Custom Surgical, a Munich-based developer of smartphone adapters and software for recording ophthalmic procedures, has raised $4.1M in seed funding. The company enables ophthalmologists and eyecare clinics to capture microscope and slit lamp procedures using standard smartphones—no cables, engineers, or expensive hardware required. The capital will fuel product enhancements, team expansion, and deeper penetration into 80+ countries where it already serves users.
Eyecare Digitization Funding Accelerates
This seed round arrives as digital tools transform ophthalmology documentation. Custom Surgical follows its 2022 Luminate NY investment after winning the Outstanding Graduate Award, signaling sustained investor confidence. With 2,300+ practices digitized and 5,000+ devices deployed, the company leads in accessible recording tech.
Cumbersome Recording Hinders Global Eyecare
Ophthalmologists need high-quality procedure videos for training, patient records, legal documentation, and teleophthalmology, but legacy systems rely on bulky dedicated cameras and complex setups. These solutions demand technical experts for installation and maintenance, pricing out smaller clinics and regions with limited resources. In 80+ countries, Custom Surgical's traction reveals the scale of unmet demand for simple, scalable alternatives.
Adapters Unlock Smartphone Procedure Capture
Custom Surgical's MicroREC smartphone adapter attaches to surgical microscopes for 4K recording, while OptiREC does the same for slit lamps. The MicroREC Ultra targets professional cameras, and MicroREC Connect offers cloud-based data management and sharing via a free app. This ecosystem differentiates by eliminating cables and engineering needs, contrasting traditional rigs that cost thousands and require IT support.
Complementing hardware, the company launched the first AR smartphone app for capsulorhexis guidance in cataract surgery in 2022, blending recording with real-time assistance.
Seed Round Validates Proven Traction
The $4.1M infusion provides growth capital following early validation from Luminate NY and awards like Google Cloud. Investors recognize Custom Surgical's ISO-certified operations and open-source contributions (Micro3D, MedSHIELD), positioning it for scaled deployment. This signals a shift from hardware-heavy to mobile-first medtech strategies in ophthalmology.
Global Adoption Signals Market Expansion
Serving 80+ countries with 2,300+ practices and 5,000+ devices, Custom Surgical demonstrates rapid international uptake since its 2019 founding. Its 16-person Munich team has earned accolades, including Luminate's investment, amid rising demand for telehealth and training tools post-pandemic. The ophthalmic devices market favors plug-and-play innovations, with Custom Surgical's no-fuss approach capturing early-mover advantage.
Competitors in ophthalmic imaging remain hardware-focused, but Custom Surgical's smartphone integration addresses accessibility gaps in emerging markets.