Photo provided by VSP Vision
Futurist Report highlights how AI, emerging technologies and new care models are focused on eyecare
August 14, 2026
Today, the VSP Global Innovation Center (GIC) released Practice of the Future, a new Futurist Report exploring how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and new care models are becoming available to eyecare providers to meet growing patient demand, improve efficiency and expand their role within the broader healthcare ecosystem.
“Eyecare is at a pivotal moment. As patient needs and preferences continue to grow and technology advances at an unprecedented pace, optometry has an opportunity to expand its impact on overall health,” said Senior Manager of VSP Global Innovation Center Programs and Partnerships Will Flanagan. “Leveraging that opportunity takes more than new tools; it takes a new way of thinking about how care and service are delivered within the four walls of a practice.”
The interactive report highlights six key areas of the modern eyecare practice, examining how each room is evolving to help providers deliver a more connected, elevated patient experience.
PRE-TEST ROOM
Reimagining the Practice for Access and Efficiency
To meet growing demand, practices are evolving beyond traditional layouts and workflows. Pre-testing—long confined to a single room—is becoming more flexible, supported by technologies that allow components of the exam to be conducted remotely, in waiting areas or by non-clinical staff.
EXAM LANE
A Shift Toward Whole-Body Health
AI-enabled diagnostics are reinforcing the role of the eye exam, helping providers better identify and document early indicators of broader health concerns, including cardiovascular, kidney and neurological diseases. These developments confirm optometry’s role as an integral part of the healthcare continuum, demonstrating its value beyond vision correction to proactive, whole-body health insights.
SUBSPECIALTY AREAS
Expanding the Scope of Care
As patient needs evolve, more practices are expanding into areas such as myopia management, audiology and aesthetics, with 34% of optometrists planning to introduce new care modalities. These specialty services can help practices deliver more comprehensive care while creating new opportunities for growth.
OPTICAL RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Retail and Operations Enter a New Era
While more than 80% of eyewear purchases still occur in physical locations, practices are enhancing the in-person experience with AI-powered tools like virtual try-on technologies and smart eyewear innovations.
BACK OFFICE
The Engine Behind the Practice
Investment in AI-enabled technology is accelerating, with key market segments projected to more than double over the next decade. AI-enabled practice management tools, like Eyefinity, help practices streamline scheduling, billing, staffing and other operational workflows, reducing administrative burden and improving efficiency at a time when 54% of optometrists report symptoms of burnout.
AT HOME
Care Follows the Patient Out the Door
Remote monitoring, at-home diagnostics and digital shopping tools are extending care beyond the office. In the Practice of the Future, the relationship continues beyond the visit creating ongoing engagement, better outcomes and new models of care delivery.
“While technology is transforming eyecare, the provider remains at the heart of the patient experience,” said VSP Vision Chief Provider Solutions Officer Michelle Skinner. “With approximately 20 million more eye exams needed annually than a decade ago, innovation can help practices meet growing demand while giving doctors more time and resources to deliver high-quality, personalized care.”
Practice of the Future builds on VSP Vision’s broader Futurist Report series and underscores its commitment to advancing access, innovation and patient-centered care. Through the Global Innovation Center, VSP collaborates with startups and innovators to identify, test and scale solutions that expand access to care and help shape the future of eye health.
To learn more about the VSP Global Innovation Center and to access the entire Futurist Report series, click here.
