Friends, old and new, greeted each other as the Summit opened. Here, Texas State Optical‘s John Marvin (l) and L’Amy America‘s Stephen Rappoport.

(L-R) Luna Solutions‘ Kristin Jolley, Kaiser Permanente‘s Dr. Susy Yu, and Innovator Henrik Nagel of EYE-GO, makers of MistGo, a micro-dosing drug delivery system.

The first morning started with a 5-mile Connection Hike in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where attendees engaged in conversation aimed at  breaking down barriers and making deeper connections.

(L-R) Event organzier Bart  Foster of Sanitas Advisors and Business Outside with Excutive Forum Members Dr. Brianna Rhue of Dr. ContactLens, Treehouse Eyes‘ Matt Oerding, PECAA‘s Jim McGrann and Dr. Justin Manning, along with Dr. Matthew Alpert of The Eye Consortium (crouching).

The group gathered after the hike for an afternoon discussion on the future of the eyecare. Attendees talked about trends, ideas, concerns, and opportunities which may have profound impact throughout the industry.

The Innovators also each had an opportunity to present their business, it’s unique market offering and what it needs to advance in the space. Here, Dr. Elise Brisco, of NearSight, presents her company’s alternative to readers for presbyopes attached to their digital devices.

Innovator company PlenOptika‘s Shivang Dave, Ph.D, and INVISION’s Deirdre Carroll connect at that evening’s dinner event. PlenOptika makes technology that frees vision exams from the clinic, unlocking the regulated eyeglass prescription market.

Innovator company Avulux‘s Charles Posternack, MD, and Essilor Luxottica‘s Millicent Knight, OD. Avulux offers a patented multi-band precision lens to combat photophobia in those living with migraines.

The seven Innovators along with representatives from the event’s sponsors Shamir, VSP Vision, Walman and Wisconsin Vision Associates (WVA).

A group shot of attendees, innovators and sponsors.

The Innovator’s presentations were followed by breakout sessions during which Innovators received feedback from attendees. Here, Alberto Osio of YoliaHealth (seated, front) fields questions about his company’s noninvasive forms of vision correction; while Dr. Brian Levy, of InflammX, waits to discuss his company’s orally administered drug for the treatment of dry AMD, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) secondary to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Nephropathy (DN). Not shown, Jinesh Patel, of  UptimeHealth, a software solution healthcare providers that simplifies and automates equipment purchases, maintenance, and compliance management.

The last day started with a stunning sunrise breathwork and meditation session up in the beautiful Red Rocks Ampitheather.