AOA 2025: Companies sport their innovations at the Innovation Hub

Nora Lee Cothran, OD, FAAO, from The Eye Institute of West Florida shared insights about the American Optometric Association's new Innovation Hub, a platform designed to showcase emerging technologies and innovations in optometry during Optometry's Meeting. The Innovation Hub represents a critical opportunity for small companies to present cutting-edge developments to optometric professionals, according to Cothran.

During the 2025 meeting, Cothran moderated a panel featuring 3 innovative companies: MediPrint Ophthalmics, TenPoint Therapeutics, and ECI Therapeutics, each bringing unique technological advancements to the field. MediPrint Ophthalmics is currently developing a 3D-printed contact lens infused with hyaluronic acid. This lens could potentially deliver various medications, including glaucoma, allergy, and postoperative drugs, representing a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. TenPoint Therapeutics presented brimochol, a combination of carbachol and brimonidine designed to treat presbyopia. The company's broader vision extends to treating age-related eye conditions in its development of therapeutic molecules aimed at reversing cataract formation and potentially mitigating geographic atrophy, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing age-related eye health. For ECI Therapeutics, its unique background lies in blood banking and clinical ophthalmology. The company is developing a commercial serum tear derived from pathogen-cleared platelets, initially targeting neurotrophic keratitis. This approach could revolutionize dry eye disease treatment by providing a standardized, readily available therapeutic option.

Beyond these specific technologies, Cothran emphasized the broader excitement surrounding the optometry profession. She highlighted the growing energy among students, the expanding scope of practice in various states, and the increasing focus on managing ocular diseases. The Innovation Hub represents more than just technological advancement; it symbolizes the profession's progressive spirit, Cothran said. By providing a platform for emerging technologies, optometry continues to evolve, embracing medical innovations that can significantly improve patient care and treatment outcomes.