THE CHALLENGE

Despite rising screen time and digital eye strain, 90% of Gen Z and millennials were skipping annual eye exams. Many believed an online screening was enough. At the same time, these same audiences upgraded phones, tablets, and cameras for sharper specs. The American Optometric Association needed to reframe the eye as the most advanced technology they already own and make in-person eye exams with doctors of optometry feel as essential as a device upgrade.

THE STRATEGY

We positioned the eye as the ultimate tech product. With specs like 576 megapixels, 50 times autofocus per second, and a 1,000,000 to 1 dynamic range, The Impossible Camera launched like a new piece of hardware. We used the aesthetics of consumer tech—teasers, packaging, product pages—and marketed comprehensive eye care using the same visual and verbal cues as a premium device release.

THE EXECUTION

To earn attention, the American Optometric Association built a life-size model inspired by the human eye and launched it at a public exhibition in New York City. Visitors explored immersive demos that highlighted real ocular functions. Optometrists served as in-person experts, guiding guests through the experience. Online, the SeeTheEye.com site featured an interactive camera model, sleek interface, and appointment booking tools. Every touchpoint, from Meta ads to influencer content to experiential activations, mirrored a high-end tech rollout.

THE OUTCOME

• 4.9B+ earned media impressions
• 1,400% increase in clicks to AOA’s doctor locator tool
• 2.5 million more Americans booked eye exams than the previous quarter
• “Routine Eye Exams” entered the top ten most-booked medical services on Zocdoc
• Our Facebook ad received twice as many shares as the iPhone 16 Pro launch post