LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West, produced by RX and The Vision Council, in collaboration with VSP Vision, a leader in health-focused vision care, and MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, announced the winners of the 2025 VSP Vision Innovation Challenge on Thursday evening at Vision Expo West after the live competition took place on the main stage. The three winners including Reyedar (later-stage), Vitazi.ai(early-stage), and Muse AI (audience choice) were recognized for their innovation, impact, and potential to elevate the eyecare experience.
“Innovation in eyecare is accelerating, which is why it’s crucial for the industry to actively participate,” said Will Flanagan, head of VSP global innovation center program and partnerships. “The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge is designed to connect startups and emerging technologies with the industry stakeholders they aim to serve.”
He also said the challenge “demonstrates how collaboration among start-ups, health care incubators, and industry leaders can enhance access, promote equity, and improve the patient experience, all while keeping providers at the core of eyecare.”
The competition, which the organizations said drew global participation, spotlighted promising solutions designed to enhance both provider and patient experiences in eyecare. Following a four-week start-up bootcamp led by the VSP Global Innovation Center and MATTER, six start-ups, including three early-stage and three later-stage companies, presented their solutions live to a diverse panel of judges and an audience of vision care executives and professionals.
“Vision Expo has long been a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in the optical industry, and this year’s VSP Vision Innovation Challenge elevated that tradition,” added Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “The energy, ideas, and solutions from these startups illustrate the bright future of eyecare innovation.”
Judges of the competition included Ashkan Eliasy, investment principal, Topcon; Jeff Poe, co-managing partner, Sanitas; Jay Anderson, head of emerging technology, VSP Global Innovation Center; Jeana Konstantakopoulos, director of partner engagement, MATTER; Camille Manso, partner, Foundry; Kennard Herring, OD, Nostalgic Eye Care; Yair Yahav, CEO, Revital Vision; and Suzanne Krauss, director of shows, The Vision Council.
The 2025 cohort includes three later-stage companies and three early-stage companies:
Later-Stage Finalists
- Remidio, Glen Allen, Va. – AI-enabled hardware and software delivering remote, accessible eyecare and whole-body health.
- Vivid Vision, San Francisco, Calif. – VR-based vision therapy system treating amblyopia, strabismus and other vision disorders.
- Reyedar, Groningen, Netherlands – Eye tracking AI for early detection of glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. (WINNER)
Early-Stage Finalists
- Vitazi.ai, Santa Fe, N.M. – AI-powered decision support platform using retinal scans to detect diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. (WINNER)
- Soliddd, New York, N.Y. – AR glasses for macular degeneration that restore full-field sight to functionally blind people.
- Muse AI, Richardson, Texas – AI eyewear recommendation tool that helps independent optometrists and retailers provide personalized pre-shopping discovery experiences. (AUDIENCE CHOICE WINNER)
Bootcamp and Innovation Journey
The VSP Vision Innovation Challenge had 49 applicants from 12 countries, and 18 U.S. states. Selected among them, six finalists participated in a four-week start-up bootcamp from August 11 to September 5, 2025, organized in collaboration with MATTER and the VSP Global Innovation Center. The program included industry overviews, workshops on value proposition refinement, mentor meetings, strategy sessions with Silicon Foundry, meetings with optometrists, and potential investors, such as Topcon Healthcare’s THINC Ventures. Start-ups also took part in recorded interviews and practice pitch sessions, gaining exposure and feedback to accelerate their growth.
At Vision Expo West, finalists presented their solutions on the Main Stage and exhibited in the new emerging technology area, LaunchPad, the announcement said. The space featured more than 25 start-ups unveiling next-generation solutions in AI, VR, AR, and diagnostics.