Applications Now Open for 2027 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Today, VSP Vision^™ announced that applications are open for the 2027 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition designed to source, spur and advance emerging technologies and startups elevating the eye care experience. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 4, 2026.

"Some of the most meaningful advances in eye care can start with an idea developed outside the traditional boundaries of our industry," said Will Flanagan, Head of Programs and Partnerships for the VSP Global Innovation Center (GIC), which organizes the annual challenge. "Through the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, we want to find those innovators, connect them with eye care expertise, and give them an opportunity to put their solutions in front of the people who understand the needs of providers and patients firsthand."

Following a multi-round selection process, finalists will participate in a virtual four-week accelerator from Feb. 2-27, 2027, working with mentors, optometrists, clinical experts and VSP Vision leaders to assess product fit, refine their value propositions, and prepare to showcase their ideas to the broader eye care community. The experience culminates at Vision Expo 2027 (March 10-13, Las Vegas) on March 11, where finalists will pitch their solutions on the Vision Expo Innovation Stage.

Now in its fourth year, the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is presented in partnership with The Vision Council and RX Global, organizers of Vision Expo. Previous challenges have brought together innovators working across AI-driven diagnostics, exam automation, digital education, and accessibility-focused smart solutions. In 2026, decision support platform Altris AI was named the Judge's Winner, while Captify, smart glasses for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, received the Audience Choice honor.

Who Should Apply
The 2027 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is seeking emerging technologies and startups that can help expand access to eye care, modernize the patient experience, unlock practice and provider efficiencies, and more. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the eye care need their solution addresses, supporting evidence and feasibility, their team and business model, and their readiness to participate in the accelerator.

Key Dates

• Nov. 1, 2026: Applications open
• Dec. 4, 2026: Application deadline
• Feb. 2-27, 2027: Four-week accelerator
• March 11, 2027: Finalist pitch at Vision Expo

To learn more and apply, click here.

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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 4.5 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.