Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Rollins.
Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m fascinated by technology that improves people’s lives. I’ve started 3 companies with scientists at Universities who had developed novel technologies.
When I was studying at business school, I made an effort to get to know engineers and researchers. I started my first company with a Biomedical Ph.D. student at Cornell to help people with dry eye.
Together we made a great team of science, research, business, and marketing. Good technologies can’t make it to consumers without a champion to get funding for it and put it in front of people.
To start my second company, I decided I would work for nearly free with an agency in the State of Utah that allowed me to help University of Utah researchers validate if their technologies could be commercialized.
In this position, I met Dr. Katz, a neuro-ophthalmologist and researcher. He treated many people with migraine and light sensitivity. His research identified types of light that caused pain and developed a lens to block that light.
After validating Dr. Katz’s technology with patients, I worked with him to launch the company Axon Optics to bring this lens technology, or migraine glasses, to the public.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everything takes much longer than expected. While we were able to launch immediately with our first generation lens, we have been developing a new and improved lens that is going through FDA clinical studies.
Study protocols, lens changes, Covid, legal agreements, and other items have really slowed progress down. However, we are close now and excited to announce a new and improved product soon.
As you know, we’re big fans of Axon Optics. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Axon Optics (axonoptics.com) is a MedTech startup born out of the University of Utah. Our company develops and sells eyeglasses and contact lenses that block the wavelength of light that have been implicated in triggering and aggravating migraines and light sensitivity.
Although the definitive cause of migraines is unknown, over 90% of all patients with migraines report sensitivity to light (photophobia) during headaches and many report that light can trigger a migraine. Our eyewear has been shown to reduce headache impact by 33%.
One of our customers said, “Attacks went from literally every day of the week to at worst once to twice per month.” Our product is sold directly to consumers online and also through eye care providers.
What’s next?
We love new research and development for our current customers. We are continually conducting research that may help people with light sensitivity.
Also, getting FDA clearance on our new lens will be a huge milestone. This will lead to insurance companies being able to reimburse for our products.
Pricing:
- Axon Optics Glasses $199
Contact Info:
- Email: support@axonoptics.com
- Website: axonoptics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axonoptics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axonoptics
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/axonoptics
