Annual Innovators Award


Innovation is one of SUNY College of Optometry’s core values. We work hard to foster an environment that encourages and supports innovative thinking.

The Student Innovator Award was initiated by Jobson’s Rick Bay Foundation for Excellence in Eyecare Education to reward ingenuity, creativity, and innovation around ideas and concepts to improve eye care. Take your interest and develop change in everything from clinical eye care, research concepts, and practice management to optometric education, health care policy, and technology – or any combination of these areas and more. Innovations are not limited in scope but should relate to eye care or vision.

Idea Checklist

  • Why is your idea necessary? What customer problem does your idea solve?
  • What are the benefits of your idea?
  • What is the market share and market need for your idea?
  • Are there similar or alternative solutions in the market? How is your different/better?
  • How will it be produced?
  • How much does it cost to be produced?
  • How will your idea generate money?


Vanessa Fimreite
Duider-Natalie
Jubin Shah
4W3A7863
4W3A7809
4W3A7809
Kathleen Hoang
Vanessa Fimreite
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Joanna Latek & Kateryna Nahornyak
Joanna Latek & Kateryna Nahornyak
Duider-Natalie
Duider-Natalie
Jubin Shah
Jubin Shah
Christian Crespo
Christian Crespo
Elkie Fung
Elkie Fung
Tara Mahvelati
Tara Mahvelati
Kathleen Hoang
Kathleen Hoang
Vanessa Fimreite
Vanessa Fimreite
Joanna Latek & Kateryna Nahornyak
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Key Dates
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Intention to Participate – November 14

Abstract – December 2

Selected Presenters – January 6

Presentation to Judges – February 23, 2023

Submit Abstract Questions: Email Vito Cavallaro

Past award winners
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YearWinner NameProject
2022Joanna Latek ‘24, Kateryna Nahornyak ‘24Mobile Contact Lens / Eye Drip Insertion and Removal Station
2021Natalie Duider '23The At-Home Amblyopia Activity Book
2020Jubin Shah '21Device to assist patients in accurately dispensing ophthalmic drops
2019Christian Crespo ‘203D Printed Retinoscope
2018Elkie Fung '19, Tara Mahvelati '19Can-See, customizable automated eye chart
2017Kathleen Hoang, ‘18Track DM, an app for diabetes management
2016Vanessa Fimreite ‘16Mobile Acuity and Vision Assessment

Innovation Inspiration Center

Watch video
Watch video

Innovation Inspiration – Kateryna Nahornyak

Watch video

Innovation Inspiration – Kateryna Nahornyak