Lighting Science, a global leader in next-generation LED lighting solutions, announced that it has been awarded a contract by Vizient. With an annual purchasing volume of almost US $100 billion, Vizient is the largest, member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country.

Under the terms of the contract awarded to Lighting Science, the company will offer enhanced savings on its innovative HealthE^™ and LSPro^™ LED lighting solutions to Vizient’s membership, which includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute health care providers. The expansive product line includes new, patented technologies with applications for the healthcare industry. Lighting Science will help educate Vizient's network of field managers on how to drive innovative new product solutions to their membership base.

“In addition to helping Vizient members benefit from the significant energy savings that LEDs are known for, we look forward to helping them positively impact patient care with our HealthE biological lighting solutions,” said Lighting Science Chief Executive Officer Ed Bednarcik.

According to Bednarcik, the company’s biological lighting is based upon the 2001 discovery of a new photoreceptor in the eye called melanopsin which reacts to specific light wave spectrums found in the blue sky. Melanopsin is linked directly to the hypothalamus, where the body’s internal master clock resides. As a result, light is a biological trigger for the production of at least ten different hormones and equally as many neurotransmitters in the brain.

“Light’s impact upon health and wellness is actually very profound,” said Bednarcik. “By scientifically-engineering light spectrum, we can create unique lighting solutions capable of delivering a broad range of biological benefits, ranging from improved sleep to performance enhancement.”

Lighting Science has long been at the forefront of innovation. At their lab in Cocoa Beach, Florida, they are experimenting with LEDs designed to help purify water, sanitize surfaces, and correct vision—all through the patented technology of founder and Chief Technology Officer Fred Maxik. The company is best-known, however, for their home- and office-oriented HealthE series of biological lighting. Earlier this year, they launched the Genesis, the first 24-hour circadian lamp, which can help with jet lag and other sleep-related conditions.