NORWALK, Conn. and RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Vision Expo, produced by RX and The Vision Council in collaboration with VSP Vision^™, today announced the Judge's Winner and Audience Choice Winner of the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge. The winners were revealed live on March 13 at Vision Expo's Innovation Stage at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Following an intensive four-week startup bootcamp and a dynamic round of live pitches from four high-growth companies, Altris AI was named the 2026 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Judge's Winner, recognized for its clinical impact, technological sophistication and potential to transform the eyecare experience. Judges represented a diverse mix of industry leaders from executives and innovators to clinicians and investors.

The Audience Choice Winner, voted on by Vision Expo attendees, was presented to Captify, recognizing the company that most resonated with eyecare professionals on the show floor.

"Innovation in eyecare 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, and this year is no exception. We're proud to support solutions that advance care for both providers and patients."

This year's finalists represented a powerful cross-section of technologies reshaping vision care-from AI-driven diagnostics and exam automation to digital education and accessibility-focused smart solutions. In addition to pitching live, finalists exhibited at Vision Expo's new Innovation Center, a dedicated emerging-technology destination featuring more than 20 next-generation startups spanning artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), and advanced diagnostics.

Meet the 2026 Winners and Finalists

• Altris AI (Judge's Winner): A clinical-grade SaaS platform serving as a "second set of eyes" for eyecare specialists. Altris AI identifies more than 70 retinal biomarkers from OCT scans, helping providers match patients to the right treatments, devices and clinical trials with objective, data-driven precision.
• Captify (Audience's Choice Winner): Prescription-ready, AI-enabled smart eyewear that provides real-time captioning for patients with hearing loss. Captify empowers independent optometrists to offer cutting-edge accessibility solutions that improve communication and elevate patients' quality of life.
• Alchemy Vision: A modern, subscription-based digital training platform built for today's evolving eyecare landscape. Alchemy Vision equips practices and teams with on-demand education designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, operational performance and long-term growth.
• EyeCareX: An OD-founded AI platform leveraging computer vision and generative AI to automate and standardize core components of the optometric exam. EyeCareX enables clinics and enterprise networks to increase patient capacity while delivering more consistent, scalable care.

"The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge continues to spotlight the entrepreneurs defining what's possible in eyecare," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. "These finalists represent bold thinking and practical innovation that directly support providers and helps 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 finalists where it matters most."

In addition to 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.

Look for more information and the application link to the 2027 VSP Innovation Challenge later this fall.

Vision Expo 2027 will take place in Las Vegas from March 10-13, 2027. For more information, visit visionexpo.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Emily Rocca, Vision Expo
Marketing Director
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Jen Cullen Williams, Vision Expo
Public Relations
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Tatiana Stewart, VSP Vision
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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 4.3 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.