In 2026, the global vision care industry is expected to surpass $210 billion, while digital ophthalmology and AI-powered diagnostics continue to attract record levels of investment across MedTech, diagnostics, and enterprise healthcare. At the same time, healthcare organizations are under pressure to commercialize faster, meet growing regulatory demands, and deliver better patient outcomes without increasing operational complexity. 

From AI retinal diagnostics and wearable low-vision platforms to XR-powered rehabilitation and cloud-connected imaging systems, these leaders are redefining what modern vision science looks like. For CTOs, Heads of R&D, and healthcare innovation teams, the opportunity is massive, but so is the execution risk. 

The companies that succeed over the next decade will not simply build better devices. They will build scalable digital ecosystems designed for compliance, interoperability, clinical adoption, and long-term growth.

How Engineering Leadership Is Reshaping Vision Science

The future of vision care is increasingly being driven by engineering innovation rather than standalone clinical breakthroughs. Modern ophthalmology platforms now depend on AI diagnostics, connected medical devices, cloud-native infrastructure, XR-based rehabilitation, and real-time clinical data systems working together seamlessly.

Leading companies in the vision care industry, such as ZEISS, Topcon Healthcare, and Alcon, are accelerating investments in digital ophthalmology and connected diagnostics to modernize patient care and clinical workflows.

At the same time, healthcare innovators are exploring immersive healthcare technologies like XR and eye-tracking to improve diagnostics, accessibility, and rehabilitation outcomes. This includes initiatives like CitrusBits’ collaboration with Tobii, focused on integrating eye-tracking into healthcare XR platforms.

Top 10 Engineering, R&D, and Innovation Leaders Shaping Vision Science in 2026

Vision science is being transformed by leaders driving innovation across ophthalmology, medical devices, AI, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and digital health. From AI-powered retinal diagnostics and connected healthcare platforms to next-generation therapeutics and ophthalmology R&D, these leaders are helping shape the future of vision care and healthcare innovation worldwide.

1. Cynthia Hong

Director, AI & Discovery Sciences, Search & Evaluation Business Development | Novartis

Cynthia Hong is helping advance the use of AI and digital technologies across pharmaceutical research and drug discovery. With extensive experience in biotechnology, life sciences, and healthcare innovation, she has contributed to numerous scientific publications and research initiatives. 

As vision science increasingly intersects with AI-driven diagnostics, digital biomarkers, and precision medicine, leaders like Hong are helping accelerate the adoption of data-driven approaches across healthcare and ophthalmology research.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-hong-5840b51/

2. Andrew Stewart

President, Global Pharmaceuticals & International Consumer | Bausch + Lomb

Andrew Stewart leads global innovation efforts at Bausch + Lomb, one of the world’s leading eye health organizations. His work focuses on advancing therapies for dry eye disease, retinal disorders, glaucoma, and ocular surface health. 

Stewart is also a strong advocate for integrating emerging technologies, including AI-enabled insights, precision medicine, and novel drug delivery approaches, into vision care. His leadership reflects the growing convergence of ophthalmology, technology, and patient-centered innovation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-stewart-5727741/

3. Christopher Brittain

Senior Vice President, Global Head of Ophthalmology Product Development | Genentech

Christopher Brittain plays a significant role in shaping the future of ophthalmology through clinical development and therapeutic innovation. He has been involved in advancing treatments for retinal conditions such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). 

His work reflects the industry’s growing focus on addressing unmet needs in eye health through advanced therapies, clinical research, and long-term vision preservation strategies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-brittain-008a8b1/

4. Céline Olmiere

Head of Théa Open Innovation | Théa Pharma

With more than a decade of experience in ophthalmology R&D, Céline Olmiere has contributed to the registration and launch of numerous vision care products. Through Théa Open Innovation, she focuses on identifying emerging technologies, fostering collaboration, and accelerating innovation within the ophthalmology ecosystem. 

Her work highlights the increasing importance of open innovation and strategic partnerships in advancing the future of eye care.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c%C3%A9line-olmiere-5875b424/

5. Zohra Fadli

Worldwide Vice President, R&D | Johnson & Johnson Vision

Zohra Fadli brings extensive global experience across medical device innovation, biomarker discovery, clinical research, and commercialization. Her ability to bridge technical, clinical, and commercial priorities has helped drive breakthrough innovations in vision care. 

As ophthalmology continues to evolve through AI, diagnostics, and connected healthcare technologies, Fadli’s leadership demonstrates the value of combining scientific innovation with business strategy.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/zohra-fadli-a064a833

6. Doug Crimaldi

Senior Vice President, R&D Engineering | Glaukos Corporation

Doug Crimaldi brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across medical devices and healthcare technology. His expertise spans product development, engineering management, and FDA-regulated medical devices. 

At Glaukos, he helps drive innovation in ophthalmic technologies while overseeing the engineering processes needed to bring advanced healthcare solutions from concept to commercialization.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-crimaldi-a020094/

7. Scott Pennington

Vice President, R&D Innovation Transformation & Strategy Realization | Alcon

Scott Pennington focuses on building transformational R&D capabilities that improve innovation speed, productivity, and execution. His work at Alcon supports the development of innovation frameworks and operational strategies that help accelerate the delivery of next-generation eye care technologies. 

As ophthalmology organizations face increasing pressure to innovate faster, leaders like Pennington play a critical role in enabling scalable R&D excellence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pennington-mba-pmp-75788511/

8. Fanny Seus

Innovation Strategist & R&D Leader | ZEISS Group

Fanny Seus is known for her work in innovation management, technology exploration, and building high-performing R&D teams. At ZEISS, she contributes to fostering a culture of innovation that supports the development of advanced healthcare and vision technologies. 

Her leadership reflects the growing need for interdisciplinary collaboration across diagnostics, imaging, medical devices, and digital healthcare.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fanny-seus/

9. Markus Spahn

Vice President, R&D Platform Software Engineering | Clario

Markus Spahn specializes in modern software engineering, agile transformation, DevOps, platform architecture, and digital product development. His expertise highlights the increasing role software plays in healthcare innovation, clinical research, and connected diagnostics. 

As vision science organizations build more data-driven and interoperable ecosystems, platform engineering leaders like Spahn are helping create the infrastructure that supports scalable innovation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusspahn/

10. Francis Erard

Vice President, Research & Development | CooperVision

Francis Erard has more than three decades of experience driving innovation within the contact lens and vision care industry. His work spans manufacturing, product development, and R&D leadership, helping CooperVision deliver new technologies and patient-focused solutions. 

As demand grows for personalized vision care and advanced eye health products, leaders like Erard continue to play an important role in shaping the future of vision science and ophthalmology innovation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-erard-318a058/

More Vision Care Leaders to Watch in 2026

Beyond the leaders highlighted above, several executives across ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, AI, and medical technology continue to influence the future of vision science. Their work spans digital transformation, translational medicine, clinical research, software platforms, and next-generation vision care technologies.

I. Mark Daly: Chief Technology Officer, Digital Diagnostics

Mark Daly helps drive the development of AI-powered healthcare platforms focused on transforming diagnostic workflows and expanding access to vision care through autonomous diagnostic technologies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstevendaly/

II. Sophie Forge: VP Digital R&D, Sanofi

Sophie Forge leads digital innovation initiatives that support research, development, and the integration of emerging technologies across healthcare and life sciences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-forge-3bb3012/

III. Achim Schuelke: Executive Vice President & General Manager, Clario

Achim Schuelke focuses on advancing clinical evidence generation through digital technologies, helping accelerate research and improve outcomes across healthcare and vision science programs.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achimschuelke/

IV. Melissa Liew: Vice President, Global Head of Translational Medicine, Ophthalmology, Novartis

Melissa Liew leads translational medicine initiatives that help bridge scientific discovery and clinical development, supporting innovation in ophthalmology and vision-related therapies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-liew-98232b23/

V. Thomas Hudson: Senior Vice President, R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, AbbVie

Thomas Hudson oversees global research and scientific strategy, helping drive innovation across therapeutic areas while advancing precision medicine and next-generation healthcare solutions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-hudson-716b93154/

VI. Bryan Reed: Vice President of Vision Care R&D, Bausch + Lomb

Bryan Reed contributes to the development of innovative vision care products and technologies designed to improve patient outcomes and advance eye health globally.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-reed-abb09079/

VII. Filippo Bruno: VP Digital Product, Digital Innovation & SaaS Platforms, EssilorLuxottica

Filippo Bruno focuses on digital products, SaaS platforms, and technology-driven innovation that support the evolution of modern vision care and connected consumer experiences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippobr1/

VIII. Griffith Altmann: Chief Technology Officer, HOYA Vision Care

Griffith Altmann leads technology and innovation initiatives that support the development of advanced vision solutions, digital capabilities, and future-focused eye care technologies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffith-altmann/

IX. Gautam Ganguly: Vice President, Global Head of Product Strategy, Genentech

Gautam Ganguly helps shape product strategy and innovation initiatives that support the delivery of transformative healthcare and ophthalmology solutions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gautam-ganguly-a7b7422/

X. Aris Economides: Vice President, Research, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Aris Economides has played an important role in advancing research programs focused on ophthalmology, retinal diseases, and innovative therapeutic development.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aris-economides-2436168/

XI. Ryan Steinberger: Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Regeneron

Ryan Steinberger leads enterprise technology and digital transformation initiatives that help accelerate scientific research, data-driven healthcare, and operational innovation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-steinberger/

XII. Shu Zong, Ph.D.: Vice President, R&D (Vision Care), Alcon

Shu Zong leads research and development efforts focused on advancing vision care technologies, helping bring innovative products and solutions to patients worldwide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shu-zong-ph-d-77aa362/

The Bottom Line

As vision science continues to evolve, the intersection of engineering, artificial intelligence, digital health, and clinical innovation is creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes and transform eye care delivery. The leaders featured in this list are helping drive advancements across ophthalmology, diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and connected healthcare platforms.

From AI-powered diagnostics and digital R&D to next-generation vision care technologies, their work reflects the growing importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of eye health.

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About the Author

Dr. Adrian Vale

Vision Science & Digital Health Strategist

Dr. Adrian Vale is a healthcare technology strategist focused on digital ophthalmology, XR healthcare, connected medical devices, and AI-powered clinical platforms. With over a decade of experience supporting MedTech and healthcare innovators, he writes about the future of vision care, healthcare engineering, and scalable clinical technology.