Vision Expo, produced by RX and The Vision Council in collaboration with VSP Vision, has announced the winners of the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, revealed live at the Innovation Stage during Vision Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Following a 4-week startup bootcamp and a competitive round of live pitches from four emerging companies, Altris AI was named the Judge’s Winner, recognized for its clinical impact, advanced technology, and potential to transform the delivery of eyecare. The judging panel included a diverse group of industry leaders, spanning executives, clinicians, innovators and investors.
The Audience Choice Award, determined by votes from Vision Expo attendees, was awarded to Captify, highlighting the company that most resonated with eye care professionals on the show floor.
This year’s finalists showcased a wide range of technologies reshaping vision care, including AI-driven diagnostics, exam automation, digital education platforms and accessibility-focused smart solutions. In addition to pitching live, finalists exhibited in Vision Expo’s newly launched Innovation Center, which featured more than 20 startups working across artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and advanced diagnostics.
2026 Winners and Finalists
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Altris AI (Judge’s Winner): A clinical-grade SaaS platform that acts as a “second set of eyes” for eye care professionals. The technology detects more than 70 retinal biomarkers from OCT scans, helping providers match patients to appropriate treatments, devices and clinical trials with data-driven precision.
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Captify (Audience Choice Winner): AI-powered smart eyewear that delivers real-time captioning for individuals with hearing loss, enabling optometrists to offer innovative accessibility solutions that enhance patient communication and quality of life.
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Alchemy Vision: A subscription-based digital training platform designed to support modern eyecare practices with on-demand education aimed at improving clinical expertise and operational performance.
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EyeCareX: An optometrist-founded AI platform that uses computer vision and generative AI to automate key components of eye exams, increasing efficiency and enabling scalable, consistent care delivery.
“The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge continues to spotlight the entrepreneurs defining what’s possible in eye care,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “These finalists represent bold thinking and practical innovation that directly support providers and enhance the patient experience. Vision Expo is where the entire industry gathers to see the next big thing in optical, and we’re proud to once again showcase these innovators where it matters most.”
In addition to gaining exposure at one of the largest gatherings of vision care professionals, participating startups may also have the opportunity to secure a $400,000 investment from Topcon Healthcare, Inc.’s venture arm, THINC Ventures.
Applications for the 2027 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge are expected to open later this fall. The next Vision Expo will take place in Las Vegas from March 10-13, 2027. More information is available at visionexpo.com.
