Richard Wan Wins Ohio State Student Innovator Award

Richard Wan Wins Ohio State Student Innovator Award
Optometry Student’s Use of Augmented Reality Technology is Recognized with Ohio State Innovator Award, Sponsored by VSP Vision™

The Ohio State University College of Optometry announced Richard Wan as the recipient of the Ohio State Innovator Award. The $5,000 grant recognizes innovative, creative and feasible ideas presented by an optometry student. 

Wan, a fourth-year student, earned this prestigious honor by creating AR-Optical, an innovative initiative that aims to leverage augmented reality technology to improve the patient experience and quality of care in the optical space.

The annual award was first introduced in 2018 and is sponsored by VSP Vision, with additional support from the Rick Bay Foundation.

“Thank you to VSP Vision, the Rick Bay Foundation, and the OSU Student Awards Committee,” Wan said. “I am very honored to be selected for this award, and I am excited to continue development of this project.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support of the Rick Bay Foundation and VSP Vision,” said Melissa Bailey, OD, PhD, Professor of Optometry and Chair of Ohio State’s Student Awards Committee. “Richard’s creative innovation and dedication to improving the patient experience and quality of care are remarkable. His future is bright, and we are proud his achievements.”