Vision Meets Optics

November 3–4, 2026 | University of Rochester

The University of Rochester’s Center for eXtended Reality (CXR), in partnership with The AR Alliance, presents Vision Meets Optics, a two-day convening exploring the intersection of augmented reality, vision science, and advanced optics.

As AR moves toward smaller, more capable devices integrated into everyday eyewear, prescription integration presents a range of technical challenges. Addressing them requires expertise spanning optical design, vision science, manufacturing, materials, AR systems, and consumer electronics.

Across two days, Vision Meets Optics examines these challenges from both an industry and technical perspective, beginning with an evening of networking and continuing with a symposium focused on prescription-integrated AR systems.

Program Agenda

Tuesday, November 3

Industry Networking: Connecting the AR, Vision, and Optics Ecosystem

5:00 PM: Arrivals & Open Bar

5:30 PM: Dinner

6:00 PM: Welcome Presented by: Center for eXtended Reality (CXR) & Barry Silverstein

6:30 PM: Keynote Presentation: Challenges of Rx in AR Speaker: Bernard Kress, Director, Google

7:10 PM: Social Mixer Networking and evening bar service

7:40 PM: Fireside Chat Speakers: Barry Silverstein (CXR) and Naamah Argaman (AR Display Architect, Meta)

8:15 PM: Panel Discussion on Vision Care Panelists: Dan Savage (URMC Optics and Vision Science, University of Rochester) Anwar Upal (Engineering & Technical Program Leader, Bausch and Lomb) Denis Cohen-Tannoudji (Corporate Ventures, EssilorLuxottica)

8:45 PM – 9:00 PM: Closing Remarks

Wednesday, November 4

Symposium: Advancing Prescription-Integrated AR Systems

8:00 AM: Breakfast

9:00 AM: Session 1: The Foundation & The Friction

Vision Correction Principles - Michael Vitale, VP, The Vision Council

The AR Integration Challenge - Rutger Thijssen, Director, Applied Materials

Materials Integration Challenge - David Grosso, Chief Technology Officer, Solnil

AR Convergence with the Conventional Prescription Supply Chain - TBA

10:40 AM: Coffee Break

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Session 2: New Technical Approaches (Three presentations followed by a joint Q&A)

Liquid Lenses for AR - Larry Golob, Oxford Optical

Inkjet Printed Optics - Terence Cheah, Neovision

3D Printed Polymer - Camila Uzcategui, CEO, Manifest Technologies

12:15 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Poster Session / Networking

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Strategy and Discussions

Registration: Open to industry professionals, University of Rochester faculty, with University of Rochester student participation by invitation.

Faculty registration: A registration code is available for faculty. Please email [email protected].

Registration closes on October 19, 2026