What vision can tell us about overall health and wellness

Earlier this year, VSP Vision and MATTER launched the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge, a global competition exploring solutions to enhance the patient experience in eye care.

According to a recent study, 61 percent of people worry about diabetes impacting their family’s health, yet only four percent know that eye doctors can detect diabetes through an eye exam. Ruth Yomtoubian , Head of VSP Vision’s Global Innovation Center, put it well when saying:

The eye is a window into overall health and wellness, providing patients with data points beyond a prescription. Our role is to encourage innovators to direct their talents and technologies towards vision care, a critical touchpoint in the healthcare continuum.

The five finalists of the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge — Lens2Recycle, machineMD , Ophthalytics Inc , RevitalVision and Vision Science Labs — are aiming to change vision care. Learn more about their solutions here.

Attend the VSP Vision Innovation Challenge Showcase

THU, AUG 15, 2:00PM CT

Come hear the five finalists pitch their solutions to a panel of industry experts for a chance to win up to $10,000. We also need your help to decide who takes home the “audience choice” award of $5,000. Register here.

Innovation insights to vision care

From early adoption of AI to providing insights to broader health, innovations in vision care are at the forefront of healthcare transformation. 

Here’s a glimpse into three vision trends that are changing the healthcare:

1. The eye is the window into full-body health. With AI advancements, an eye exam can now detect signs of cardiovascular and kidney disease, diabetes, neurological issues and other disease states.
2. New screening modalities improve access to care. Nearly one-third of the U.S. population lives in a healthcare desert, companies like EyeCheq are improving access to care through offering fully automated eye health kiosks delivering four self-service tests, including scans for diabetic retinopathy and visual acuity.
3. Can eye care be an early adopter of Generative AI? Eye care is already leveraging AI in retinal scan readings. Can the vision health industry position itself as a healthcare leader in AI? Time will tell.

Read our recent partner insights post for more trends in vision trends changing healthcare.

Prioritizing equitable vision care

In our recent partner insights podcast with VSP Vision Global Innovation Center, we welcomed founders from EyeCheq , Toku Eyes and HUED for a wide-ranging discussion on innovations in vision care and how solutions can make care more accessible and equitable. Take a listen below:

More in the MATTER community:

Startup shoutouts:

Every day, innovators across the MATTER community are building new solutions that accelerate innovation, advance care and improve lives.

Over the last three months, MATTER startups secured funding, fostered impactful partnerships, received FDA approval and more. Read more about our community successes here.

Startup spotlight: Cylinder

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, Cylinder stands out as a beacon of innovation and compassion. Founded by Bill Snyder , Cylinder is revolutionizing digestive health with its commitment to providing convenient, personalized and affordable care.

With groundbreaking research and a robust virtual platform, Cylinder is at the forefront of advancing digestive health, ensuring that gastrointestinal care is within reach for everyone. Read more about Cylinder here.

Upcoming MATTER events:

• Jul 30: The Role of AI in Advancing Health Equity. Register here.
• Aug 8: Creating the Ideal Hybrid Work Culture. Register here.
• Sep 9: Future HealthTech Leaders Innovation Challenge Showcase. Register here.

Community events:

• Jul 25: TechChicago Day. Hosted by P33. Register here.
• Aug 9: 2024 Annual Pediatric Device Innovation Symposium. Hosted by CTIP. Register here.
• Aug 14: The External Perspective on Getting Through the Door with Innovative Solutions. Hosted by Kemtai. Register here.

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