In an era where early detection can transform outcomes, one British MedTech company is turning the world’s attention to a surprising but powerful diagnostic tool – the human eye.
Occuity is a Reading-based innovator pioneering the emerging field of Oculomics, the study of how the eye can reveal insights into wider systemic health. Using light to scan through the eye and analyse the reflections returned, Occuity’s patented optical technology can detect subtle biomarkers linked not only to eye conditions such as glaucoma and myopia, but also to major systemic diseases including diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
As CEO and Co-Founder, Dr. Dan Daly highlights: “Ultimately, our aim is to replace invasive finger stick tests used by millions daily to measure glucose, with a simple, pain free scan of the eye”
Revolutionising diagnostics through light
Whilst a non-invasive glucose meter is the main goal, the company is taking a strategic approach to delivering it. At the heart of the Occuity’s work is a versatile optical platform technology that enables a pipeline of handheld, non-contact devices capable of delivering clinical-grade measurements quickly and painlessly. Its first commercial product built on the platform, the PM1 Pachymeter, provides precise corneal thickness measurements used in glaucoma screening and laser eye surgery, whilst its next device, the AX1 Axiometer, is aimed at the fast-growing myopia management market – targeting a disease forecast to affect half the world’s population by 2050.
Further along the roadmap are devices designed to identify and monitor key biomarkers for diabetes and Alzheimer’s, where non-invasive screening could provide an invaluable step forward in early detection and patient management. This includes the future development of the ‘Indigo’ – a non-invasive glucose meter, which aims to measure glucose levels through the eye.
Platform power and protection
Occuity’s core advantage lies in its patented optical technology platform, which serves as the foundation for multiple devices. The company currently holds 15 patent families (14 granted, one pending) with a further six in draft. Each new product builds upon the same core architecture – from optics and scanning systems to alignment and data algorithms – creating scalability and strong intellectual-property protection.
As CTO and Co-founder Dr Robin Taylor explains, “Occuity is a patent-heavy organisation by design. Our patents are structured into a robust patent thicket that safeguards not just our core optical platform, but every product that stems from it, giving us real strength and long-term value as we grow.”
Accessibility meets opportunity
Traditional optical instruments are often large, complex and costly. Occuity’s design philosophy flips this on its head, focusing on portability, simplicity and patient comfort. Its devices require no chin rest, dark room or consumables, making them cost-effective for clinicians and easy to deploy not only in hospitals but in point of care providers such as optometry practices, community settings, pharmacies and even in the home.
This approach does not just simplify healthcare delivery; it broadens access to advanced diagnostics. With more than 19 global distributors already on board, Occuity is well placed to bring its technology to scale.
Investing in the future of health
With global markets for diabetes care (projected at US $62.73 billion by 2032) and Alzheimer’s diagnostics growing rapidly (US $14.14 billion by 2032), Occuity’s platform offers investors exposure to several multi-billion-pound opportunities, all built around a proven core technology.
The company’s crowdfunding round on Republic Europe gives investors the chance to join its mission from as little as £30. For those looking for an ethical, high-growth investment in an area with vast potential impact, Occuity stands out as one to watch.
“We’re using the eye as a window into the health of the body,” says CEO and Co-founder Dan Daly. “Our goal is to make disease detection and monitoring smarter, faster and completely non-invasive, improving lives on a global scale. Significantly, from an investor perspective, whilst our work on our non-invasive glucose meter is really exciting, we’re not a one trick pony and our technology is being proven by our current products.”
As Oculomics moves from research into real-world applications, Occuity’s optical platform places it firmly at the forefront of this healthcare revolution.
Occuity’s Republic Europe crowdfunding campaign is now live, giving you the opportunity to back a company that has proven its technology, established early revenues and built a clear roadmap to scale.
Disclosure: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Capital is at risk.