The Global Innovation Center’s Fourth Innovation Challenge Seeks Solutions to Improve Patient, Provider Experiences 

The Global Innovation Center is launching the fourth annual VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition designed to source, spur, and scale emerging technologies and startups elevating the eye care experience. Applications will be accepted through December 4, 2026. 

Following a multi-round selection process, finalists will participate in a virtual four-week accelerator, working with mentors, optometrists, clinical experts, and VSP Vision leaders to assess product fit, refine their value propositions, and prepare to showcase their ideas to the broader eye care community. The experience culminates at Vision Expo 2027, where finalists will pitch their solutions on the Vision Expo Innovation Stage. 

The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is presented in partnership with The Vision Council and RX Global, organizers of Vision Expo. 

“Some of the most meaningful advances in eye care can start with an idea developed outside the traditional boundaries of our industry,” said Will Flanagan, Head of Programs and Partnerships for the Global Innovation Center. “Through the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, we want to find those innovators, connect them with eye care expertise, and give them an opportunity to put their solutions in front of the people who understand the needs of providers and patients firsthand.” 

Who Should Apply 

Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the eye care need their solution addresses, supporting evidence and feasibility, their team and business model, and their readiness to participate in the accelerator. The Challenge is seeking solutions that: 

• Expand access to eye care 
• Modernize the patient experience with digital-first tools 
• Unlock provider efficiencies to help private practice optometrists thrive 
• Leverage AI to integrate preventative care and whole-body health into optometry 
• Utilize smart eyewear and VR headsets to improve patient outcomes and experiences 
• Enhance and optimize the eyewear-buying experience 
• And more! 

"Winning the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge was a pivotal moment for Vitazi.ai," explained Vitazi.ai CEO and founder Jeremy Stuevan. "The visibility and validation from VSP has accelerated our partnerships and commercialization efforts across the U.S." 

The application deadline is December 4, 2026. Finalists will be announced in January, the four-week startup bootcamp will take place in February, and the finalists will present their solutions in person on March 11 at Vision Expo in Las Vegas.  

To learn more, view past participants, and apply—click here.