In 2014, Howard Bornstein was walking down the hallway at work and failed to recognize a close colleague who was right in front of him. Thanks to his busy schedule, Bornstein was overdue for an eye exam. While searching for an appointment that would not conflict with his work day, it dawned on him that there had to be a more convenient solution.
Bornstein founded 2020 On-site, a mobile eye care startup in a reconstructed RV that contains everything and everyone necessary to conduct a thorough eye exam. At this one-stop shop, patients can board the RV, get an eye exam covered by their insurance, pick up new glasses, and get back to their workday.
The company's roots are in Boston, but it has since expanded to Atlanta and Chicago. Founded in 2014, 2020 On-site now has over 450 corporate clients.
"We have always believed that we have a responsibility to improve access to care at work," said Alexis McLaughlin, CEO of 2020 On-site. The health care startup supplies a growing demand for quick, easy, in-network preventative care—also known as convenience benefits.
This health care trend is becoming increasingly popular. Boston-based Virtudent, a startup that provides on-site preventative dental care, recently expanded its reach to the West Coast. Convenience benefits are appealing to employers looking to reduce long-term health care costs, said McLaughlin. The startup works with employers to ensure insurance coverage, and employees can set up appointments on 2020 On-site's proprietary front-end booking system.
Upon boarding the RV, patients can expect a comprehensive eye exam with a licensed optometrist. Along with vision correction, the exam includes a digital retinal image, which scans for other health problems.
"Most people don't know that an eye exam actually can diagnose serious issues like diabetes and high blood pressure," said McLaughlin. Last May, 2020 On-site also launched a pop-up clinic option that can be set up in an office conference room, so employees just have to walk down the hall to get an eye exam.
The company's goals extend beyond making vision care more accessible in the workplace. Since 2015, 2020 On-site has been working with Boston Public Schools to provide eye exams for students.
"About one in four students has an undiagnosed vision issue. If a kid cannot see the board, they are at an extreme disadvantage," said McLaughlin.
In January, 2020 On-site, along with the New England College of Optometry, Warby Parker and Boston Public Schools formed a coalition to tackle this problem. The pilot program, called Vision for Boston, offers students free vision care and glasses.
"I feel like we are solving a lot of issues out there in the healthcare market, and in a way that makes it really simple and fun to take care of yourself," said McLaughlin.
The company is in the process of fundraising for a new growth round, and McLaughlin says she expects it to double every year. Along with expanding its presence in Boston, the startup will be adding additional clinics in Atlanta and Chicago.
