OHI GmbH - Optometrie und Hörakustik Initiative

What OHI GmbH - Optometrie und Hörakustik Initiative does

OHI GmbH (Optometrie und Hörakustik Initiative) is a privately held Austrian vocational education provider, incorporated as a GmbH in Vienna in August 2015 and operating as the successor to the earlier OIWS (Optometrie Initiative Wien Service). The company specializes in preparatory courses for the Austrian journeyman examination (Lehrabschlussprüfung) and master examination (Meisterprüfung) in two regulated trades — Augenoptik (optometry) and Hörakustik (hearing aid acoustics) — targeted at adult learners on the "2nd educational pathway" (2. Bildungsweg) and practicing professionals seeking master-level certification aligned with the new NQR 6 (bachelor's-equivalent) framework effective December 1, 2024.

The core product set comprises four flagship block-structured programs — Vorbereitungslehrgang Lehrabschlussprüfung Augenoptiker (AO-LAP-029), Lehrabschlussprüfung Hörakustiker (HG-LAP-043), Meisterprüfung Hörakustiker (HG-MP-026), and the newly launched Meisterprüfung Augenoptiker (AO-MP) — supplemented by shorter add-on modules such as the two-day Intensivseminar Refraktion (AO-REF-014) and the Vorbereitungslehrgang Kontaktlinsenoptiker. Course delivery combines in-person workshops at the OHI Ausbildungszentrum in Vienna Meidling (Eichenstraße 38, 1120 Wien) with the proprietary OHI eLearning platform, Videoschulungen online video seminars, and physical training infrastructure including the Roger Dynamic SoundField 7000 audio reinforcement system and ZEISS VISUSCOUT 100 fundus camera.

OHI generates revenue primarily through course tuition fees priced between approximately EUR 525 (excl. VAT) for the two-day refraction seminar and EUR 10,817 (excl. VAT) for the four-block optician journeyman course, with payment structured as multi-year installment contracts. The company operates an annual industry ecosystem anchored by the OHI UPDATE congress (launched 2014, reaching 340+ participants and 42 exhibitors by 2025) and MYOPIEKONGRESS (launched 2022), supported by 45+ named industry partners including ZEISS, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Rodenstock, Silhouette, Signia, GN ReSound, and Phonak/Roger. Ö-CERT (since December 2016) and CERT-NÖ certifications enable cross-state Austrian training subsidies for enrolled students. The company is managed by two Geschäftsführer, Harald Belyus MSc and Walter Gutstein PhD, with a pool of 30+ credentialed trainers and approximately 20 employees.

Name

OHI GmbH - Optometrie und Hörakustik Initiative

Legal name

OHI GmbH

Website

https://ohi.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

OHI GmbH is a Vienna-based Austrian vocational education provider offering preparatory courses for journeyman and master trade examinations in optometry and hearing aid acoustics, serving adult learners and practicing professionals through blended in-person workshops and a proprietary eLearning platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

akta.pro primary industry

Ophthalmic/Optometric Assisting (EDAOAJAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

Keywords

• Vocational education training
• Optometry preparatory courses
• Hearing acoustics training
• Journeyman examination prep
• Master craftsman certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: OHI generates revenue through tuition fees for its preparatory courses for journeyman and master examinations. Courses are priced between approximately EUR 525 and EUR 10,817 (excl. VAT) depending on duration and level. Payment is typically structured in installments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

OHI GmbH provides preparatory courses for Austrian journeyman (Lehrabschlussprüfung) and master (Meisterprüfung) examinations in optometry (Augenoptik) and hearing aid acoustics (Hörakustik), delivered through block-structured in-person training at its Vienna training center and supplemented by the proprietary OHI eLearning platform. The company also operates the annual OHI UPDATE industry trade show and the MYOPIEKONGRESS continuing education congress, and awards the Zertifikat of Excellence distinction to outstanding graduates of the optician preparatory course.

Product overview

OHI GmbH is an Austrian vocational education provider offering preparation courses for journeyman and master examinations in optometry and hearing acoustics. The core product portfolio includes four main training programs: preparation courses for optician and hearing aid acoustician journeyman examinations (AO-LAP, HG-LAP) and corresponding master-level courses (AO-MP, HG-MP). Supporting modules include the OHI eLearning platform, video-based training (Videoschulungen), and specialized courses like the refraction intensive seminar. The company also operates branded industry events including OHI UPDATE (annual trade show and congress) and MYOPIEKONGRESS (myopia management conference). Training facilities feature specialized equipment including ZEISS VISUSCOUT 100 fundus cameras and Roger Dynamic SoundField 7000 audio systems. OHI is certified by Ö-CERT and CERT-NÖ as a quality education provider.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vorbereitungslehrgang Lehrabschlusspruefung Augenoptiker (AO-LAP-029) Four-block preparation course for the Austrian optician journeyman examination (Lehrabschlusspruefung Augenoptiker), offered as part-time vocational training for adult learners in the 2nd educational pathway. Includes workshop training in spectacle lens determination, comprehensive in-house study materials, and optional Zertifikat of Excellence with 300 EUR prize for top project works. Priced at EUR 12,980 incl. VAT with multi-year installment payments.
• Vorbereitungslehrgang Lehrabschlusspruefung Hoerakustiker (HG-LAP-043) Three-block preparation course for the Austrian hearing aid acoustician journeyman examination (Lehrabschlusspruefung Hoerakustiker) covering anatomy, pathology of the ear, acoustics, electrical engineering, hearing aid fitting techniques, and otoplasty. Includes OHI eLearning modules for exam preparation. Priced at EUR 9,150 incl. VAT with multi-year installment payments; akwien (Vienna Employment Promotion) listed as a funding body.
• Vorbereitungslehrgang Meisterpruefung Augenoptiker (AO-MP) Master-level preparation course for opticians and contact lens specialists at NQR 6 level. Twelve-block course emphasizing competency-based teaching methods aligned with new Austrian master examination requirements effective December 1, 2024. Course start: November 17, 2025.
• Vorbereitungslehrgang Meisterpruefung Hoerakustiker (HG-MP-026) Three-block master-level preparation course for hearing aid acousticians covering anatomy, pathology, histology of the ear, acoustics, otoplasty, hearing aid fitting and technology. Includes medical device law and quality management training. Priced at EUR 12,600 incl. VAT with multi-year installment payments.
• Zweitaegiges Intensivseminar Refraktion (AO-REF-014) Two-day intensive refraction workshop combined with eLearning prerequisites, covering monocular refraction techniques coached by experienced optometry trainers. Includes 11 OHI eLearning modules and practical workshop sessions. Maximum 12 participants. Priced at EUR 630 incl. VAT, payable in full at booking.
• Vorbereitungslehrgang Kontaktlinsenoptiker Specialized preparation course for contact lens fitting certification, offered as part of the master-level training program for opticians.
• OHI eLearning Platform Digital learning platform providing interactive course modules between classroom sessions. Features multiple-choice tests requiring 80% correct answers for progression. Supports exam preparation with competency acquisition tracking across refraction, audiology, and contact lens training. Accessible through partner login portal.
• Videoschulungen (Online Video Training) Online video-based training modules available for home-based continuing education. Covers topics including lighting technology, aging processes, fitting algorithms, infection risk minimization, and contact lens care products.
• OHI UPDATE Annual Austria-wide trade show and congress for optometry and hearing acoustics, launched in 2014. Features industrial exhibitions, scientific continuing education lectures, networking opportunities, and a closing industry party. Held in Vienna; the 11th edition is scheduled for September 19, 2026.
• MYOPIEKONGRESS Annual interdisciplinary congress on myopia management bringing together opticians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and orthoptists. Features presentations on current strategies and product information from industry partners. Conference fee EUR 45-60 per person.
• Zertifikat of Excellence Distinction awarded to outstanding preparation course graduates, providing CV advantages and international recognition. Includes 300 EUR prize (paid as Wunschgutschein voucher) for the top three project works.

Quantifiable outcome

• 330+ participants at OHI UPDATE 2023, representing Austria's largest optical and hearing aid trade event
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Multiple Hotel and Accommodation PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOHI has established cooperation agreements with several accommodation providers to offer reduced rates for participants traveling to Vienna for training, reducing the cost burden for out-of-city students.
• Industry Partners (45+ companies)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerOver 45 companies from the optical and hearing aid industries sponsor and exhibit at the OHI UPDATE annual event. Listed partners include ZEISS, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Rodenstock, Silhouette, Signia, GN ReSound, and many others across eyewear, contact lenses, hearing aids, and laboratory equipment sectors.
• akwien (Arbeitsmarktförderung Wien)minorGTM or Marketing Partnerakwien (Vienna Employment Promotion) is listed as a funding body for the HG-LAP-043 course, indicating that graduates may access employment promotion subsidies for the hearing aid acoustician training program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Fielmann AG: Europe's largest optical retailer, which operates its own Fielmann Akademie to train opticians in Germany. Comparable to OHI as a large, employer-driven optician training organization, though serving in-house retail staffing needs rather than independent apprenticeship candidates.
• BFI Österreich (Berufsförderungsinstitut): Major Austrian vocational and continuing education institution offering apprenticeship and master exam preparation across many trades. Comparable to OHI as a federally funded, broad-scope adult education provider that overlaps with OHI's core adult-learner audience.
• WIFI Österreich (Wirtschaftsförderungsinstitut): Austria's largest adult and vocational education provider, run by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Offers trade-exam preparation across many industries and competes for the same pool of Austrian adult learners seeking certified qualifications, though it lacks OHI's optometry/hearing-acoustics specialization.

Regional players

• Apollo-Optik Holding GmbH & Co. KG: Large DACH optical retailer with internal apprenticeship and training programs for opticians. Comparable to OHI as an optical-industry training operator, though primarily serving its own retail workforce in Germany and not offering external master exam prep.

Direct peers

• BIHA Bildungszentrum (Bundesinnung Hörakustik): German federal guild of hearing aid acousticians that organizes Meisterprüfung preparation courses for the Hörakustiker trade. The closest direct counterpart to OHI's hearing-aid-acoustician preparation business, serving the German rather than Austrian market.
• ZVA Bildungszentrum (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen): German central professional body for optometrists that runs optician apprenticeship and master exam preparation in Germany. Directly comparable to OHI as a specialized Augenoptiker trade-certification prep provider, though operating under German rather than Austrian trade frameworks.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/ohiwien
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/ohigmbh

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about OHI GmbH - Optometrie und Hörakustik Initiative