Ocushield

About the Company
Ocushield offers medically-rated blue light blocking products for digital device screens, catering to families, professionals, and health-conscious consumers. Its primary products, screen protectors for smartphones, tablets, and monitors, filter blue light without distorting screen clarity. The company emphasizes the health benefits of blue light reduction, helping to alleviate eye strain and improve sleep.
Ocushield’s products are available in major retail stores, such as Verizon and BestBuy, and the brand has gained notable endorsements, including an appearance on the UK’s "Dragons’ Den." Ocushield’s growth reflects a strong customer base across 80 countries, contributing to its impressive $3.6 million annual revenue.
Patel leveraged his optometry background to build trust with consumers, positioning Ocushield as a health-oriented solution backed by clinical expertise. The brand also maintains FDA and MHRA certifications, bolstering its credibility in the market.
Idea Behind Company
The concept for Ocushield began in 2013, during Patel's optometry studies. Inspired by the idea of blue light filtering for eyeglasses, he realized that screen exposure could harm eye health and circadian rhythms. Patel conducted a study on blue light’s physiological effects, concluding that digital screens posed a widespread health risk, especially as screen time increased.
Identifying a gap in the market, Patel saw potential in a screen protector that could filter blue light without the need for prescription glasses. He envisioned a solution to shield screens from blue light while preserving screen clarity, particularly beneficial as screen usage was expected to rise.
Encouraged by his research, Patel entered a university business competition, securing funding to further develop his concept. With mentorship, he refined his brand name to Ocushield, aligning with the mission of protecting eye health.
Creating the Company
Patel’s initial product development involved experimenting with materials to create a blue light filter that preserved screen color fidelity. Using spectrometers, he tested different formulations to filter harmful blue light wavelengths, leading to the first Ocushield screen protectors made of PET film.
Working with manufacturers, he enhanced the product to include tempered glass for better durability and protection. After thorough testing and visits to manufacturers in Asia, Patel selected a partner capable of meeting Ocushield’s standards for quality and safety.
The early production phases were iterative, relying on customer feedback to improve the product continuously. By balancing innovation with customer expectations, Ocushield grew into a reputable brand in blue light filtration technology, now using specialized factories and fulfillment centers to support its global customer base.
Launching the Business
Patel launched Ocushield online, leveraging a Wix site and early email lists to gather initial customer interest. By networking with optometrists and utilizing word-of-mouth, he introduced Ocushield to consumers and professional circles alike, gaining early traction.
To broaden awareness, Patel focused on digital marketing, promoting the dual benefit of Ocushield’s screen protectors—protecting eyes and improving sleep. Media coverage from optometry publications and mainstream magazines helped establish Ocushield’s authority, as did collaborations with opticians who recommended the products to patients.
Over time, Ocushield expanded to retail partnerships with Amazon, Best Buy, and others, providing convenient purchasing options. Patel financed the company’s growth through reinvestment of profits, maintaining lean operations to maximize cash flow for further product development.
Earnings
Ocushield now generates $3 million annually with a 50-70% gross margin. In 2021, the company secured $1.2 million in seed funding, led by Rubix Ventures, to further enhance product development and expand distribution. With a 200% year-over-year growth rate since 2018, Ocushield has successfully scaled to meet rising consumer demand.
Key metrics include an average lifetime customer value (LTV) of £80 and a conversion rate of 4.5%, supported by a robust email marketing strategy reaching over 60,000 subscribers. Ocushield’s presence spans Canada, the UAE, the Philippines, and Australia, with dedicated distribution partners in these regions for efficient customer support.