Cape Verde’s Odjanu Optics is an AI-powered vision care startup committed to democratising eye health.
Founded in 2024 in Cape Verde, Odjanu Optics grew out of a successful social impact initiative called NuOdja, and now delivers affordable, high-quality eyewear paired with advanced, AI-driven diagnostic tools.
“We are a two-tier solution that makes vision correction accessible to underserved communities in Africa,” said Destaney Andrade, who co-founded Odjanu alongside Antonio D Sousa.
“We recognised that traditional eyewear providers in Cape Verde and similar regions charge well above US$500 per pair, making quality eyewear unaffordable for many. Additionally, there’s a significant shortage of accessible, timely eye diagnostics – especially in rural areas – resulting in delayed treatment of vision issues.”
While competitors include conventional optical diagnostic equipment providers, Odjanu’s sustainable model sets it apart, Andrade told Disrupt Africa, as its most expensive glasses are priced under their least expensive options – combining affordability, AI-driven accuracy, community engagement, and plans for local manufacturing.
Market response has been very encouraging, she said.
“Our pilot programmes have already seen the distribution of over 500 pairs of prescription glasses to one island, which underscores strong community demand. Digital marketing efforts and partnerships with local government initiatives have contributed to an upward trend in market acceptance and early revenue generation, validating both our product and our approach,” Andrade said.
In its early stages, Odjanu has been self-funded by the founders and supported by revenue from prescription glasses sales.
“Pilot deployments with local government health programmes have also generated initial revenue and market validation,” Andrade said. “These early milestones have allowed us to conduct successful pilot studies. We are now seeking a total investment of US$500,000 in staged rounds to further scale our operations and technology integration.”
The company is currently operating only in Cape Verde, where its focus is on reaching underserved local communities with affordable, AI-powered eye care services.
“Looking ahead, our expansion strategy targets other key African markets such as Angola, Mozambique, Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond. Our vision is to establish ourselves as Africa’s hub for accessible eyewear and diagnostic solutions,” Andrade said.
