Optometry provider George & Matilda Eyecare (G&M), which began rolling out audiology services within its network almost two years ago, has penned an agreement to stock Audeara listening devices designed and engineered in Australia.
An ASX announcement from Audeara said it secured a reseller agreement with G&M, allowing the former’s range of tailored audio solutions to be offered through the optometry-audiology group’s store network.
Since it was established in 2016, G&M has grown to 115 practices which service 140 communities across Australia. Audiology was added as a new allied health stream for the group in mid-2023 and has been introduced to subsequent locations.
The goal is to have audiology available across the entire network, CEO Mr Chris Beer has previously told Insight. In cases where a dedicated audiology space isn’t feasible, the practice will offer screening and refer patients to another G&M practice with full audiology services.
As part of the Audeara agreement, G&M will offer Audeara’s branded assistive listening devices to customers “to highlight how personalised audio solutions complement the effectiveness of tailored optical care”, reinforcing the “importance of individualised sensory health”.
G&M will initially stock the recently launched Audeara Buds product, with an aim to broaden to Audeara’s full suite of audiology solutions for patients who may not yet require hearing aids.
Audeara Buds are described as the company’s first in-ear solution, designed with advanced, AI-driven hearing health technology and user-centric innovation.
Audeara expects first sales from G&M stores in the coming weeks, with the agreement broadening Audeara’s existing 1,500-clinic footprint in Australia.
About the deal, Beer said G&M was excited to collaborate with Audeara and add its assisted listening device solutions to its “existing range of world class hearing aids”.
“Our goal has always been to provide the best optical and audiology care to our patients and now we are extending this care to additional patients with a high calibre partner in Audeara,” he said.
Audeara sells its products through distributors and resellers in Australia, Europe, Asia and North America, and through e-commerce channels.
The company’s CEO and managing director Dr James Fielding said G&M was one of the most trusted names in the Australian eye health and optical retail segment.
“Their reputation, Australian market footprint and our innovative audio technology has the potential to reach a broad customer base, who are expected to considerably benefit from [our] solutions,” he said.
“Importantly, this agreement will unlock another sales channel in the Australian market for the company’s hardware products and build on our established footprint of 1,500 clinics. We look forward to working alongside the group’s personnel to educate them on our solutions in the coming weeks.”
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