Vision Tester Quick and accurate far vision assessment tool with built-in pupil distance measurement for proper lens alignment. Requires no electricity and includes clear instructions.
- Near Vision Tester Portable near vision chart standardized for different literacy levels with built-in pupil distance measurement tool. Easy-to-use assessment device.
- Arclight Ophthalmoscope Solar-powered 3-in-1 ophthalmoscope and otoscope weighing under 20g; fits in pocket. Detects cataracts, infections, and eye disease. Includes solar charging and USB-C options with 3 light modes.
- Holo Bio Ophthalmoscope Lowest-cost premium quality binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. Truly portable solar-powered design weighing 97g. Enables widefield retinal exams, disc and macula evaluations, and anterior segment evaluations.
- Vision Screening & Glasses Assembly Training Training module covering vision testing, glasses assembly, lens selection, organizing vision camps, and providing door-to-door service. Sessions range from 60 minutes for basics to full day for comprehensive training. For distributors, agents, healthcare workers, and partner organizations.
- Primary Eyecare Knowledge Training More extensive training module covering basic eye anatomy, different types of lenses, refractive errors, and guidance for recognizing other eye diseases. For healthcare workers, distributors, and community partners.
- Micro-Enterprise Model Training Training module supporting the launch of micro-entrepreneur networks, providing key business know-how, partnership development guidelines, and basic principles of finance. For individuals launching community-based eyeglass distribution businesses.
- Microfiber Cloths & Pouches Protective accessories including microfiber cleaning cloths gentle on lenses and protective pouches. Sold alongside glasses to protect, clean, and personalize each pair.
Quantifiable outcome
- +22-30% worker productivity improvement
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use DOT Glasses
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
DOT Glasses technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
DOT Glasses partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- The Fred Hollows FoundationflagshipIn partnership with Villgro Africa, Fred Hollows Foundation selected Dot Glasses for Africa Eye Health Accelerator 2026 cohort. Provides catalytic capital, technical support, and market access to scale affordable eye-care solutions.
- Villgro AfricaflagshipImpact investor and accelerator supporting African health-tech startups. Partnered with Fred Hollows Foundation on Africa Eye Health Accelerator 2026 selecting Dot Glasses among eight innovators.
- International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)coreIAPB is a leading organization in eye health globally. Dot Glasses is a member, collaborating on global efforts to address vision impairment and expand access to affordable eyeglasses in underserved communities.
- Czech Development AgencycoreCzech Development Agency supports international development projects. Partnership enables Dot Glasses operations and expansion in developing countries.
- EyelliancecoreEyelliance is a global coalition focused on expanding access to eyeglasses. Dot Glasses is a member working to advance the mission of eyecare accessibility.
- The Rotary FoundationcorePartnership with Dot Glasses, local municipalities, and Rotary Clubs in Nepal building integrated vision care system. Trained 80 female health volunteers and 30 local health workers.
- Zim Smart VillagesminorZimbabwe-based innovator integrating eye care into rural development ecosystems. Leverages Dot Glasses innovations to deliver services in their programs.
- Zuri HealthminorKenyan health startup leveraging corporate partnerships to reach underserved populations through mobile medical camps. Uses Dot Glasses for eyewear services.
- Wazi VisionminorUgandan innovator strengthening community-based eye care models. Part of Eye Health Accelerator cohort alongside Dot Glasses.
- Santé InitiativeminorUgandan innovator strengthening community-based care models. Part of Eye Health Accelerator cohort alongside Dot Glasses.
- Mamy EyewearminorKenyan startup focused on affordable and locally relevant eyewear solutions. Part of Eye Health Accelerator cohort.
- Gitugi Tea FactorycoreKenyan tea factory partnered with Dot Glasses for worker vision programs. June 2025 eye camp tested 1,051 people and provided 807 glasses. 65% of workers reported income increases.
- KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Agency)coreKTDA-linked factories partnering with eye care providers including Dot Glasses to bring clear sight to tea farmers and workers.
Scale indicators20 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DOT Glasses competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Peek Vision: UK-based social enterprise building smartphone-based portable eye screening and referral tools for low-resource settings. Closest direct competitor to Dot Glasses' vision-camp / screening-kit model serving BoP populations with non-specialist delivery.
- VisionSpring: Social enterprise that distributes affordable reading and prescription glasses in low-income communities across Africa and Asia via NGOs, employers, and micro-entrepreneurs. Directly comparable mission, target customer (BoP), and employer-channel GTM.
- RestoringVision: US-based nonprofit that distributes new and recycled reading glasses globally through NGO and mission-partner networks. Comparable in low-cost glasses distribution to underserved populations but without Dot Glasses' patented adjustable frame technology.
- Sightsavers: International NGO delivering refractive-error services and glasses distribution across Africa and Asia. Comparable buyer profile and a potential large-volume partner or competitor depending on procurement structure.
Broad incumbents
- EssilorLuxottica 2.5 New Vision Generation: Global eyewear incumbent's inclusive-business division running the 'One Million Miracles' and workforce-vision initiatives in developing countries. Listed by Dot Glasses as a partner and competes for the same employer/NGO channels in Africa and South Asia.
- Warby Parker: Direct-to-consumer eyewear retailer with a 'Buy a Pair, Give a Pair' social program; comparable e-commerce glasses model and mission-driven brand. Operates mainly developed markets, but overlapping frame-design and mission-driven DNA.
- OneSight: Luxottica-affiliated nonprofit running vision centers and employer screenings in underserved communities. Overlapping employer-wellness use case (e.g., similar to the Gitugi tea factory deployment model).
Emerging players
- Clearly (Adlens): Adjustable-focus eyewear pioneer with variable-power lens technology. Overlapping adjustable-lens innovation thesis though primarily commercial/premium rather than BoP.
- Adlens (Adjustable Focus Eyewear): UK company with patented fluid-injection adjustable lens eyewear. Comparable adjustable-focus technology moat but serves occupational and consumer markets rather than mass-BoP delivery.
- Wazi Vision: Ugandan eye-care startup strengthening community-based models; part of the same 2026 Fred Hollows Eye Health Accelerator cohort. Closest cohort competitor with overlapping East Africa footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses6 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DOT Glasses social profiles
Digital presenceDOT Glasses financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DOT Glasses leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
DOT Glasses subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
DOT Glasses funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DOT Glasses 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 DOT Glasses
What does DOT Glasses do?
DOT Glasses designs, manufactures, and distributes patented adjustable one-size-fits-all eyeglass frames (engineered with Mercedes-Benz's design subsidiary) and interchangeable polycarbonate lenses (single vision, photochromic, bifocal, blue light blocking) at ultra-low cost. The company also sells portable vision testing and glasses assembly kits (Large 8kg/120 people; Small 2kg/20 people) and screening tools (Arclight, Holo Bio ophthalmoscopes, distance and near vision testers) that enable vision screening and dispensing without an optometrist present. Distribution operates through e-commerce, governments, NGOs, healthcare facilities, corporate wellness, micro-entrepreneur networks, and vision camps across 8+ countries.
Is DOT Glasses a public or private company?
DOT Glasses is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was DOT Glasses founded?
DOT Glasses was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is DOT Glasses based?
DOT Glasses is headquartered in Brno, Czechia, in the Europe region.
How does DOT Glasses make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Glasses and Frame Sales are the primary driver. The others are vision Kit Sales, screening Tools, distributor/Agent Partnerships and training Services.
Who are DOT Glasses's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Peek Vision, VisionSpring, RestoringVision and Sightsavers. Broad incumbents are EssilorLuxottica 2.5 New Vision Generation, Warby Parker and OneSight. Emerging players are Clearly (Adlens), Adlens (Adjustable Focus Eyewear) and Wazi Vision.
Does DOT Glasses have an API?
No public API is recorded for DOT Glasses.
What industry is DOT Glasses in?
DOT Glasses's product category is Affordable Eyewear and Vision Care Solutions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAKAA, Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical), with a secondary code of HLAHAJAD, Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment). Its NAICS code is 339115 and its SIC code is 3851.