HT3 Investimentos, part of the H. Egídio Group, recently announced a R$10 million investment in Central da Visão, a healthtech startup dedicated to providing affordable ophthalmological surgeries through private clinics. This funding round includes participation from other prominent investors, such as Hangar 8 Capital, Gávea Angels, 4AM Capital, Sororitê Angel Network, and Columbia Ventures Brazil, as well as Harvard Angels of Brazil and GV Angels. With this investment, HT3 marks its debut in the healthcare startup sector, leveraging decades of experience in the hospital and pharmaceutical industries.

Expanding Accessible Ophthalmological Services

Founded in 2017, Central da Visão operates an "asset-light" business model, enabling rapid expansion without requiring heavy infrastructure. The healthtech has already facilitated over 20,000 surgeries and plans to reach a milestone of 100,000 surgeries by 2026. Central da Visão currently collaborates with a network of more than 50 clinics and 200 ophthalmologists across 14 states in Brazil, making it one of the most extensive private ophthalmology networks in the country.

The startup focuses on delivering affordable care to individuals outside of traditional health plans, particularly in areas with high demand, such as cataract surgeries, where patients often face long waiting times within Brazil’s public health system. The increasing elderly population is also contributing to the rising need for ophthalmological care, particularly in conditions like cataracts.

HT3’s Strategic Approach

The investment by HT3, led by CEO Tiago Simon Egídio, is the group’s first direct move into human healthcare. Egídio highlighted that HT3’s involvement in Central da Visão underscores a shift in the company's strategy to connect directly with end consumers. The investment is expected to bolster the startup’s technology, extend its operational reach, and allow for continuous service improvement to meet the needs of individuals without access to traditional healthcare services.

Egídio emphasized that Central da Visão’s model aligns well with HT3’s goals, especially as the company focuses on patient-centric care. He further noted that HT3’s expertise in technology and demand generation will enable Central da Visão to better serve its target market by optimizing the patient journey from pre-surgery to post-operative care.

Technology-Driven Patient Care

Central da Visão’s proprietary CRM platform, “Farol,” is central to its patient-centered service model. The platform, which currently manages more than 500,000 messages per month, coordinates communication between patients and care teams, creating a personalized and efficient process from initial consultation to follow-up. This high level of engagement reflects Central da Visão’s commitment to enhancing patient experience and improving outcomes.

With over 300,000 users on its platform, Central da Visão has positioned itself as a leader in accessible eye care, particularly for those opting to pay out-of-pocket. Unlike other healthtechs focused on insurance and cost reduction for providers, Central da Visão targets patients seeking direct alternatives outside the insurance system. According to the startup’s CTO, Ronaldo Abati, the technology behind Farol has been fine-tuned to address each patient’s needs individually, creating a streamlined and user-friendly experience.

Addressing Social Needs Through Innovation

Central da Visão’s impact extends beyond providing affordable surgeries. By addressing a significant need within Brazil's healthcare system, the startup enables people suffering from eye conditions to regain quality of life and re-enter the workforce. The startup's work is a crucial social initiative, helping those who would otherwise face limited access to care due to the public system’s constraints.

CEO Marta Luconi explained that Central da Visão’s goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare access by expanding into underserved cities and introducing specialized ophthalmology services. She noted that the startup’s expansion is well-timed with the growing demand for ophthalmological services and its strategic partnerships enable Central da Visão to set new standards for accessible care.

Future Growth and Market Positioning

With this new round of funding, Central da Visão is preparing for rapid expansion, including adding clinics in new regions and extending its impact in Brazil’s ophthalmology sector. The additional resources will enable the startup to enhance its technology, expand into more cities, and provide an even wider range of ophthalmological subspecialties. By focusing on innovation and scalability, Central da Visão aims to position itself as a benchmark for accessible ophthalmic care in Brazil.

For HT3 Investimentos, this partnership represents an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to innovation in healthcare, further solidifying its role as a key player in the national market. With plans for both organic growth and strategic alliances, Central da Visão is set to become a cornerstone in affordable visual health services across Brazil.

The investment by HT3 Investimentos signals a significant step forward in Central da Visão’s mission to make quality eye care accessible for all Brazilians. By combining cutting-edge technology with a patient-centered approach, Central da Visão is poised to transform the landscape of ophthalmology in Brazil, addressing both social needs and market gaps. As it grows, the startup will continue to build on its innovative approach to healthcare, with the support of HT3 and its network of strategic investors.