Ryan Pickering Wins Ohio State Student Innovator Award
Columbus, Ohio, June 3, 2026 – The Ohio State University College of Optometry, in collaboration with VSP Vision and the Rick Bay Foundation, announced Ryan Pickering as the recipient of the Ohio State Student Innovator Award. The $5,000 grant recognizes innovative, creative and feasible ideas presented by an optometry student.
Pickering, a student in Ohio State Optometry’s Class of 2028, created a solution for eyewear dispensing challenges he encountered during humanitarian vision trips. He presented his idea to a panel of judges from Ohio State.
The judges were particularly impressed by the utility and simple elegance of Pickering’s proposal for “universal” eyeglasses to work toward solving the problem of eyewear dispensing on outreach trips.
“Ryan’s passion and ingenuity were evident in his presentation to the panel of judges,” says Dean Karla Zadnik, OD, PhD. “We are so lucky that Ryan is a BuckEYE.”
“VSP is proud to support optometry students like Ryan, who are bringing fresh thinking and practical solutions to the future of eye care,” said Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider Solutions Officer at VSP Vision. “His creative, purpose-driven approach reflects the kind of leadership that will continue to advance the profession, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”
"Thank you to VSP Vision, the Rick Bay Foundation, and the Ohio State Optometry Student Awards Committee, I am very honored to be selected for this award, and I am excited to continue development of this project and to see the good that it can provide to so many people in need,” said Pickering.
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About VSP Vision
At VSP Vision™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP® has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 44,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope. To date, more than 4.5 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we're reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.