Keralink

What Keralink does

KeraLink International is a US-based nonprofit (founded 1962, HQ Baltimore) that operates as a three-entity ecosystem targeting avoidable blindness in low- and middle-income communities. KeraLink International delivers direct programs — vision screenings, eyewear distribution via voucher systems, and capacity-building for local eye care professionals — across the US, India, and Nepal. KeraX Venture Lab (launched January 2025) is a venture studio incubating technologies including AI-powered corneal diagnostic algorithms, bio-engineered corneal implants via spinout Pantheon Vision, non-pharmaceutical antimicrobials for keratitis, and protective eyewear for agricultural workers. KeraLink Eyewear (launched May 2025) is a DTC online eyewear brand whose 100% of profits are reinvested into mission programs.

The underlying technology portfolio centers on accessible diagnostic devices (portable autorefractors such as the PlenOptika QuickSee Free Pro) paired with computer-vision AI for cornea abnormality detection, plus a regenerative-medicine pipeline through Pantheon Vision aimed at reducing donor-tissue dependency. Clinical training is delivered through hands-on infective keratitis workshops in partnership with Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, with 140+ ophthalmologists trained since 2024. Distribution leverages global partner networks — most notably VOSH International (122 chapters across 33 countries) for volunteer-led clinical delivery and Saving KidSight for US pediatric screening.

The revenue model combines charitable donations (individual, foundation, corporate matching — with published tiers from $10 screenings to $100 glasses), the Hometown Heroes domestic program, partnership-driven service delivery, and a recently launched earned-revenue stream through KeraLink Eyewear e-commerce. The 30/30/30 Initiative commits the organization to serving 30 million people and raising $30 million by the end of 2030, representing the principal forward-looking financial and impact commitment. Leadership combines nonprofit operating experience (CEO Michelle Bockman, formerly of GE Healthcare and HP 3D Printing) with globally recognized social-entrepreneurship talent (CTO David Green, MacArthur Fellow and Aurolab co-founder), supporting both program execution and the venture-studio commercialization path.

Name

Keralink

Legal name

KeraLink International, Inc.

Website

https://keralink.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

KeraLink International is a US nonprofit operating a three-entity ecosystem — direct programs, a venture studio (KeraX), and a DTC eyewear brand — delivering screenings, glasses, clinician training, and AI/biotech innovation to address corneal blindness and refractive error in underserved US and South Asia communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Eye Care Services

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Optical Goods Retailers (456130), Offices of Optometrists (62132), Offices of Optometrists (621320)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cornea & External Disease Surgical Devices (Keratoplasty Tools, Cross-Linking Systems, Amniotic Membrane Delivery) (HLAHAJAK), Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA), Contact Lenses & Care Systems (Soft/RGP/Scleral Lenses; Cleaning/Disinfection Solutions) (HLAHAJAE)

Keywords

• Nonprofit eye care
• Vision screening services
• Corneal blindness treatment
• Online eyewear retail
• Global health programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: KeraLink operates as a nonprofit organization funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate matching gift programs. The organization runs fundraising campaigns including the 30/30/30 Initiative targeting $30 million.
2. KeraLink Eyewear Sales: KeraLink Eyewear is a purpose-driven online eyewear brand that reinvests 100% of its profits into KeraLink International's mission to end preventable blindness. Revenue from eyewear sales directly funds programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

KeraLink International delivers sight-saving eye care programs—including vision screenings, free/affordable prescription eyewear distribution, and training of local eye care professionals—to underserved communities in the U.S. and South Asia. The organization operates an innovation pipeline (KeraX Venture Lab) developing AI diagnostics, bio-engineered corneal implants, non-pharmaceutical antimicrobials, and protective eyewear, and runs KeraLink Eyewear, an online consumer eyewear brand that reinvests 100% of profits into mission programs.

Product overview

KeraLink International operates as a nonprofit ecosystem with three interconnected entities: KeraLink International (KLI) delivers sight-saving care via programs; KeraX Venture Lab incubates innovation through technology development; and KeraLink Eyewear fuels programs by reinvesting 100% of profits. The organization provides a portfolio of eye care services including vision screenings, eyewear distribution, and professional training, while advancing technology innovations such as AI diagnostic algorithms, bio-engineered corneal implants, non-pharmaceutical antimicrobials, and protective eyewear through its innovation pipeline. The portfolio includes spinout ventures Pantheon Vision (bio-engineered implants) and KeraLink Eyewear (online retail), alongside programs like Hometown Heroes (U.S. screenings), Aadya Program (India community screening), and Infective Keratitis Workshops.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KeraX Venture Lab: Innovation arm of KeraLink International that operates under a venture studio model to discover, develop, and deploy sustainable technology innovations to accelerate the eradication of corneal blindness
• KeraLink Eyewear
• Hometown Heroes
• Pantheon Vision
• CtheGood by KeraLink
• PEN Strategy
• 30/30/30 Initiative

Products and services

• KeraLink Eyewear Purpose-driven direct-to-consumer online eyewear brand offering prescription glasses with a smart fit system; 100% of profits are reinvested into KeraLink International's mission to end preventable blindness.
• Vision Screening Programs Direct vision screening services in the U.S. focused on vision impairment, and comprehensive screenings in India with cornea health assessments, delivered by KeraLink teams and partner organizations.
• Eyewear Voucher Programs Complimentary glasses and access to free or affordable prescription eyewear distributed via vouchers after vision screenings, including the Hometown Heroes voucher program in the U.S.
• Capacity Building Programs Training, mentoring, equipment provision, and technical support to eye care providers, clinics, and outreach programs globally to build sustainable local eye care capacity.
• Infective Keratitis Workshops Hands-on training workshops for ophthalmologists on diagnosing and treating corneal infections, conducted in partnership with Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital and the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.
• Hometown Heroes Program U.S.-based vision screening and glasses distribution program ensuring sight-saving care reaches children and families in underserved communities.
• Aadya Program Women-led, community-based vision screening initiative in India providing frontline screeners for corneal infections in Vrindavan and Saharanpur; KeraLink sponsors 100 Aadya screeners with enhanced corneal health training.
• KeraX Venture Lab Venture studio unit that discovers, develops, and deploys sustainable technology innovations to accelerate the eradication of corneal blindness, including AI diagnostics, bio-engineered implants, and non-pharmaceutical antimicrobials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.2 million screenings conducted
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Saving KidSightcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2025MOU for Missouri children's vision care partnership. KidSight leads school and community screenings (45,000 children/year), KeraLink provides glasses for identified children. Pilot in fall 2025 with up to 200 pairs initially, scaling to 3,600 children annually.
• VOSH InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025MOU signed September 2025 to expand access to eye care and corrective eyewear in underserved communities. VOSH leads clinical service delivery through 122 chapters in 33 countries while KeraLink ensures patients receive glasses. Partnership designed for growth with new activations added as projects are identified.
• Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Partnership with KLI and SCEH for Corneal Infectious Keratitis Workshop in Kathmandu during IAPB 2030 In Sight Live event. Hosted 22 ophthalmologists from 20 institutions across 13 cities for hands-on training.
• KeraLink EyewearcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Second spinout startup - online eyewear brand reinvesting 100% of profits into KeraLink's mission. Provides direct-to-consumer eyewear with smart fit technology while funding corneal disease prevention and treatment.
• Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital (SCEH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Ongoing partnership for infective keratitis workshops training ophthalmologists in India. SCEH provides clinical leadership and trainers. Partnership expanded to include Sambalpur workshop in remote tribal region and Kathmandu workshop alongside IAPB 2025 event.
• Pantheon VisioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Spinout startup developing bio-engineered corneal implants to reduce reliance on donor tissue. KeraLink funds and supports Pantheon Vision's mission to advance regenerative vision care for LMICs.
• Combat Blindness International (CBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of Aadya program - women-led, community-based vision screening initiative in India. KeraLink sponsors and expands the program with enhanced corneal health training.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Orbis International: Established global nonprofit focused on preventing blindness through training, technology, and treatment partnerships including the Flying Eye Hospital. Competes with KeraLink for training and capacity-building funding in similar LMIC geographies.
• Sightsavers: International NGO focused on eliminating avoidable blindness and supporting people with visual impairments through treatment, surgery, and training. Overlaps with KeraLink's corneal blindness programming in LMIC geographies.

Direct peers

• Prevent Blindness: US-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing blindness through screening, advocacy, and education. Overlaps with KeraLink's Hometown Heroes and Saving KidSight initiatives for underserved US vision care.
• Cure Blindness Project: Nonprofit focused on curing preventable blindness, primarily in LMICs, through surgical outreach and training. Shares KeraLink's focus on capacity building at partner eye hospitals and corneal disease intervention.
• Aurolab: India-based social enterprise manufacturing affordable intraocular lenses founded by KeraLink CTO David Green. Captures 10% of global IOL market and is a direct precedent for KeraLink's Pantheon Vision spinout strategy.
• VisionSpring: Social enterprise delivering affordable eyeglasses to low-income populations globally through entrepreneur-based distribution. Highly comparable to KeraLink's vision screening + affordable eyewear model and willingness to use commercial channels for mission.
• Hellen Keller International: Nonprofit tackling preventable blindness and malnutrition through integrated public health programs. Operates grassroots screening and referral networks that closely mirror KeraLink's community-led delivery model.
• Combat Blindness International: Nonprofit addressing preventable blindness worldwide, including co-founding the Aadya women-led screening program with KeraLink. Direct peer in mission focus and screening-first delivery model.
• OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation: Global nonprofit foundation delivering sustainable vision care access and affordable eyewear in underserved communities. Operates a hybrid model of vision screenings, permanent vision centers, and product philanthropy - directly comparable in mission and program mix to KeraLink.

Others

• Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society: Nonprofit scientific society advancing research on ocular surface disease including infectious keratitis, the condition central to KeraLink's training and antimicrobial R&D work. An adjacent enabling organization rather than a direct program peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KeraLinkIntl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/keralink-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/keralink_international
• Xx.com/keralinkintl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Keralink