Dr. Jacob Shipton Wins Ohio State Student Innovator Award
VSP Global and the Rick Bay Foundation have named Jacob Shipton, OD, a Class of 2021 graduate from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, as the winner of the Ohio State Student Innovator Award.
Dr. Shipton’s winning idea, Eye-Bridge, aims to improve patient comfort and clinician experience during the slit lamp step in comprehensive eye examinations. During his final semester, he competed against fellow Ohio State Optometry students for this $5,000 award, which recognizes innovative, creative and feasible ideas presented by optometry students.
“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this award, especially in knowing how outstanding my fellow classmates are,” Dr. Shipton said. “The idea is just the beginning, and I already have plans to build a prototype, which I’m really excited about.”
“We appreciate the Rick Bay Foundation and VSP Global for supporting creative innovation at Ohio State and nationally,” said Melissa Bailey, OD, PhD, Professor of Optometry and Chair of Ohio State’s Student Awards Committee. “Jacob’s dedication to improving patient and clinician experiences inspires us all. We are proud of this achievement in particular, and we look forward to his future as an innovator.”