By
Examiner Staff Writer
Jeff Peres knew a good business opportunity when he saw one.
A few years ago, as Peres was settled in his career as an investment banker, his work brought him to Towson-based Eyemaginations, a software firm that develops patient education systems used in medical offices.
Peres dealt with Eyemaginations? owners as potential clients, but when he learned more about the firm?s products, Peres believed the company was built for future success.
“The concept was just really fascinating,” Peres said. “The size and scope of the opportunity was a lot bigger than we realized.”
Peres, 38, left the investment banking world and joined Eyemaginations as chief operating officer, helping to add “a business element to an already great technology.” He was appointed president and CEO in January 2006.
Eyemaginations sells products like 3D-Eye Consent to optometry offices and schools around the country.The software displays customized animated videos for patients, explaining the patient?s condition, recommended procedure and possible complications.
Peres said Eyemaginations is profitable, as sales for the company are expected to be about $10 million in 2007.
“The opportunities continue to be enormous,” Peres said. “As the baby boomers continue to age, more and more people are going to need eye and medical care.”
Katzen Eye Group has been using Eyemaginations? patient education systems for five years, said Dr. Richard Edlow. The group has 58 exam rooms in Baltimore and Lutherville equipped with the firm?s technology.
“There are a lot of concepts in eye care that can be very difficult to explain to someone verbally,” Edlow said. “[The technology] shortens the learning curve dramatically.”
Peres joined Eyemaginations because he thought the company had only scratched the surface of potential business opportunities.
“What was really compelling to me was the great need for patient education systems,” Peres said. “If it works in eye care, why wouldn?t it work in other fields?”
Peres said one of his biggest challenges is managing the firm?s growth. Since Peres joined the company Eyemaginations? staff has expanded from 18 to 55 employees.
“[Peres] has a good understanding of the eyecare industry,” said Matt Yancisin, chief financial officer for Eyemaginations. “And he?s very good and creating and cultivating relationships, whether it?s the individual practitioner or the large corporations.”
JEFF PERES
First job: I worked at Owings Mills Mall and delivered Chinese food in high school.
Education: Political science degree from Cornell University, master?s in finance from the University of Pennsylvania.
Daily e-mails received: 100 to 200.
Daily voicemails received: One to three.
Favorite gadget: BlackBerry, although I limit my use at home.
Career objective: To accomplish growth, the hire and retain great people and to introduce meaningful technologies that improve people?s lives.
Essential Web sites: Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, CNN.com.
Hometown: Baltimore.
Birth date: June 8, 1969.
Original aspiration: I wanted to be a lawyer.
Sports/hobbies: Playing with my kids, spending time with my wife.
