The 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge winners were announced on March 13 at Vision Expo in Orlando, recognized as emerging technologies shaping the future of eye care. The annual program, produced by The Vision Council and RX in collaboration with VSP Vision, connects early-stage companies with industry stakeholders through a multi-week bootcamp and live pitch competition.
The 2026 Winners + Finalists
- Judge’s Winner: Altris AI. A clinical-grade SaaS platform designed as a “second set of eyes,” Altris AI can identify more than 70 retinal biomarkers from OCT scans to support data-driven clinical decision-making.
- Audience Choice Winner: Captify. An AI-enabled smart eyewear with real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss. This smart eyewear solutions offers an accessibility-focused solution for optometric practices.
Other finalists:
- Alchemy Vision: A subscription-based digital training platform that provides on-demand education.
- EyeCareX. An optometrist-founded AI platform using computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize components of the optometric exam.
Innovation + Industry Impact
The four finalists in this year’s challenge were named after a four-week startup bootcamp, which culminated in live presentations at Vision Expo’s Innovation Stage. Finalists also exhibited within the show’s Innovation Center, which showcased more than 20 startups across AI, augmented and virtual reality, and advanced diagnostics.
The program highlights technologies with the potential to improve both clinical outcomes and practice efficiency, while also expanding access to care through innovation.
“Innovation in eye care is accelerating, which is why it’s crucial for the industry to stay actively engaged,” said Will Flanagan, head of VSP Global Innovation Center Programs and Partnerships. “We launched the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge to connect emerging technologies with the stakeholders they aim to serve.”
Selected startups also gain exposure to investors, including the potential to secure a $400,000 investment from Topcon Healthcare’s THINC Ventures.
Applications for the 2027 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge will open later this year, continuing the program’s focus on advancing next-generation solutions across the eye care industry.