Innovation isn’t just reshaping technology — it’s transforming eye care, and your practice can be at the forefront. Ruth Yomtoubian, VP of Global Innovation at VSP, joins Eugene Shatsman to discuss the cutting-edge trends shaping eye care’s future. Fresh from CES, the world’s largest tech show—she reveals how AI, data, and multi-sensory tech are redefining healthcare and why optometrists need to take notice.
Tech leaders outside of eye care are investing in vision like never before. AI-powered diagnostics, longevity-focused innovations, and sensor technology that collects and packages data from the eye are revolutionizing how we think about health. Eye care isn’t just about vision anymore, it’s part of a larger movement toward personalized medicine.
But it’s not just about the technology — it’s about the mindset of innovation. Ruth breaks down how practice owners can stay ahead of these changes, integrate emerging technology, and turn their practices into hubs of innovation. Whether it’s leveraging AI, expanding services beyond vision, or preparing for the future of healthcare, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply today.
The future of hearing, smell, and other “sensory technology” is also evolving at an extremely fast rate, and Ruth shares why optometrists may play a larger role than ever before in multi-sensory health. With data collection shifting toward more advanced biometric tracking, eye care is positioned as one of the most data-rich, predictive areas of medicine. This presents a massive opportunity for forward-thinking practices that are ready to embrace change.
The future of eye care is bigger than vision — it’s about leading the charge in healthcare innovation. With AI, data-driven diagnostics, and sensory technology advancing rapidly, optometry is positioned for massive change. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your practice or embrace new opportunities, this episode gives you the insights you need to stay ahead.
Key Takeaways
on
- Vision’s Role in Industry Innovation: Why tech giants are investing heavily in vision-related advancements beyond traditional eye care.
- AI and Sensor Technology in Diagnostics: How new innovations are turning the eye into a critical tool for early disease detection and overall health monitoring.
- Expanding Beyond Vision: What multi-sensory healthcare advancements — like hearing and smell tech — mean for the future of optometry.
- Bringing Innovation into Your Practice: How to integrate cutting-edge technology without disrupting workflow or overcomplicating patient care.
- The Mindset of Innovation: Why staying ahead requires embracing change, thinking bigger, and adapting your practice for what’s next.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Introduction
- 05:45 The Biggest Trends in Tech Right Now
- 14:20 How AI and Data Collection Are Reshaping Healthcare and Eye Care
- 22:10 The Role of Optometrists in a Multi-Sensory Healthcare Future
- 30:35 What Emerging Innovation Means for Your Practice and Your Patients
- 45:50 How to Integrate Innovation Without Overcomplicating Your Practice
- 53:15 Taking Action and Staying Ahead of the Curve
Contact Information
Connect with Ruth Yomtoubian
Ruth Yomtoubian is a genre-defying leader, corporate innovation pioneer, and visionary technologist who has spent much of her career incubating and facilitating start-up thinking at major companies and organizations. She is a shaper who brings initiatives from visualization to actualization. With an innate curiosity, she is quality-driven, and thinks big while building an iterative path for teams shaping the future.
Ruth currently serves as Head of the VSP Global Innovation Center, where she leads a multi-disciplinary team to discover, evaluate, test, and scale innovative concepts into commercial solutions that accelerate growth and performance throughout VSP. Within this capacity, Ruth is spearheading VSP’s centralized AI strategy, including building a roadmap, system, and use case development and integration.
Innovation requires holding others to high standards, leading with authenticity, and having the experience and judgment to coach and nurture a world class team. Under her leadership, the VSP Global Innovation Center has become an important innovation player and disrupter in the healthcare and technology industries.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthyomtoubian/
Website: https://www.vspvision.com/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman