VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Names 2026 Winners at Vision Expo 

The VSP Global Innovation Center, in partnership with The Vision Council and Silicon Foundry, has announced the winners of the third VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition to source and advance solutions enhancing the eye care experience.  

The winners were announced after the four finalists presented their solutions live on the Innovation Stage during Vision Expo, the optical industry’s largest gathering of vision care professionals and executives, on March 13 in Orlando.  

Altris AI a clinical-grade SaaS platform serving as a “second set of eyes” for eyecare specialists, was named as the Judges’ winner.  

“Our goal is not to replace anyone—it’s to augment,” VP of Sales Grant Schmid told attendees. “AI is always in the 90s, so if today you’re perfect, we help close the gap. If tomorrow’s a harder day, we close that gap too.” 

By analyzing over 70 pathologies and biomarkers, Schmid told attendees that Altris AI helps reduce unnecessary referrals, improve diagnostic accuracy, and make OCT data easier for both clinicians and patients to understand. 

Captify, the creator of prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning and supports up to 80 languages for patients with hearing loss, was named the Audience Choice winner based on votes from Vision Expo attendees as the company that resonated most with eyecare professionals on the show floor. 

“Captify started with my own hearing loss,” Founder Tom Pritsky shared. “I’ve spent most of my life just nodding along in important conversations.” 

By delivering real-time captions directly in the wearer’s field of view, Captify bypasses traditional hearing limitations. “We’re building captions for real life,” he said.   

The remaining Challenge finalists were  Alchemy Vision, which equips practices and teams with on-demand education to strengthen clinical knowledge, operational performance, and long-term growth, and EyecareX, an OD-founded AI platform that leverages computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize core components of the optometric exam. 

Alchemy Vision Founder & CEO Flora Azucena focused on a critical yet often-overlooked issue in her pitch: staff training.

“In eye care, turnover is about 25 percent, and 70 percent of new hires aren’t trained to do the job they were hired for,” she said. 

Azucena explained that Alchemy Vision combines structured digital learning, performance tracking, and adaptive AI coaching to reduce onboarding time and improve consistency. “We transform knowledge into measurable, real-time proficiency,” she said. “We’re building the staff that supports exceptional patient care.” 

Justin Asgarpour, Founder and CEO of EyecareX, approached the challenge from a workflow and access perspective.  

“The majority of optometry clinics in North America are at capacity,” he said. “That’s driving burnout—and it’s preventing communities from getting the eye care they need.” 

EyecareX uses AI-driven mobile pre-testing, automated charting, and intelligent workflow tools to return time to doctors. The startup is seeing a nearly 40 percent increase in efficiency, according to Asgarpour, adding that doctors regain an average of 1.4 hours per day, which they can reinvest in patients or themselves. 

For more information about the Innovation Challenge, watch the video above or click here.  

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