The Global Innovation Center and MATTER Announce Five Finalists for Vision Innovation Challenge 

 VSP Vision’s Global Innovation Center and MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, have announced the five finalists for its first VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition to source and support solutions enhancing the eye care patient experience.   

The five startups chosen will receive expert mentorship and exclusive resources to refine their solutions and value propositions, as well as pitch at a final showcase on August 15 in Chicago for the chance to win up to $10,000. 

The five finalists for the 2024 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge are: 

• machineMD: Developers of neos, an automated, non-invasive, objective assessment of eye movements and pupillary function using a VR headset. This can be operated by any medical assistant and the results interpreted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to support their differential diagnosis, patient monitoring, and referrals. 

• Ophthalytics: A retinal disease diagnostics solution utilizing advanced vision techniques and generative AI models. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare systems and allows doctors to diagnose a range of vision-threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. 
   
• RevitalVision: A prescribed home-based vision training software program that is scientifically and clinically proven to improve the brain’s visual processing. RevitalVision is the only FDA-cleared and CE-Marked product for children older than 9 and adults with amblyopia (lazy eye). 
   
• Vision Science Labs: An online eye care platform that uses AI to conduct online vision screeners with minimal to no hardware needed as well as vision therapy.  

• LENS2RECYCLE: A smart contact lens recycling appliance for both consumers and contact lens providers. By using the appliance, consumers can easily and conveniently capture their waste while earning reward points for their sustainable actions and contact lens providers receive valuable data that helps them minimize the offset credits they purchase for untracked plastic waste.    

"Earlier this year, we set out to find solutions tackling a myriad of issues in eye care, whether it was by helping patients proactively manage their eye health, scaling access to care, or aiding optometrists in delivering better outcomes," said Zachary Poll, Ecosystem Principal with the Global Innovation Center. "We are thrilled with our inaugural cohort as they offer a diverse solution set, with the potential to elevate eye care for both patients and providers." 

The finalists will participate in a four-week bootcamp in July where they will meet with mentors and industry experts and prepare for the final pitch day in Chicago on August 15.  

At the event, participants will pitch to a large audience of healthcare innovators and a panel of judges representing both VSP Vision and MATTER communities.  

The winning startup, as well as the runners-up, will also be announced at the event. 

For more vision innovation news and updates, check out the Global Innovation Center's LinkedIn page.