Become an award-winning innovator
Join an exclusive circle of optometrist innovators and visionaries committed to driving the profession forward.
FIRST PLACE
Michele Pendrak, OD
Eyelid Butter: A product for lid and lash health
SECOND PLACE
Patrick A. Scott, OD, PhD, FAAODS-101 – The Next Generation of Local Pain Control
THIRD PLACE
Andrew McLeod, OD, MS, FAAO, Amy Nau, OD, Dipl AAO, Kristen Brown, OD, Dipl AAO
Eyewell: Ocular Surface Solutions
Share your vision
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
Increase the volume of optometrists pursuing innovative and entrepreneurial ideas within optometry.
Improve the quality of innovative ideas from optometrists.
Provide education, resources, and connections that help optometrists bring innovative ideas into mainstream production.
Accelerate discovery
Innovation (noun): a feasible relevant offering such as a product, service, process, or experience with a viable business model that is perceived as new and is adopted by customers.
“Innovation in healthcare is the driving force that improves the lives of both patients and providers. Eyes on Eyecare has recognized the importance of innovation and is investing in the future of optometry. The Optometry Innovation Awards is an amazing opportunity for our innovative colleagues to further their work and improve our collective profession.”
- Daniel Epshtein, OD, FAAO
“I’m excited to see that Eyes On Eyecare is promoting and recognizing innovation in our profession. Optometry has and will continue to rely on the efforts of talented individuals who work and sacrifice to drive meaningful change that improves the lives of our patients and the success of our practices.”
- Damon Dierker, OD, FAAO
What your peers think about innovation
In a survey of 421 optometrists and students, Eyes On Eyecare uncovered the following:
How important do you believe innovation is for patient care?
(1-10 scale)
How important do you believe innovation is for the future of the optometric profession? (1-10 scale)
cost
fear
The top 3 obstacles that
block innovation.
Categories of innovation ODs believe are most important to eyecare now.
Launch your journey as an entrepreneur
If you have an innovative idea and are looking for next steps to launch your business, download Eyes On Eyecare's new ebook, How to Launch a Startup in the Ophthalmic Industry. This free resource offers insights from Eyes On Eyecare’s founders and covers creating a vision and strategy for your concept, pricing, funding your business, legal considerations, and more.
Download now
What's the process?
Take a look at the requirements from 2024 for more insight on how winners were selected.
Dream big
Applicants must have an idea that falls under one of the following areas of innovation.
Improving patient care
Improving workflow and efficiency for optometry practices
Elevating the state of the optometric profession
Raising awareness among consumers
Enhancing educational accessibility within the eyecare community
Read up on the requirements
Before you jump in headfirst, make sure you fully understand what’s required for all innovators that enter to win. Big prize money comes with high expectations and in order to win, you’ll need to bring your A-game.
Create your pitch deck
Make sure your pitch deck includes the following sections:
Introduction
What problem are you solving?
Why are you solving this problem?
Market analysis
Management structure
In-depth product/service breakdown
Go-to-market strategy
Financial projections
What would you do with the prize money if you win?
SWOT analysis
Download the pitch deck template
Take center stage
The 2024 finalists were announced Fall 2024 and appeared at Eyes On 2025 in November of 2024. During this special ceremony session, the winners were announced in real-time in front of 3,000+ optometrists, ophthalmologists, and industry professionals.
$20,000 in prizes and more
In addition to the prize money, 2024 winners received guidance and mentorship from Eyes On Eyecare's founders and use of the Eyes On Eyecare's platform to raise awareness for their concepts.
