Vestibular First began in 2017 when physical therapist Helena Esmonde and technology specialist Patrick Esmonde built a homemade prototype for a clinic that could not afford existing equipment. The Philadelphia company now makes modular infrared video goggles for vestibular clinicians, researchers, and educators, while keeping affordability and practical education at the center of its work.
FDA Clearance for Insight Infrared Video Goggles
Patent for Modular Goggle Design
VitaPixelBorn from retinal surgeon Christopher Riemann’s experience with a career-threatening neck injury, VitaPixel is developing a digital slit-lamp system that brings stereoscopic 3D viewing to XR glasses so ophthalmologists can examine patients upright. The Cincinnati-based team combines Riemann’s more than 25 years at the slit lamp with medical-device engineering and ophthalmic clinical experience. VitaPixel remains a pre-market startup; its device is not yet FDA-cleared or available for sale.
Illumination DiagnosticsIllumination Diagnostics grew from a collaboration between neurosurgeon Theodore Schwartz and electrical engineer John Kymissis, who designed a device around the needs they saw in patient care. The Scarsdale company’s team brings more than 50 years of combined experience across medicine, neuroscience, engineering, and entrepreneurship to wearable optical monitoring for clinical and at-home use.SCARSDALE, NY
NeuroVirtFounded by neuroscientist Dr. Eve Gregoriou during their PhD at University College London, NeuroVirt develops mixed-reality neurorehabilitation technology that turns upper- and lower-limb therapy into measurable, gamified movement practice. Its platform combines immersive exercises with motion tracking, AI-enabled feedback, and a clinician-facing WebApp for use in clinics or at home. NeuroVirt’s patient-centred system has been co-designed with more than 500 patients and 350 clinicians, including participants in multi-site stroke rehabilitation studies.BROOKLYN, NY
SmileyscopeFounded by two doctors, Smileyscope develops medical-grade virtual-reality digital therapeutics that help clinicians reduce pain and anxiety during healthcare procedures. Its purpose-built headset and evidence-based software have supported more than 400,000 procedures across four continents, from children’s hospitals to rural clinics, and are designed to work without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in everyday clinical settings. The company’s technology is FDA Class II cleared, TGA registered and CE marked.New York, NY