Optelec
Optelec develops and manufactures video magnifiers and text-to-speech assistive devices for individuals with low vision and blindness, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vispero Group and serving end users and eye care professionals across the United States through a dealer network and direct home demonstrations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersBarendrecht, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Optelec does
Optelec, founded in 1975 in the Netherlands by Frans Tieman, is a developer and manufacturer of optical and electronic assistive technology for individuals with low vision and blindness. The company operates today as Optelec United States from Clearwater, Florida, and as Optelec Ltd. in the United Kingdom, functioning as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vispero Group of companies. Vispero was formed through Optelec's November 2015 merger with Freedom Scientific, followed by acquisitions of Enhanced Vision Systems and TPGi, creating an integrated ecosystem combining hardware (video magnifiers, braille readers), software (JAWS screen reader), and accessibility services.
The company's product portfolio spans four categories: desktop video magnifiers (ClearView C 24", ClearView C Speech, ClearView+ HD, ClearView+ Speech, ClearView C One, and the 2026-launched foldable ClearView GO), portable video magnifiers (Compact 7 HD, Compact 8, Compact 10 HD, Compact 10 Speech, the 2026-launched Compact Go, and Traveller HD), dedicated text-to-speech reading devices (ClearReader Basic, ClearReader+), and optics/lighting accessories. Core technology centers on video magnification, OCR-based text extraction, and text-to-speech synthesis. Notable proprietary features include Dynamic Contrast™, a 3-in-1 rotatable camera, Autoscan automatic page detection, Ultra-Flexible Arm monitor adjustment, and ClearReader+'s 59 voice options across 31 languages.
Optelec generates revenue through one-time hardware sales (plus accessories and spare parts) via a multi-channel go-to-market model: an authorized US dealer network of 15+ regional specialists, territory sales managers conducting free in-home demonstrations, the Vispero parent e-commerce storefront (shop.vispero.com), and a dedicated Optelec For Professionals channel targeting eye care providers. Products carry a 30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year manufacturer warranty. Primary customer segments are individuals with low vision (covering conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa) and individuals with blindness, with secondary demand from opticians, ophthalmologists, and optometrists who prescribe devices. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; competitor benchmarks (OrCam product line) suggest premium consumer hardware pricing in the $2,280-$4,680 USD range.
Optelec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Optelec
- Legal name
- Optelec Ltd.
- Website
- https://us.optelec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Optelec develops and manufactures video magnifiers and text-to-speech assistive devices for individuals with low vision and blindness, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Vispero Group and serving end users and eye care professionals across the United States through a dealer network and direct home demonstrations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Optelec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Assistive Technology for Low Vision and Blindness
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Optical Goods Retailers (456130)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids) (HLAHAJAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)
Keywords
Where Optelec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Barendrecht
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Optelec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Video Magnifiers: Optelec generates revenue primarily from selling video magnifier hardware products including portable, desktop, and specialized magnifiers. Products are sold directly and through dealer networks with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty.
- Hardware Sales - Text-to-Speech Devices: Sale of dedicated text-to-speech reading devices such as ClearReader Basic, ClearReader+, and ClearView C Speech for individuals with low vision.
- Accessories and Spare Parts: Sales of accessories including reading stands, protective bags, and replacement parts for their video magnifier product lines.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OrCam Read Smart |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OrCam MyEye Smart |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OrCam MyEye Pro |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | OrCam Read 3 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Optelec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Optelec develops, manufactures, and sells optical and electronic assistive devices for people with low vision and blindness. The product portfolio includes desktop and portable video magnifiers, text-to-speech reading devices using OCR, and accessories, sold directly and through a US dealer network with home demonstrations.
Product overview
Optelec offers a comprehensive portfolio of assistive technology products for visually impaired and blind individuals, categorized into four main product lines: desktop video magnifiers (ClearView C 24", ClearView C Speech, ClearView+ HD, ClearView+ Speech, ClearView C One), portable video magnifiers (Compact 7 HD, Compact 8, Compact 10 HD, Compact 10 Speech, Compact Go, Traveller HD), text-to-speech reading devices (ClearReader Basic, ClearReader+), and optical magnifiers with lighting. The ClearView GO represents a new foldable desktop category combining portability with desktop functionality. Products offer various combinations of magnification, color contrast enhancement, and text-to-speech capabilities, with all products backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty and supported through a network of US dealers, online shop, and home demonstration services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Optelec ClearView C 24" C-shaped desktop video magnifier with 24-inch screen offering magnification from 1.5x to 75x, designed for reading newspapers, magazines, and documents with adjustable color and contrast options.
- Optelec ClearView C Speech Desktop video magnifier combining magnification with text-to-speech function to read newspapers, magazines, and documents aloud when reading becomes too tiring.
- Optelec Compact 8 Portable 8-inch touchscreen magnifier with up to 30x magnification, Dynamic Contrast feature for enhanced color differentiation, and 3-hour battery life.
- Optelec Compact 10 HD Portable 10-inch HD touchscreen magnifier with fold-out camera arm for reading and writing, rechargeable battery providing up to 2 hours of continuous use.
- Optelec Compact 10 Speech Portable 10-inch HD magnifier combining magnification with read-aloud text-to-speech function, designed for home and travel use with fold-out camera arm.
- Optelec Compact Go Lightweight 5.5-inch portable magnifier with wireless charging, dual cameras for near and distance viewing, 2x to 25x magnification, and up to 4 hours battery life.
- Optelec Compact 7 HD Portable 7-inch magnifier with stepless magnification up to 30x, customizable reading modes, 5-hour battery life, and large tactile buttons.
- Optelec Traveller HD Lightweight mobile magnifier with 13.3-inch HD screen, Slide & Read mechanism for natural reading, magnification from 2.4x to 30x, and 3-hour battery life.
- ClearView GO First fully foldable desktop video magnifier by Optelec featuring a 3-in-1 rotatable camera for near, distance, and self-viewing, available in 15-inch and 17-inch models.
- ClearView+ HD Desktop video magnifier with smoothly sliding reading platform, Ultra-Flexible Arm (UFA) monitor adjustment, available in HD and Full HD versions with 3-year warranty.
- ClearView+ Speech Desktop video magnifier combining video magnification with accurate text-to-speech technology, featuring Point & Read interface for easy text selection and natural-sounding voice output.
- Optelec ClearReader Basic Portable text-to-speech reading device that reads aloud printed text through OCR technology, featuring multiple voice options in 31 languages with 59 available voices.
- Optelec ClearView C One Entry-level C-shaped desktop video magnifier with HD system providing 1.3x to 67.5x magnification on a 21.5-inch screen for reading newspapers and documents.
- Traveller HD Reading Stand Reading stand accessory for Traveller HD allowing books up to 50mm thick to be read by placing them under the device.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all products
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Optelec
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Optelec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature9 records
Optelec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Freedom ScientificcoreIn November 2015, Optelec merged with Freedom Scientific. Optelec was the world market leader in hardware solutions (video magnifiers and braille reading lines), while Freedom Scientific was the global market leader in software solutions (JAWS screen reading software). This merger combined hardware and software expertise for the visually impaired market.
- Enhanced Vision SystemsminorOptelec's parent company Vispero acquired Enhanced Vision Systems as part of its growth strategy to expand the product portfolio in assistive technology for the visually impaired.
- TPGiminorAcquired by Vispero (Optelec's parent company) as part of the group's strategy to build a comprehensive assistive technology ecosystem.
- VisperocoreOptelec operates as a brand under Vispero, the world's largest developer and manufacturer of software, optical and electronic aids for people with visual impairment. Vispero comprises multiple wholly-owned enterprises including Optelec, Freedom Scientific, Enhanced Vision Systems, and TPGi.
- ShopLowVision.comminorOptelec For Professionals partners with ShopLowVision.com as the preferred online resource for the optical industry's low vision customers and eye care professionals.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Optelec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- VisionAid Technologies: UK-based distributor and reseller of low-vision and blindness products (including Optelec and HumanWare devices). Comparable via overlapping customer base (UK low-vision users, eye-care professionals) rather than as a manufacturer competitor.
Direct peers
- OrCam Technologies: Israeli maker of AI-driven wearable assistive devices (OrCam MyEye, OrCam Read) that perform OCR and read printed text aloud. Directly competes with Optelec's ClearReader+ and ClearView Speech for the same reading-aloud use case, with a more consumer/wearable form factor.
- LVI Low Vision International: Swedish manufacturer of video magnifiers (MagniLink line) and low-vision aids. Closely comparable to Optelec in product scope (desktop and portable magnifiers, OCR readers) and target customer (low-vision individuals, schools, and professionals), with a strong Nordic/European footprint.
- Enhanced Vision Systems: Sister company under Vispero, manufacturer of low-vision magnifiers (DaVinci, Acrobat, Amigo). Closely overlaps Optelec's product portfolio and historically was a direct competitor prior to the Vispero roll-up.
- Reinecker Vision: German manufacturer of video magnifiers and low-vision electronic aids, including the Mezzo and Vocatex lines. Direct overlap with Optelec's ClearView desktop and portable magnifier families, primarily serving European markets.
- HumanWare: Canadian manufacturer of low-vision and blindness assistive products including portable and desktop video magnifiers (Prodigi, Connect) and Braille devices. Closest direct competitor to Optelec's ClearView/Compact lines, serving the same low-vision consumer and professional channels.
- Ash Technologies: Irish manufacturer of desktop and portable video magnifiers (i-See, Quicklook) for low-vision users. Directly comparable in form factor and target use cases to Optelec's Compact and ClearView lines, primarily serving the UK and Irish markets.
Broad incumbents
- Eschenbach Optik: German optics specialist with a broad low-vision magnifier and lighting product line serving opticians and end users across Europe. Broader portfolio than Optelec but significant overlap in handheld/stand magnifiers and illuminated low-vision aids.
Emerging players
- Aumed Group: Chinese low-vision device manufacturer producing cost-competitive video magnifiers and portable aids. Emerging player offering lower-priced alternatives to Optelec's premium hardware, increasingly relevant as reimbursement and procurement decisions weigh price.
Others
- Freedom Scientific: Sister company under Vispero, focused on blindness/low-vision software (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion) rather than hardware. Comparable in customer base and end-user mission, and a key source of cross-sell synergies for Optelec hardware.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Optelec social profiles
Digital presenceOptelec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Optelec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Optelec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Optelec 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 Optelec
What does Optelec do?
Optelec develops, manufactures, and sells optical and electronic assistive devices for people with low vision and blindness. The product portfolio includes desktop and portable video magnifiers, text-to-speech reading devices using OCR, and accessories, sold directly and through a US dealer network with home demonstrations.
Is Optelec a public or private company?
Optelec is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Optelec founded?
Optelec was founded in 1975. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Optelec based?
Optelec is headquartered in Barendrecht, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Optelec make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Video Magnifiers are the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales - Text-to-Speech Devices and accessories and Spare Parts.
Who are Optelec's main competitors?
VisionAid Technologies is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are OrCam Technologies, LVI Low Vision International, Enhanced Vision Systems, Reinecker Vision, HumanWare and Ash Technologies. Eschenbach Optik is listed as a broad incumbent. Aumed Group is listed as an emerging player. Freedom Scientific is listed as an others.
Does Optelec have an API?
No public API is recorded for Optelec.
What industry is Optelec in?
Optelec's product category is Assistive Technology for Low Vision and Blindness. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAJAN, Low Vision & Assistive Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Electronic Video Magnifiers, Wearable Vision Aids), 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.