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The Fall of a Vision Tech Innovator
In a move that reverberated through both the healthtech and Israeli startup communities, U.S.-based eyecare giant 1-800 Contacts has announced the closure of its Israeli subsidiary, 6over6 Vision, resulting in the layoff of approximately 60 employees. This strategic decision ends a once-promising international collaboration aimed at revolutionizing how people receive eye exams.
Acquired in 2019 for a reported \$100 million, 6over6 was a Tel Aviv-based startup that gained attention for its innovative GlassesOn app, which allowed users to perform eye exams using only their smartphones. This breakthrough aimed to make vision testing more accessible and affordable, potentially reducing the need for traditional optometrist visits.
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Ofer Limon and Dr. Alex Zlotnik, both of whom hold deep expertise in electro-optics, 6over6 raised around \$13 million in early-stage funding from major investors such as Alumot Fund, Triventures, and China’s Rimonci Capital. At the time of the acquisition, the startup’s leadership emphasized its independence under 1-800 Contacts and hinted at future growth in Israel, rather than contraction.
The company’s suite of technologies extended beyond direct-to-consumer tools. It also provided vision-testing platforms tailored for eyewear brands, opticians, and eye care professionals, all aiming to digitize the prescription process and broaden access to eye care.
But now, with the operation officially shuttered, the once-bright promise of disrupting vision testing has dimmed—at least for 6over6’s Israeli workforce.
🔍 What Undercode Say: Business Vision Obscured by Strategic Shifts
Mergers
The acquisition of 6over6 by 1-800 Contacts seemed like a match made in digital health heaven. A fast-growing American eyecare retailer joined forces with a nimble Israeli startup known for pushing the limits of smartphone-based diagnostics. However, this merger serves as a cautionary tale: not all tech acquisitions bear long-term fruit. Despite initial announcements promising growth and autonomy, strategic alignment between parent and subsidiary may have weakened over time.
Innovation vs. Market Reality
GlassesOn was undeniably innovative. But innovation doesn’t always translate into commercial viability or scalability, especially in regulated markets like health tech. Consumer adoption of smartphone eye exams may have lagged behind expectations, or external factors such as insurance integration and medical approvals might have slowed growth. Additionally, many users may still prefer traditional eye exams due to trust and accuracy concerns.
Economic Pressures and Shifting Priorities
The economic landscape for tech companies globally in 2024–2025 has shifted dramatically. Rising operational costs, investment freezes, and corporate refocusing have led even large enterprises to re-evaluate their portfolios. It’s highly likely that 1-800 Contacts opted to consolidate its R\&D, especially if GlassesOn’s technology didn’t meet ROI benchmarks.
Talent Loss and Brain Drain
The closure results in a loss of 60 highly skilled jobs in Israel, a country known for its strong high-tech sector. This move could be seen as part of a larger trend of international companies reducing their Israeli footprints due to geopolitical or economic reasons. Such cuts can lead to brain drain or drive a new wave of entrepreneurial spinoffs as ex-employees seek to leverage their expertise elsewhere.
Strategic Misalignment?
The original pitch of 6over6 was accessibility and autonomy for eye care, a mission that doesn’t perfectly align with traditional contact lens retail models. Over time, 1-800 Contacts may have pivoted toward a different vision of consumer interaction that deprioritized independent diagnostic tools in favor of guided professional care or integrated clinical platforms.
✅ Fact Checker Results
Fact: 6over6 was acquired for \$100M in 2019 by 1-800 Contacts.
Fact: The Israeli branch has officially closed, with 60 employees laid off.
❌ Misconception: 6over6 continued to operate independently after acquisition (plans were stated, but actual operational autonomy was not maintained).
🔮 Prediction: A Second Life for Vision Tech?
Despite this setback, the future of digital eye exams remains promising. Former 6over6 talent may regroup and found new ventures, refining the same technologies under different business models. As telehealth continues to expand and smartphone capabilities improve, demand for remote eye care solutions will likely grow again. We may well see a second-generation version of GlassesOn emerge, better suited to today’s regulatory and consumer environments.
Vision tech
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Reported By: calcalistechcom_1bc6f05e09cecc45e00fa2db
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