VSP Vision Innovation Challenge winners revealed at Vision Expo West 2025

Startups recognized for advancing innovation, access, and patient care in eyecare

Vision Expo West, produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision™, a leader in health-focused vision care, and MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, announced the winners of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge. The competition took place live on stage at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas on September 18.

The competition, which drew global participation, spotlighted promising solutions designed to enhance both provider and patient experiences in eyecare. Following a four-week startup bootcamp led by the VSP® Global Innovation Center and MATTER, six startups, including three early-stage and three later-stage companies, presented their solutions live to a diverse panel of judges and an audience of vision care executives and professionals.

Winners of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

The three winners were recognized for their innovation, impact and potential to elevate the eyecare experience.

Judges included: Ashkan Eliasy, Investment Principal, Topcon; Jeff Poe, Co-Managing Partner, Sanitas; Jay Anderson, Head of Emerging Technology, VSP Global Innovation Center; Jeana Konstantakopoulos, Vice President of Partner Strategy & Innovation, MATTER; Camille Manso, Partner, Foundry; Dr. Kennard Herring, OD, Nostalgic Eye Care; Yair Yahav, CEO, Revital Vision; and Suzanne Krauss, Director of Shows, The Vision Council.

“Innovation in eye care is accelerating, which is why it’s crucial for the industry to actively participate. The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is designed to connect startups and emerging technologies with the industry stakeholders they aim to serve,” said Will Flanagan, Head of VSP Global Innovation Center Program and Partnerships. “The Innovation Challenge demonstrates how collaboration among startups, healthcare incubators and industry leaders can enhance access, promote equity and improve the patient experience, all while keeping providers at the core of eye care.”

Bootcamp & Innovation Journey

The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge had 49 applicants from 12 countries, and 18 U.S. states. Selected among them, six finalists participated in a four-week startup bootcamp from August 11 to September 5, 2025, organized in collaboration with MATTER and the VSP Global Innovation Center. The program included industry overviews, workshops on value proposition refinement, mentor meetings, strategy sessions with Silicon Foundry and meetings with optometrists and potential investors, such as Topcon Healthcare’s THINC Ventures. Startups also took part in recorded interviews and practice pitch sessions, gaining exposure and feedback to accelerate their growth.

At Vision Expo West, finalists presented their solutions on the Main Stage and exhibited in the new emerging technology area, LaunchPad. The space featured more than 25 startups unveiling next-generation solutions in AI, VR, AR and diagnostics.

“Vision Expo has long been a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the optical industry, and this year’s VSP Vision Innovation Challenge elevated that tradition. The energy, ideas and solutions from these startups illustrate the bright future of eyecare innovation,” added Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council.

For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com.

The 2025 Finalists & Winner List

Later-Stage Finalists

  • Remidio (Glen Allen, VA) – AI-enabled hardware and software delivering remote, accessible eyecare and whole-body health.
  • Vivid Vision (San Francisco, CA) – VR-based vision therapy system treating amblyopia, strabismus and other vision disorders.
  • Reyedar (Groningen, Netherlands) – Eye tracking AI for early detection of glaucoma, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. WINNER

Early-Stage Finalists

  • Vitazi.ai (Santa Fe, NM) – AI-powered decision support platform using retinal scans to detect diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. WINNER
  • Soliddd (New York, NY) – AR glasses for macular degeneration that restore full-field sight to functionally blind people.
  • Muse AI (Richardson, TX) – AI eyewear recommendation tool that helps independent optometrists and retailers provide personalized pre-shopping discovery experiences. AUDIENCE CHOICE WINNER