Power Hour Optometry: Beyond Vision - How Emerging Tech Is Transforming the Future of Eye Care

Episode Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Eugene Shotsman
Guest: Ruth Yamchoubian, Leader of the Innovation Team at VSP (Vision Service Plan)

1. Introduction

In this season 13 episode of Power Hour Optometry, host Eugene Shotsman delves deep into the realm of innovation within the optometric industry. Responding to audience buzz around technological advancements, Eugene welcomes Ruth Yamchoubian, the head of VSP’s Innovation Team. Ruth brings a wealth of experience from both the telecom and tech sectors, positioning her uniquely to discuss the intersection of emerging technologies and eye care.

2. Insights from CES: AI and Smart Eyewear

Ruth opens the conversation by sharing her firsthand experiences from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the premier global technology event. She highlights the significant presence of smart eyewear brands like Ray-Ban, Meta, Rokid, Xreal, and Halliday, emphasizing their integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into eyewear.

“Smart eyewear brands like Eyewear was at the front of the health tech space, it was at the front of the AI space.” [04:51]

These brands showcased innovations such as heads-up displays, color-changing lenses, automatic captions, and AI-driven navigation, repurposing eyewear from mere vision correction tools to multifunctional smart devices. Additionally, Ruth mentions AI-driven vision kiosks (Ibot) that demonstrate autonomous eye care, signaling a transformative shift in how eyewear can facilitate health monitoring and patient interaction.

3. Longevity and Preventative Health Trends

A major theme at CES was longevity—a shift from merely extending lifespan to enhancing healthspan. Ruth discusses technologies focused on early detection and long-term health optimization, such as smart mirrors capable of monitoring heart health, blood pressure, and sleep quality.

“Longevity speaks to that many consumers want health span that is not just a lifespan.” [08:33]

She contrasts this with the traditional preventative health approach, which often centers around disease prevention from a clinical standpoint. The new focus on longevity empowers consumers to take a more proactive role in their long-term health, utilizing data-driven experiences to enhance their quality of life.

4. Oculomics: Expanding the Eye Exam's Role

Ruth introduces the concept of oculomics, an emerging field that leverages eye imaging to assess overall health and diagnose systemic diseases. This innovation transforms the standard eye exam into a comprehensive health evaluation tool.

“Oculomics is an emerging field encompassing next gen technologies and innovations that utilize eye imaging to evaluate overall health...” [15:51]

Startups like Toku Eyes and Topcon Health are pioneering solutions that integrate AI-enabled retinal scans for early detection of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s. This development not only enhances the value of eye exams but also positions optometrists as crucial players in holistic health care.

5. Strengthening Referral Networks with PCPs

The integration of oculomics technology within primary care physician (PCP) offices presents both challenges and opportunities for optometrists. Ruth emphasizes the necessity of establishing robust referral networks to ensure that optometrists remain integral to patient care.

“If you are an optometrist in an area where a PCP has bought this type of equipment, you should be the first to know about it...” [19:14]

By building strong relationships with PCPs, optometrists can position themselves as primary referrals for any systemic health issues detected through eye exams, thereby safeguarding their role in the evolving healthcare landscape.

6. VSP's Innovation Team: Driving Industry Change

Ruth elaborates on the multifaceted role of VSP’s Innovation Team, which serves as a catalyst for industry-wide advancements. The team produces futurist reports, acts as a resource for various stakeholders, and bridges gaps across different segments of the optometric field.

“We put out a series of futurist reports that are essentially like a lens into the future...” [23:07]

Their initiatives include addressing changes in vision benefits, adapting to hybrid workforces, and embracing sustainability in eyewear production. By fostering a collaborative environment, VSP ensures that innovation is accessible and actionable for practices of all sizes.

7. Embracing Multisensory Technologies

Beyond vision, the conversation shifts to multisensory technologies that enhance human experiences. Ruth discusses innovations in olfactory technologies, which manipulate scents to improve environments, such as Delta Airlines' multisensory in-flight experiences and the Kirin salt spoon that enhances the taste perception of food through electrical stimulation.

“AI applying AI to senses ensures safety through sensory technologies.” [33:01]

These advancements highlight the potential for optometric practices to incorporate sensory enhancements, creating more engaging and comfortable patient experiences. For example, optimizing the scent in a practice’s waiting area could significantly impact patient satisfaction and perception.

8. AI Adoption in Optometry Practices

AI’s democratization has made it more accessible for small and solo optometry practices to integrate sophisticated tools without the need for extensive IT infrastructure. Ruth points out that no-code AI solutions enable practices to implement AI-driven applications swiftly and efficiently.

“You don't need a whole technology or IT team to implement AI in your practice.” [42:57]

With investments in AI healthcare solutions reaching up to $50 billion, practices are encouraged to adopt AI for various functions, from administrative tasks to enhancing patient interactions. Examples include AI scribes that assist in documentation and chatbots that engage with patients, providing personalized care and support.

9. Innovation Principles and Strategic Investment

Ruth outlines the foundational principles guiding VSP’s innovation initiatives. Emphasizing insights-based innovation over mere disruption, the Innovation Team focuses on strategic investments that align with both industry needs and VSP’s core values.

“It's not about disruption, it's about really insights based innovation.” [25:17]

They prioritize understanding company DNA, analyzing startup ecosystems, and synthesizing data to foster meaningful advancements. This structured approach ensures that innovations are not only groundbreaking but also practical and scalable within the industry.

10. Practical Steps for Integrating Innovation

To effectively incorporate new technologies, Ruth advises optometrists to adopt a disciplined, data-driven approach. This involves:

• Active Participation: Engaging with innovation rather than passively observing.

• Iterative Testing: Implementing technologies in phases, measuring specific outcomes, and refining based on feedback.

• Purpose-Driven Implementation: Setting clear objectives for what each technology aims to achieve, whether it's enhancing patient experience or improving operational efficiency.

“You have to be active participants and we have to let the iterative process take place...” [56:40]

Eugene echoes this sentiment, encouraging practices to experiment with AI tools purposefully and measure their impact meticulously.

11. Conclusion and Resources

As the episode concludes, Ruth shares resources for staying abreast of industry innovations. She encourages listeners to follow VSP’s Innovation Center on LinkedIn, subscribe to their “Lens into the Future” newsletter, and participate in initiatives like the Vision Innovation Challenge.

“If you want to attend, it's open to everyone in the industry. It'll be later this summer, but check out our innovation page@bspvision.com.” [60:22]

Eugene wraps up by highlighting the importance of embracing technological advancements to remain competitive and enhance patient care. He underscores the collective responsibility of the optometric community to actively engage with and shape the future of eye care.

Key Takeaways:

• Integration of AI and Smart Technologies: AI is revolutionizing eyewear, making it multifaceted beyond vision correction.

• Focus on Longevity: Technologies aimed at extending healthspan are becoming integral to eye care practices.

• Oculomics: Eye exams are evolving into comprehensive health assessments, positioning optometrists as key players in overall health care.

• Strengthening Referral Networks: Building robust relationships with PCPs is crucial for maintaining a central role in patient health management.

• Accessibility of AI: No-code AI solutions are making advanced technologies accessible to small and solo practices, fostering widespread adoption.

• Strategic Innovation: Emphasizing insights-based and strategic investments ensures that innovations are both impactful and sustainable.

• Practical Implementation: A disciplined, purpose-driven approach to integrating new technologies can significantly enhance practice operations and patient experiences.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for optometrists seeking to navigate and leverage emerging technologies, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of innovation in eye care.