Innovation Summit

In May 2018 I hosted the first Optical Innovation Summit in Boulder, Colorado. The event mixed industry leaders and emerging companies in eye care to determine, “what is inevitable in the next five to seven years” and what can be done to capitalize on the opportunities.

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Summit participants were immersed in hands-on learning and ideation. They also got outside to hike the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.  However, the highlight of the two-day Summit was discussing and debating the future of eyecare. Together, participants created the Top Ten of what they believed was “inevitable” in the next five to seven years. Here is what they said:

1.  Regulatory barriers are going to decline, resulting in new business models, new technologies, and a more empowered consumer.

2. Technology will provide more convenience and better access to care.  Whether it is online, through telemedicine, or in a kiosk, consumers will be more empowered than ever. 

3.  Additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing of glasses and frames will become more mainstream.

4.  Online sales will continue to grow with new subscription models taking hold and improvements in virtual try-on technology.

5.  Amazon will finally get into the eyecare business in a big way.

6. Continued vertical integration, such as the Essilor/Luxottica merger, further opening up opportunities for smaller companies and niche brands.

7.  Private label contact lenses will become a sizable part of the market and ultimately increase the size of the entire category.

8.  Augmented reality and virtual reality will power “smart glasses”, changing the way eyewear is used and worn.

9.  The massive increase in myopia, especially in children, will change the standard of care and open opportunities for new treatments and service models.

10.  Independent eye care practices will continue to get rolled-up by private equity firms to gain scale horizontally.

John Carrier in Boulder, CO
This was a wonderful event where industry leaders were able to build authentic relationships and discuss the future of our industry. The organization was outstanding.
— Jean Carrier, COO Essilor

My goal was to bring together industry leaders who could help startups with their biggest challenges by providing perspective, shared experiences, advice and mentorship. Given that I have worked inside big companies (i.e. Kellogg’s, Novartis), then founded and grew my own Company, I believe I am uniquely positioned to help bridge the gap between corporations and startup CEOs

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Summit attendee Jean Carrier added, “This was a wonderful event where industry leaders were able to build authentic relationships and discuss the future of our industry. The organization was outstanding.”  

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In the coming decade, thanks to emerging technology, the world around us will be very different.  We each have a choice:

1. Fear the future,

2. Wait for the future to arrive, or

3. Help create the future.

WE CHOOSE TO BE CREATORS!

Make it Happen!

-Bart


Summit Gallery - See Who Was There

As featured in Vision Monday: 

Innovation Summit Draws Industry Leaders to Boulder, Colo