Dr. Daemon Mcclunan- Optishunt

Dr. Daemon McClunan is the owner and founder of Optishunt, an implantable device that prevents blindness in glaucoma patients by draining excess fluid out of the eye to equalise pressure between the eye and the optic nerve. This year, Optishunt was awarded joint first place prize of  R1.3 million in grant funding from the Disability Empowerment Awards. 

Dr. McClunan was inspired to start Optishunt after spending two months around Southern Africa on a motorbike and working in mobile eye clinics in rural areas. 

After hearing about the SAB Foundation from a friend, Dr. McClunan entered the awards which he felt was aligned to his beliefs and would assist him in developing the business. 

“The highlights for me since joining the SAB Foundation family has been meeting with phenomenal entrepreneurs before and after the awards ceremony. It has been inspiring to be surrounded by such passionate and innovative people who strive to fight the biggest problems we face as a society”, says Dr McClunan. 

 With the money they will be receiving from the SAB Foundation, Optishunt aims to fund the first in man clinical trials and preparing for the innovation's global release at the World Ophthalmology Congress.  This is a great milestone for Optishunt as it will give them the biggest chance to make a significant impact in the fight against blindness. 

The journey towards success has not been easy for Daemon, who has worked tirelessly in different regions to get a clear understanding of glaucoma before establishing his own business. He encourages all people who want to venture into entrepreneurship to definitely go for it but cautions them to be prepared for the risks that come along with owning your own business. 

 “Don’t be afraid of taking on big problems. They hold the key to unlocking our most valuable opportunities, concludes Dr. McClunan.