LAUNCH
THE FUTURE
OF EYECARE

Since 2022, the Optometry Innovation Awards has inspired optometrists to shape the future of eyecare with groundbreaking concepts to improve practice management and patient care. Looking to submit in 2025? Read on for more about optometry's largest innovation awards program.

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: Submit for 2025

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

1

Increase the volume of optometrists pursuing innovative and entrepreneurial ideas within optometry.

2

Improve the quality of innovative ideas from optometrists.

3

Provide education, resources, and connections that help optometrists bring innovative ideas into mainstream production.

TAKE THE LEAP

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.

Daniel Epshtein

“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

Damon Dierker

“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:

8.5

How important do you believe innovation is for patient care?
(1-10 scale)

8.8

How important do you believe innovation is for the future of the optometric profession? (1-10 scale)

Time
cost
fear

The top 3 obstacles that
block innovation.

Diagnostics software & tech workflows & patient access

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.

Enter to win

If you're ready to get started on your 2025 submission, review the requirements and prep your pitch. It doesn't take more than an idea to win!

Step one

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

Step two

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.

Step three

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

OPTIONAL: Need to save yourself time?
Download the pitch deck template
Step four

Take center stage

The 2025 finalists will be announced Fall 2025 and will appear live on the virtual center stage at Eyes On 2026 in November. During this special ceremony session, the winners will be announced in real-time in front of 3,000+ optometrists, ophthalmologists, and industry professionals. This could be you!

Win part of $20,000
in prizes and more

In addition to the prize money, 2025 winners will receive guidance and mentorship from Eyes On Eyecare's founders and use of the Eyes On Eyecare's platform to raise awareness for their concepts.

The judge's rubric

An expert panel of judges will use the following criteria to pick three winners.

• Quality of presentation and thought process •• Market size and market need •• Benefits to the target audience •• Out-of-the-box thinking for the proposed solution to the problem/differentiation from other solutions •• Financial analysis •• Monetization model •• Competitive analysis •• Team •

REQUIREMENTS & FAQ

Below is everything you need to get started. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

What are the requirements?

Applicants are required to complete a submission form and a pitch deck. Applicants must reside in the Unites States or Canada.

IF I AM SELECTED TO BE A FINALIST, IS THERE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMITMENT REQUIRED?

If you are selected as a finalist, all applicants MUST agree to film a video and appear live (via livestream) at Eyes On 2026 in November of 2025.

MY IDEA IS STILL IN DEVELOPMENT. HOW QUICKLY MUST IT GO TO MARKET TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM?

Ideas still at the concept stage may be submitted as long as they include all required pitch deck elements.

I’ve already launched my product/service. Is it still eligible?

Products or services that are already profitable and operative businesses will not be considered.

I began a crowdfunding campaign for my idea. Can I still apply?

A product currently in crowdfunding or other funding websites is still eligible for consideration.

Can I send in more than one pitch?

An individual may apply with multiple pitches.

Who is eligible for this program?

This program is open to optometrists and optometry students enrolled in an accredited program.

What does my pitch deck need to include?

1. Introduction
• What is the problem you are solving?
• Why are you solving this problem?
2. Market analysis
3. Management structure
4. In-depth product/service breakdown
5. Go to market strategy
6. Financial projections
7. What would you do with the prize money if you win?
8. SWOT analysis
‍
OPTIONAL: Need to save yourself time? Download the pitch deck template

Who is judging the applications?

This program will be judged by a panel of doctors from the eyecare space with decades of combined experience and entrepreneurs with a focus in start-ups and bringing new concepts to the eyecare market.

Click here to stay updated on next year's Optometry Innovation Awards program.

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QUESTIONS?

Email info@eyesoneyecare.com

Eyes On Eyecare does not test or endorse any of the innovation award-winning products or services.

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