In a partnership between eSight, an eyewear company for those with visual impairments, and Marathon Medical, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, the two companies are coming together with the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase accessibility for life-altering devices for veterans.
U.S. Veterans Magazine spoke with eSight about their company, their partnership with Marathon Medical, and SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) ownership, accessibility and using your business platform to give back to veterans.
Tell us about eSight and how you got started.
eSight Eyewear was founded and developed by an electrical engineer named Conrad Lewis. He was determined to find a solution for his two blind sisters who had suffered from Stargardt’s disease. This rare genetic eye disease deteriorates a part of the retina needed for central vision. Conrad spent nearly 30 years researching and developing a wearable device that could help people living with visual impairments see and live independently, free from the obstacles of their disability.
After seven years of extensive research and trial and error, the first wearable eSight prototype was released in 2013. Equipped with a small, high-speed, high-definition camera that utilizes best-match camera technology, eSight glasses capture everything the user is looking at and projects the footage onto two OLED screens in real time. For people with vision issues like Startgardt’s disease, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and several other eye conditions, eSight glasses can help them achieve up to 20/20 vision. Today, eSight is used by thousands around the globe who are legally blind or visually impaired.
What is the flagship device, and why did you create it?
Our flagship device is the eSight 4, one of the most versatile low-vision devices on the market. The device was launched in 2020 and takes sight enhancement to a new level. The eSight 4 was created in response to a growing need for advancements in tools and technology available for those with visual impairments. After gathering critical feedback from eSight users, it was evident that incorporating built-in controls allowing users to customize their vision experience was more than necessary.
The eSight 4 enables the wearer to remain completely mobile and maintain the use of their remaining peripheral vision, allowing them to facilitate normal daily activities with a newly found independence. Beyond the device’s incredible vision-enhancing technology, its extended battery life provides users with up to three hours of continuous use. Our newest generation device (eSight Go) looks almost indistinguishable from typical sunglasses and will be available early next year.
Your company has taken a special interest in giving back to veterans. How do you do that and why?
In August 2022, eSight Eyewear partnered with Marathon Medical Corporation—a service-disabled veteran-owned small business—to bring eSight 4 glasses to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system. Our partnership streamlines the purchasing and contract process for VA health care professionals and provides more access and enhanced product choices for veterans who are blind or visually impaired. We have also established a remote evaluation program, eSight TeleHealth for Veterans, which allows referred patients to experience the eSight wearable device free of charge and the comfort of their home to see if the device is right for them.
Unfortunately, military veterans make up a large portion of the population of blind or visually impaired men and women in the United States and are often overlooked and underrepresented. One hundred thirty thousand veterans are blind, and one million experience low vision in the United States. Devices like eSight glasses can bring life-changing enhancements to the lives of military men and women living with visual impairments. eSight Eyewear was founded to bring accessible tools and technology to those who suffer from debilitating eye conditions, and military veterans are just another branch of this mission.
Why is assistive technology important for veterans with disabilities?
With such a staggering number of military veterans who experience vision loss and other disabilities, assistive technology can be a game-changer, enabling them to live independently and participate more fully in everyday life. Devices like eSight can provide life-altering moments for veterans with vision loss. For some veterans, the most ordinary things, such as seeing the faces of their loved ones or even earning a living, are nearly impossible without the help of assistive technology. Providing access to technology that allows veterans to reintegrate into civilian life should be a priority for all assistive technology innovators.
What is Marathon Medical, how did they get started, and how does their partnership help your initiative to give back to veterans?
Marathon Medical is a veteran-owned leading medical supply distribution company with a focus on federal government customers. Founded in 2002 by a Vietnam-era veteran, John St. Leger, Marathon Medical is committed to the patient first and foremost, which is evident through its ability to provide the highest quality distribution services. Its mission is to provide excellence to the health care supply chain with professional service.
Marathon Medical works with a variety of manufacturers to offer solutions for every department within the hospital, helping to increase the number of reputable manufacturers that the VA recommends. Our partnership streamlines the purchasing and contract process for VA health care professionals and provides more access and enhanced product choices for veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
Marathon Medical is a certified SDVOBE; why did they decide to get certified? What are some benefits of certification they can share with other companies considering this path?
An SDVOBE certification allows your business to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs under the VA’s Vets First program. Certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses can compete for these contracts across the federal government. Marathon Medical’s certification allows the VA’s procurement arm to give higher priority to its available products.
For more information, visit esighteyewear.com and marathonmed.com.
