Mary Kane

Zachary Poll of VSP introduces the four entrepreneurs recognized at the VSP Innovation Challenge. The event spotlights entrepreneurs in the optical industry who are developing new technology and hardware to improve vision care for eyecare providers and patients. (L to R) Zachary Poll; Justin Asgarpour, EyecareX; Tom Pristsky, Captify, the Audience Choice winner; Grant Schmid, Altris AI, the Judges’ Choice winner; and Flora Azucena, Alchemy Vision.

Kristen Ritter and Laura Featherman of Cortez Vision check out new frame styles at the Now Design Pavilion on the show floor. LAS VEGAS—Vision Expo West 2025 wrapped up in Las Vegas on September 20 after four days of education, innovation and networking that energized the global optical community, according to an announcement from show organizers RX and The Vision Council.

This year marks the 23rd edition of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical, our annual special report that is near and dear to the hearts of the VM staff. Right about this time of year, we could all use some feel-good moments, and this editorial feature checks all the right boxes.