Vision Buddy

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Empathy, Innovation, and Collaboration

At Vision Buddy, our company culture is built on compassion, innovation, and collaboration.
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Vision Buddy

At Vision Buddy, our company culture is built on compassion, innovation, and collaboration. Every member of our team is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with low vision, driven by a shared passion for empowering individuals through cutting-edge technology. We foster a work environment that values creativity and encourages new ideas. Our team thrives on challenges, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in assistive technology. We believe in learning from each other and continually improving to deliver the best solutions for our users.

At the heart of our culture is empathy. We understand the challenges faced by those with visual impairments and are dedicated to providing products that restore confidence, independence, and joy in everyday life. This purpose fuels everything we do, creating a deep connection between our mission and the people we serve. We also prioritize inclusivity, where diverse perspectives and backgrounds come together to create a positive, supportive, and dynamic work environment.

From Love to Innovation

Origin Story

Vision Buddy was founded by a team of professionals with diverse expertise in sales, marketing and technology, united by a shared vision to enhance the lives of individuals with visual impairments. The founding team includes Zack Afridi, Abdul Zalil and Daniel F. Together, this team developed Vision Buddy, the world’s first all-in-one assistive device designed to help visually impaired individuals perform daily tasks. The mission of Vision Buddy is to enhance lives through clearer vision by continually developing and updating our products to create the best assistive technology devices for low vision users. Our goal is to provide individuals with low vision the quality of life and independence they deserve.

From Love to Innovation

How Vision Buddy Was Born
Zack Afridi’s journey to creating Vision Buddy began with his grandfather, who had always been an active and independent man. But as time passed, his eyesight began to fade, making simple joys like watching TV, reading, and moving around the house nearly impossible. Zack saw firsthand how devastating the loss of vision could be, not just for his grandfather, but for the entire family. The frustration, isolation, and loss of independence were heartbreaking.
One evening, after yet another failed attempt to help his grandfather see the television clearly, Zack had a moment of clarity. He realized that technology could offer a solution, something that would give people like his grandfather their lives back. Determined to make a difference, Zack set out on a mission to create a device that would restore the ability to see and enjoy life once again. Teaming up with tech experts, Zack poured his heart into developing what would become Vision Buddy—a revolutionary low vision device designed to help people with visual impairments regain their independence. With its advanced features, the device allowed his grandfather to watch TV in stunning clarity, read books with ease, and navigate his surroundings confidently. Zack’s vision was not just to build a product but to restore hope and freedom for those living with low vision. Today, Vision Buddy is helping thousands of people around the world, just like his grandfather, rediscover the beauty of everyday life—one clear image at a time.

Visionary Partnerships

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The Visionaries
Behind Vision Buddy

Zack Afridi

Co-Founder

Zack Afridi’s journey is one driven by passion and purpose. With two master’s degrees—one in Business Administration and the other in Information Systems—he’s not your typical Chief Sales Officer. Zack is a hands-on leader, who thrives in the dynamic world of startups, steering teams in sales, business development, and strategic partnerships with a keen eye on data analytics.

But what truly sets Zack apart is his mission: leveraging technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. His vision goes beyond numbers and targets. It’s about creating meaningful impact, where each sale isn’t just a transaction but a step towards empowering those who need it most. Zack’s innovative spirit and relentless dedication have made him a driving force in the world of tech, turning challenges into opportunities and helping countless lives along the way.

D. Emmanuel Feinsmith

Co-Founder

D. Emmanuel Feinsmith is the driving force behind Vision Buddy’s technology roadmap, bringing over 30 years of top-tier experience in software R&D. His impressive career spans leadership roles in some of the world’s largest companies, including IBM, Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, as well as several successful startups.

Emmanuel’s passion lies in cutting-edge research and innovation. He is hands-on at every stage—whether it’s conceptualizing new ideas, designing architecture, or leading implementation. His ability to bridge groundbreaking research with practical solutions ensures that Vision Buddy remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Dr. Joseph Nayfach Battilana

Advisor

Joseph Nayfach – Battilana is a key advisor for Vision Buddy, merging his expertise in optometry and computer engineering. He owns The Woodlands Low Vision Clinic and founded a medical device startup. Joseph holds a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Houston and a master’s in physiological optics. His research in applied optics and neuro-ophthalmology is groundbreaking.

Joseph specializes in software development, computer architecture, and biomedical engineering. He founded Qteris, Inc., managing corporate and IP development, fundraising, and grant writing. His patented adjuvant for treating cutaneous S. aureus infections highlights his innovative spirit, ensuring Vision Buddy’s technological leadership. 

Abdul Zalil

Founding Team Member

Abdul Zalil, a seasoned tech entrepreneur, was a founding member of Vision Buddy and served as its initial Co-CEO and COO. During his tenure, he brought visionary leadership, driving business strategy, product innovation, and operational excellence. His expertise in understanding consumer needs and leveraging cutting-edge technologies was foundational in shaping the company’s mission to enhance human experiences through simple and innovative solutions.