Essilor wants to find ways to increase access to vision care around the world, especially in developing countries, and it may have found just the innovators to do it.
Through its “Essilor See Change Challenge,” the French ophthalmic optics company with U.S. headquarters in Dallas, joined forces with global innovation firm, NineSigma, to solicit low-cost solutions that would make vision care training and delivery easier and faster. Proposals flooded in from 15 countries ranging from apps to devices that require no computing power.
This month, Essilor named three finalists: Belgium-based Adaptive EyeWorks Bvba, France-based IPSELIOS SAS, and American company, TEAMS Design USA, Inc. As finalists, they will be given $25,000 and are asked to produce a prototype of their solution.
In July, up to two winners will be named. They will receive an additional $100,000 and a possible development contract with Essilor.
“Poor vision is a global public health issue and Essilor is committed to improving the lives of people everywhere by improving their sight,” said Hubert Sagnières, Chairman and CEO of Essilor, in a release. “We are excited that the See Change Challenge has helped us uncover new scalable approaches that can help improve access to primary vision care in underserved communities.”
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