AOA Innovation Hub premieres at Optometry’s Meeting®

Attendees at Optometry's Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry got a glimpse into the future at the first-ever AOA Innovation Hub. The program included three panel discussions on new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), emerging pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic innovations, along with networking opportunities with industry leaders. 

“What struck me most is how much all the innovators focus on improving the status of eye care and the quality of people’s lives,” says Scot Morris, O.D., who moderated two of the Innovation Hub panels. “It was inspiring to listen to these pioneers talk about the future. I can’t wait for the next one.” 

The Innovation Hub, sponsored this year by AOAExcel®, Harrow, Lumenis and Alcon, will be a feature at future Optometry’s Meetings. 

Three cutting-edge panel discussions 

Assessing Future Health Through AI-Enabled Tools 

The opening panel explored how AI-enabled technologies could transform eye care and the practical implications of integrating these tools into optometric practice. A recurring theme was the necessity of overcoming resistance to change, as AI empowers practitioners to delegate routine tasks, allowing for deeper focus on complex patient needs and enhanced care quality.   

Panelists Patrick Sauvageau, O.D., co-founder and chief executive of Zilia; Catherine Bornbaum, chief business officer at RetiSpec; and Laure Pichereau, chief executive of SiView; discussed technologies that could change the face of diagnosis—not just of eye diseases but potentially of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

“The eyes will not just be windows to the soul, but to the rest of the body as well, with eye care fundamental in the diagnosis of many systemic diseases,” says Dr. Morris, who moderated the discussion. “Though there are hurdles, the possibilities are fascinating.” 

Addressing Patient Workflow Challenges Through AI 

The second panel focused on how AI-embedded technologies and natural language processing could alter eye care workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Discussions emphasized how AI-powered scribes offer a “10x better” experience than traditional EHRs, saving practitioners significant time and reducing the burden of “death by a thousand clicks.” 

Panelists Grant Schmid, vice president of business development at Altris AI; Colton Calandrella, co-founder and chief executive of Barti; and AOA volunteer Easy Anyama, O.D.; described the vision for AI to become “invisible,” seamlessly integrated into daily practice, making doctors of optometry “irreplaceable” by freeing them to focus on high-value patient interactions. 

“The pain points of today will be afterthoughts tomorrow,” says moderator Dr. Morris, “allowing better care, faster diagnosis, and a more streamlined and frictionless future.” 

Enhancing Treatment Through New Technologies 

In the concluding panel, technology innovators showcased groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceuticals and contact lenses. Panelists described how their products are bridging the gap to provide complete eye care treatment for conditions including neurotrophic keratitis, presbyopia, and glaucoma. 

Panelists Mile Brujic, O.D., of MediPrint Ophthalmics; Ben Bergo, president and chief business officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics; and Elan Weiner, co-founder and chief executive of ECI Therapeutics; shared their product development insights, including the rationale behind their molecular choices, the obstacles encountered, and future directions. 

“I was thrilled to see such a variety of technology represented—all designed to improve patient outcomes,” says Nora Lee Cothran, O.D., who moderated the panel. “The vibrant discourse among the panelists was enlightening, and I think every person who participated in the Innovation Hub left feeling energized and optimistic about what lies on the investigational horizon.”