University spin-out eyes global expansion
A spin-out company from Aston University School of Optometry is targeting global eye care companies and retailers with its latest technology.
Manufacturing outsourcing specialist PP Control & Automation is helping EYOTO bring new tele-optometry solutions to market, helping it to build its eMap product, the world’s first edge to edge, fully digitised, remotely accessible lens analysis system.
The aim with this technology is to give global eye care companies and retailers the opportunity to bring lenses to life at the click of a button, with advanced surface inspection and full-colour power maps in just 55 seconds.
Garry Myatt, sales director at PP C&A, said: “EYOTO needed a partner to put in place a full manufacturing line that would deliver substantial quantities within the first six months.
“Our ability to have the right skills available in engineering competence, cable preparation and creation, electro-mechanical build and assembly meant we had the majority of what we needed under one roof and then it was simply a case of designing the build process.
“One of the key things we did was to invest over £150,000 into a new dedicated Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Complex Box Build manufacturing area specifically for eMap™ and similar products going forward.”
He added: “This ensures that the customer requirements and legal compliance to the recognised standards are met and involved the installation of special flooring, benches and test equipment – all grounded to earth to ensure that life of the electronics is protected from potential electrostatic discharge.”
“Engaging with PP Control & Automation removed a lot of the stress we were under, as we quickly realised it would deliver on the manufacturing side of things, leaving us free to concentrate on what we do best,” said Claire Mchaddan of EYOTO.
“We went from being in a very difficult position with no manufacturing partner to meeting all of our forward production targets…better still, we now have a dedicated cell to help us scale up eMap™ volumes and embed future technology launches.
She added: “This is just the start. We have a major technology roadmap in place that will involve the regular introduction of new products, especially with Covid-19 increasing the importance and need for remote ophthalmic equipment.
“We are confident that PP C&A has the capacity, skills and design for manufacture expertise to play a crucial role in all of these new product introductions.”
EYOTO is already well on the way to launching its next tele-optometry solution.
The first product in the tele-optometry platform will allow an Eye Care Practitioner (ECP) to conduct an eye examination from a remote location.
It eliminates the need for an ECP to be physically present with the patient and this will be followed by a complementary pipeline of remote and mobile technology offers.
