Two American research organizations have launched the Vision for Mars challenge to ophthalmology companies.

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) and the Center for Space Medicine at Baylor University, in Texas, hope to identify and support progress in medical technologies for eye health in space. The Vision for Mars challenge is a collaborative research and funding program.

The main objective is to develop diagnostic solutions and devices that can operate in space. Scientists do not yet have a good understanding of the impacts that long periods in space have on vision, but have evidence that prolonged exposure to reduced gravity can affect vision in astronauts.

For further information: http://www.nsbriforum.org/Commercialization_Assistance/Vision_for_Mars/