Vision Expo and VSP Vision Announce Finalists for the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

NORWALK, Conn. and RANDCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (February 4, 2026) - Today, Vision Expo, produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision^™, a leader in health-focused vision care, announce the four startups selected to participate in the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge. The contest is a global competition designed to source, spur, and advance early-stage startups and technologies that are elevating the eye care experience.

The four finalists will participate in a four-week startup bootcamp in February 2026, receiving expert mentorship and exclusive resources to refine their value propositions. They will present their solutions live on stage at Vision Expo inside the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on March 13, 2026, and showcase their products on the show floor as part of the Innovation Center, an area designated for industry startups.

"The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge underscores our belief that bold, future-ready concepts are essential to advancing eyecare," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "Innovation Center at Vision Expo expands that mission by elevating startups and the technologies redefining what's possible. The Show's programming is designed for attendees to discover new ideas, and we're proud to champion the innovators pushing the field ahead."

"We received applications from companies around the globe for the 2026 VSP Innovation Challenge, with more than half being venture-backed and collectively representing over $300 million in funding," said Will Flanagan, Head of VSP Global Innovation Center Programs and Partnerships. "These founders are committed to enhancing provider and patient experiences and empowering private practices to thrive, and we're excited to help accelerate their progress."

In addition to the exposure at one of the largest gatherings of vision care executives and professionals, selected early-stage startups will have the potential to secure a $400,000 investment from Topcon Healthcare, Inc.'s THINC Ventures capital arm.

Event Information
2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge: Final Pitch and Award Ceremony
Innovation Stage, Vision Expo
Friday, March 13, 2026
10:30am - 11:30am ET

Meet the 2026 Finalists

• Altris AI: Clinical-grade SaaS platform serves as a "second set of eyes" for eye care specialists, identifying 70+ retinal biomarkers from OCT scans to help providers match patients to appropriate treatments, devices, and clinical trials with objective, data-driven precision.
  
• Alchemy Vision: Modern, subscription-based digital training platform designed for today's eye care environment.
  
• EyeCareX: OD-founded AI platform using computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize core components of the optometric exam, enabling clinics and enterprise networks to increase patient capacity and deliver more consistent care.
  
• Captify: Builds prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss, empowering independent optometrists to deliver cutting-edge accessibility tools that enhance patient quality of life.

Vision Expo 2026 will take place March 11-14, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event remains the premier destination for the global vision community to connect, discover, and be inspired by the latest trends, technology, and education in eyecare and eyewear. Register to attend here.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Emily Rocca, Vision Expo
Marketing Director
[email protected]

Jen Cullen Williams, Vision Expo
Public Relations
[email protected]

Tatiana Stewart, VSP Vision
[email protected]

About VSP Vision
At VSP Vision^™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP® has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 44,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope^®. To date, more than 4.3 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we're reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.

About Vision Expo
Vision Expo is the trade-only conference and exhibition for eyecare and eyewear presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council. Vision Expo is the most comprehensive event for the entire Vision community, built for the industry by the industry. The only balance of conference and exhibition to learn from industry pioneers, explore cutting-edge advancements, and gain a new perspective on the future of eyewear. In the Vision Expo Exhibit Hall, eyecare providers can discover fashion trends, interact with new technologies and access innovative products and services. The Vision Expo education program is driven by the profession, offering content of the highest quality and relevance to enhance overall patient care. For more information on Vision Expo, visit visionexpo.com.

About The Vision Council
The Vision Council brings the power of sight to all through education, government relations, research and technical standards. A leading advocate for the optical industry, the association positions its members to deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their best. Vital to health, independence and safety, better vision leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org.

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.