MEET THE 2023 WINNERS
FIRST PLACE
Mariam Labib, Optometry Student, Improove VR
SECOND PLACE
Peter Huffman, OD & Amanda Bennett, LDO, EyeHR
THIRD PLACE
Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO,
SunSnap Kids
SHARE YOUR VISION: SUBMIT FOR 2024
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
Entering to win
Want to submit in 2024? Take a look at the requirements to get ready.
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
Take center stage
The 2023 finalists will be announced Fall 2023 and will appear live on the virtual center stage at Eyes On 2024 in November. During this special ceremony session, the winners will be announced in real-time in front of 5,000+ optometrists, ophthalmologists, and industry professionals. This could be you!
Win Part of
$40,000 in prizes
What will you do with the money if you win? Now it’s time to start dreaming about how your idea can impact the future of optometry and enhance patient care.
