Iridology

What Iridology does

The International Institute of Iridology, operating as Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iridology, is a private educational organization founded in 1976 by Dr. David J. Pesek in Waynesville, North Carolina. It trains and certifies practitioners in Holistic Iridology, a proprietary iris analysis system that Dr. Pesek developed to interpret genetic, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical predispositions from the iris. The core product portfolio includes a three-tier certification program (Level I $595, Level II $795, Level III $1,195) leading to a Diploma of Holistic Iridology, an Anatomy & Physiology course ($295), and a practical Diploma Exam ($155). It is supported by a desktop Iris Analysis & Reporting System software ($1,195–$1,495), proprietary IrisCam hardware, a Live Eye Examination Kit, laminated educational charts, DVDs, and the International Journal of Iridology. The organization sells primarily to licensed healthcare professionals (naturopaths, optometrists, massage therapists) and aspiring iridologists, with students and graduates reported in 62 countries and territories across six continents. Following Dr. Pesek's death in April 2025, Michele M. Pesek assumed the Director role and Jo Francks was named the sole U.S. instructor sanctioned to carry forward his teachings. The 2026 reestablishment of the partnership with the School of Natural Healing combines Holistic Iridology education with herbal education programs, formalizing a multi-channel education distribution model. Revenue derives from one-time course tuition, one-time software and hardware sales, a 12-month Diplomate-in-a-Year subscription plan ($190–$249/month), and the annual International Iridology and Integrative Healthcare Congress.

Name

Iridology

Legal name

International Institute of Iridology

Website

https://holisticiridology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The International Institute of Iridology (Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iridology) is a private educational organization founded in 1976 that trains and certifies healthcare professionals and aspiring practitioners in a proprietary system of Holistic Iridology via a tiered certification program, desktop analysis software, and annual congress.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Holistic Healthcare Education

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAAAHAH

Holistic & Integrative Wellness Education (Ayurveda, Traditional Practices)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Education (Nutrition, Fitness, Mindfulness)

Keywords

• Holistic iridology education
• Iris analysis software
• Natural healthcare certification
• Iris topography charts
• Preventive health assessment

Headquarters

HQ city

Waynesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition - Certification Levels: Three-tiered certification program (Level I, II, III) plus Diploma. Students pay tuition for each level. Level I: $595, Level II: $795, Level III: $1,195. Discounts available when purchasing multiple levels together.
2. Software Sales: One-time purchase of Holistic Iris Analysis & Reporting System software. Sold in English and Spanish. Introductory pricing $1,195 (before March 10th), regular $1,495. Second language available at discount.
3. Payment Plan Program: 12-month study-while-you-pay plan for Diplomate program. Three tiers: Tier 1 Digital Essentials $2,285 ($190.42/month), Tier 2 Digital + Physical Tools $2,695 ($224.58/month), Tier 3 Full Professional Track $2,990 ($249.17/month).
4. Educational Products: Physical products including charts ($10-$30), Live Eye Exam Kit ($85-$110), educational DVDs ($15-$30), and journals on CD ($20 per issue). One-time purchases.
5. Anatomy & Physiology Course: Required course for Diploma program. Tuition $295 plus shipping and handling. Includes textbook, coloring book, study guide, and colored pencils.
6. Diploma Exam Fee: Practical exam fee for students seeking Diplomate designation. Currently $155. Includes three sets of iris images and answer forms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iridology provides a proprietary certification program in Holistic Iridology (Levels I, II, III plus Diploma) alongside the Holistic Iris Analysis & Reporting System desktop software that generates 74-page comprehensive reports with 145 specific evaluations. The organization also sells proprietary iris cameras (IrisCam Multiflex and Handheld), a Live Eye Examination Kit, laminated educational reference charts, educational DVDs, and the International Journal of Iridology, serving aspiring iridologists and licensed healthcare practitioners across 62 countries.

Product overview

Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iridology offers a comprehensive product portfolio centered on Holistic Iridology assessment education and software tools. The core offering is Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iris Analysis & Reporting System software (a Windows/Mac desktop application) which enables practitioners to perform iris analysis and generate detailed client reports. Supporting hardware includes IrisCam Multiflex and IrisCam Handheld cameras, plus a Live Eye Examination Kit for in-person assessments. The educational division provides a three-level certification program (Level I Fundamental, Level II Intermediate, Level III Advanced) leading to a Diploma of Holistic Iridology, plus an Anatomy & Physiology course. Supporting products include 10 laminated anatomical and reference charts, educational DVDs, and the International Journal of Iridology. A new Diplomate-in-a-Year payment plan makes the certification more accessible. Courses are available in English and Spanish with select materials in Portuguese, French, and Traditional Chinese.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Holistic Iridology: Advanced system of iris analysis encompassing spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of health assessment
• Holistic Iris Analysis and Reporting System

Products and services

• Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iris Analysis & Reporting System Professional Windows/Mac desktop software that enables practitioners to perform comprehensive iris evaluations using a dynamic chart overlay and generate 74-page holistic reports with 145 specific evaluations or 16-evaluation brief reports.
• IrisCam Multiflex Professional-grade iris and sclera camera imaging system designed and developed by Dr. Pesek for capturing high-quality iris photographs for analysis.
• IrisCam Handheld Handheld iris camera device for iris and sclera imaging, complementing the Multiflex model for portable practice use.
• Live Eye Examination Kit Professional examination kit including xenon lamp for pure white light, 4x magnification glass lens, and replacement lamps for performing live eye readings. Made in the USA.
• Chart of Holistic Iridology Leading-edge laminated iris topography chart showing organ, gland, and structure locations with advanced brain reflex terminology, available in multiple sizes and languages.
• Familial Generational Chart Laminated educational chart depicting transgenerational influences of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual patterns visible through iridology, available in English and Spanish.
• Layers of the Human Iris Chart Laminated anatomical illustration depicting physical structures, textures, and pigments of the human iris with clear labeling.
• Scale of Thoughts and Emotions Chart Laminated chart describing the relationship of thoughts and emotions to channels of elimination and the endocrine system, with worded expressions affecting tissue structures.
• Brain Reflex Areas Chart Laminated enlarged brain reflex area chart with advanced terminology for masculine and feminine thought and emotional patterns genetically derived, available in multiple sizes and languages.
• Educational DVD Lectures by Dr. Pesek Educational DVD lectures including "The Face and Iris Tell the Truth" ($25), "Iris and Facial Signs with Holistic Detoxification Techniques" ($25), and "What's the Alternative" TV interview DVD ($15).
• International Journal of Iridology and Integrative Healthcare Professional journal published on CD covering iridology and integrative healthcare topics, available at $20 per issue, 5 issues for $70, or 5 issues for $50 with ICI membership.
• Level I - Fundamental Holistic Iridology 3-Day distance education seminar (High-Definition online recordings) covering fundamental principles of Holistic Iridology. Tuition $595 with certificate upon completion. Bundle discount of $200 when purchased with Level II.
• Level II - Intermediate Holistic Iridology 4-Day distance education seminar (High-Definition online recordings) building on Level I with additional iris signs, sclera, and pupil interpretation. Tuition $795.
• Level III - Advanced Holistic Iridology 5-Day intensive training on advanced signs, multi-generational influences, and clinical assessment with emphasis on software use for in-depth analysis. Tuition $1,195 with certificate upon successful completion of the online written exam.
• Anatomy and Physiology Course Required distance education course covering anatomy and physiology relevant to iridology. Includes textbook, coloring book, study guide, and colored pencils. Tuition $295 plus shipping.
• Diploma of Holistic Iridology (Dip.H.Ir.) Professional certification requiring completion of Levels I, II, III, the Anatomy & Physiology course, and a practical Diploma Exam ($155). Graduates may use the Dip.H.Ir. designation.
• Diplomate-in-a-Year Program 12-month structured payment plan program providing access to Levels I, II, III with three tier options: Digital Essentials ($2,285), Digital + Physical Tools ($2,695), and Full Professional Track ($2,990). Includes monthly content unlocks and pause-payments option.

Quantifiable outcome

• Preventive health assessment - can identify weak kidney or heart in iris reflex area long before individual has any signs of health issue
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• School of Natural HealingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Historic partnership reestablished between International Institute of Iridology and School of Natural Healing. Dr. David J. Pesek's first distance education courses were in partnership with School of Natural Healing, continuing the teachings of Iridology previously offered by founder Dr. John R. Christopher. School now handles English language registrations and course inquiries for Holistic Iridology courses.
• International Iridology Practitioner's Association (IIPA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIPA is a sanctioned school member that has approved Dr. Pesek's Holistic Iridology for continuing education credit. Students can earn IIPA certification through the program.
• American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board (ANMCB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved program for continuing education in naturopathic healthcare. Professionals can earn ANMCB continuing education credits through Holistic Iridology courses.
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved continuing education provider for therapeutic massage and bodywork professionals. Offers NCBTMB-approved continuing education through Holistic Iridology courses.
• National Board for Homeopathic Practitioners (NBCHT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved continuing education program recognized by NBCHT for homeopathic practitioners seeking professional development.
• World Association for Excellence in Health (AMES)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization that has awarded Dr. Pesek recognition including World Leader in Medical Sciences and Best Investigation Work award. AMES has approved Holistic Iridology for continuing education credit.
• American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association for naturopathic physicians. Hosting Celebration of Life for Dr. David J. Pesek as part of 44th Annual ANMA Convention in Las Vegas, August 2025.
• International College of IridologymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization led by Dr. David J. Pesek that organizes the annual International Iridology and Integrative Healthcare Congress. Present at 17th Annual Congress in Orlando, Florida.
• Institut Français des Sciences de l'HommeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench naturopathic school with campuses throughout France. Awarded Dr. Pesek with Honorary Diploma in Naturopathy for contributions to integrative medicine worldwide. Later invited Dr. Pesek to teach Holistic Iridology at the Institute in Paris.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bastyr University: Accredited university offering graduate degrees in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and integrative health. Comparable as a broader, more institutionalized player in holistic and integrative health practitioner education.
• National University of Health Sciences: Accredited institution offering graduate programs in naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, and integrative medicine. Comparable as a larger, accredited incumbent in the same holistic practitioner training category.

Emerging players

• Herbal Academy: Online herbal education platform offering courses and certifications to aspiring herbalists and holistic health practitioners. Comparable as a digitally-native, self-paced alternative-medicine education provider targeting the same wellness-minded learner demographic.
• Trinity School of Natural Health: Distance-learning natural health school offering diplomas and certifications in naturopathy, herbalism, and holistic health. Comparable as an alternative-medicine distance education provider serving the same practitioner aspirant segment.
• American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS): Online college offering accredited holistic health, integrative nutrition, and aromatherapy programs. Comparable as a digital-first holistic health education provider targeting working professionals seeking certifications.
• School of Natural Healing: Herbal and natural healing education institution that has become the official registration partner for the International Institute of Iridology's English-language courses. Adjacent in alternative-medicine education, now commercially intertwined through the 2026 partnership.

Direct peers

• Natural Healing College: Alternative-medicine education provider offering holistic health practitioner certification programs. Comparable as a direct competitor in the online holistic health certification space targeting aspiring natural health practitioners.
• Bernard Jensen International: Long-established US iridology brand offering practitioner products, charts, and educational materials. Direct peer in the iridology supplies and education niche, with overlapping chart and textbook product lines.
• International Iridology Practitioner's Association (IIPA): The primary professional association for iridology practitioners globally, which approves the International Institute of Iridology as a sanctioned school for continuing education. Directly comparable as the dominant US-based governing body in the same iridology education and certification ecosystem.
• International College of Iridology: Founded by Dr. David J. Pesek himself and organizes the annual International Iridology and Integrative Healthcare Congress. Operates as the sister organization to the International Institute of Iridology, with overlapping practitioner directory and event functions.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-institute-of-iridology

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Iridology