2025 Retrospective: Global Scientific Recognition, Latin American Expansion, and Social Impact

December 18, 2025
Fernanda Verardi

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Publication in a prestigious Nature portfolio journal, participation in mass screening campaigns, and the consolidation of our international presence marked a year of significant advancements for Phelcom.

For Phelcom, 2025 was a pivotal year defined by global scientific validation and critical mission expansion. With the publication of a key scientific article about the Eyer portable fundus camera datasets and the expansion of our operations into several new countries, we reinforced our commitment to increasing access to vital eye care and contributing to the prevention of visual impairment and blindness globally.

Explore the key milestones leading up to Phelcom’s 10th anniversary! 

Scientific Recognition: Publication in Nature Portfolio

Exame realizado com o Eyer durante Mutirão do Diabetes de Itabuna, em 2022

Capture being performed with Eyer during the Itabuna Diabetes Screening Campaign in 2022

2025 marked a major milestone for the Eyer technology, as its datasets were featured in one of the world’s most respected scientific journals. 

Scientific Data, a journal from the Nature portfolio, published the article A portable retina fundus photos dataset for clinical, demographic and diabetic retinopathy prediction,” introducing mBRSET: the first-ever publicly available dataset of diabetic retinopathy images captured using a handheld fundus camera in a real-world, high-burden setting. The images were collected during the 2022 Itabuna Diabetes Screening Campaign (Mutrião do Diabetes) in Bahia, Brazil, demonstrating the real-world utility and quality of the Eyer device. 

Driving Impact: Screening Campaigns Across Brazil

Capture being performed with Eyer2 Basic during the Itabuna Diabetes Screening Campaign in 2025

Phelcom’s commitment to preventative eye care was demonstrated through our participation in major screening campaigns across Brazil, including initiatives in Itabuna (BA), Blumenau (SC), and São Paulo (SP). Our equipment played a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective care delivery. 

The Diabetes Screening Campaign in Blumenau, registered over 1,300 scheduled visits. Using the Eyer, approximately 190 cases of diabetic retinopathy were identified at varying severity levels, with patients subsequently referred for treatment and further testing. Eyer’s Artificial Intelligence technology also allowed for the immediate discharge of approximately 290 patients (screening negatively for pathology), significantly optimizing clinical patient throughput. 

In Itabuna, where more than 2,000 consultations were performed, we showcased innovation beyond the lens. The campaign utilized “Mutirômetro,” a dedicated app developed by Phelcom to completely digitize the patient journey and streamline the care processes from start to finish. 

Phelcom’s technology also supported the 28th National Free Diabetes Campaign, a massive effort promoted by the National Association for Diabetes Care (ANAD) in partnership with FENAD. This event, held on November 1st, provided critical educational, physical activity promotion, and specialized care, further proving the Eyer’s utility in large-scale health initiatives. 

Global Growth: Expansion into Latin America

Phelcom booth at Faco Extrema 2025, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 21 to 23.

2025 was the year Phelcom solidified its commitment to making high-quality eye care accessible across Latin America. Through powerful strategic partnerships, we successfully expanded the commercial availability of the Eyer portable fundus camera. Our technology is now officially accessible to eye care providers and patients in the key markets of Chile, Argentina, and Colombia.

The strong and positive receptivity from the Latin American market underscored the adaptability and essential reach of the solutions Phelcom develops. This expansion proves that innovative, portable technology like the Eyer is uniquely positioned to address high-burden health challenges across diverse global regions. 

Investing in the Next Generation: The “Eyes to the Future” Contest

Ligas participantes do concurso De Olhos para o Futuro durante premiação

Participating leagues of the 2nd edition of the “Eyes to the Future” (De Olhos para o Futuro) contest during the award ceremony at SIMASP 2025.

Phelcom is dedicated not just to building great technology, but also to training the next generation of medical leaders. The second edition of our “Eyes to the Future” (De Olhos para o Futuro) contest, held in partnership with the Brazilian Association of Academic Ophthalmology Leagues (ABLAO), achieved significant social impact while also educating future doctors. The contest mobilized 205 medical students across seven different states, resulting in 2,486 vital eye screenings. More than 70 patients with severe conditions were diagnosed and referred for treatment with the support of the Eyer portable fundus camera and EyerMaps AI. 

The winning projects powerfully demonstrated how portable technologies are key to expanding access to accurate diagnosis across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts in Brazil, proving that the future of eye care is both mobile and intelligent.

Strengthening Presence: Global Visibility and Market Reach

Phelcom booth at Academy 2025, held in Boston, United States, from October 8 to 11.

Phelcom’s achievements in 2025 were underscored by our intense market presence and global visibility. We intensified our participation in key ophthalmology events, featuring over 60 commercial exhibitions and institutional sponsorships at major conferences across Brazil, The United States, and Latin America. This visibility demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with and supporting the global eye care community.

Counting Down to a Decade of Innovation

The remarkable results achieved in 2025 serve as the perfect prelude to a significant milestone: in 2026, Phelcom will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

This coming year will be marked by numerous developments, innovations and celebrations. What began a decade ago as a project by three dedicated researchers has successfully transformed into a global benchmark for portability and intelligence applied to ophthalmology, with a strong, continued outlook for expansion and life-changing innovation. 

About Phelcom

Phelcom Technologies is an American-Brazilian medtech company pioneering solutions in digital visual health. We leverage our deep expertise in Physics, Electronics, and Computing (Phelcom) to create technology that makes eye care simpler, smarter and more connected.

Phelcom was founded in 2016 by three dedicated researchers: Computer Engineer José Augusto Stuchi, Electronic Engineer Flavio Pascoal Vieria, and Physicist Diego Lencione. Inspired by the vision struggles of co-founder Diego Lencione’s brother, the founders set out to democratize eye diagnostics by developing a portable retinal camera with an integrated smartphone.

In 2019, Phelcom launched its first product, the Eyer, a portable retinal camera designed for mobility and ease of use. In 2024, the company introduced the Eyer2 Basic, a comprehensive photo documentation platform capable of capturing high-quality images of both the posterior and anterior segments of the eye. 

To date, Phelcom’s innovative technology has benefitted over two million people across multiple countries, including the United States, Japan, Chile, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. Our devices have also played a crucial role in over 100 social outreach initiatives, reinforcing our core mission to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

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