iCare, bon Optic and the German eHealth company epitop GmbH have entered into a strategic partnership that redefines screening and optometric care models.
First milestone: iCare Screening Solution integrated into epitop VISION
iCare’s AI-based Screening Solution will be integrated into epitop VISION platform. This makes functionalities from both worlds available through a single infrastructure – without additional systems, media disruptions or parallel workflows.
The goal is the mutual integration of both platforms, enabling users to combine different solutions seamlessly within a shared ecosystem – without having to choose between individual systems. The partnership will initially focus on the German market.
In practice, iCare RETCAD AI will be available in epitop’s VISION platform for epitop customers. In the future, digital referrals for human review by an ophthalmologist on epitop’s platform are possible in iCare’s Screening Solution. In co-operation with bon Optic, the strategic distribution and market access partner of iCare for Germany, iCare’s imaging devices and tonometers are offered to epitop’s user network.
iCare brings its proven AI Screening Solution integrated with high quality imaging device iCare DRSplus, focusing on simple, automated screening workflow and grading for DR, AMD and glaucoma, while epitop contributes its own AI modules within epitop VISION, including QuickCheck and DeepVision, which are specifically designed for triage, telemedical decision support and AI-based spectacle consultation.
Breaking away from traditional vendor-centric models
“Today’s market is dominated by isolated solutions that exist side by side and force opticians to make unnecessary decisions,” says Amir Parasta, Managing Director of epitop GmbH. “We are convinced that the future does not lie in yet another standalone product, but in cooperative platforms. Together with iCare, we are deliberately taking this step – openly, integratively and with a strong focus on real-world practice.”
“Opticians and eye care professionals deserve solutions that work together – not in isolation. Our collaboration with epitop ensures that screening for DR, AMD, and glaucoma becomes seamless, efficient, and future-ready“, says Pirjo Kortteisto, Screening Product Lead at iCare. “This integration is more than convenience, it’s a blueprint for how medically approved AI and connected platforms will shape the next decade of screening and optometric care.”
The results of our collaboration on display at OPTI
At OPTI 2026, the first joint solution packages from iCare and epitop will be available for order, targeting opticians who value a holistic screening, consultation and medical integration – without being locked into a single manufacturer.
Distribution of iCare Screening solution and imaging device iCare DRSplus will be managed by bon Optic as an official distribution partner of iCare in Germany, bringing the combined offerings to market.
“As a partner deeply embedded in the German market, we see every day where isolated solutions fail. This collaboration enables a scalable screening model that is clinically sound, economically viable and easy to implement. Bringing such integrated solutions into the market is exactly the role we fulfil in this partnership” says Hannes Claußnitzer, Sales Director at bon Optic. “Opticians today do not expect isolated products, but well-functioning overall solutions. The combination of epitop VISION and iCare Screening Solution addresses exactly this need.”
A model with signal effect
The cooperation between epitop and iCare is not intended as a one-off initiative, but as a deliberately set signal to the market. Instead of further me-too solutions, both companies focus on openness, integration and partnership-driven development – with the ambition to sustainably rethink screening and optometric care.
Further Information:
vision.epitop.net/deep-vision-ai/
www.icare-world.com/product/icare-retcad-ai-powered-retinal-image-analysis/
Contact:
Icare Finland Oy, Härkähaankuja 7, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
Tel. +358 9 87751150
epitop GmbH · Parkring 4 · 85748 Garching near Munich, Germany
Tel. +49 (0)89 416125123
info@epitop.com · vision.epitop.net