Eye2Gene

Identification of inherited retinal diseases.

optometrist with pateint

Eye2Gene is an AI-powered platform combining imaging and genomics to support the identification of causative genes in inherited retinal diseases. 

By improving diagnostic accuracy, the platform enables clinicians and researchers to make more informed decisions and supports patients in accessing appropriate care pathways and participating in relevant clinical trials for new therapies, while also supporting the development of new treatments.

The spinout is based on research led by Dr Nikolas Pontikos and Dr William Woof at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.

The Eye2Gene journey so far:

  • 2026: Eye2Gene is founded

 

Team

Dr Nikolas Pontikos

Co-founder and CEO

Associate Professor at the Institute of Ophthalmology, working at intersection of genetics, imaging and text data to develop decision support systems for precision diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Dr William Woof, Co-founder and Chief AI Officer

Dr. Mark Fisher

Associate Director

Dr Fisher has management responsibility for the BioPharm patent portfolio and strategic business support for the BioPharm team. At the coalface, Mark manages the commercialisation of technology from the Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital UCL Global Business School for Health and the Department of Ageing, Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine.

He holds a first degree in Industrial Biology and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UCL, in association with one of the first biotechnology companies to be established in the academic sector.

Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in life sciences and healthcare licensing, new company development and securing investment from both the public and private sectors to his team. To date, Mark has been responsible for the establishment of more than 25 new businesses in diagnostics, drug discovery, medical devices and therapeutics.

As a certified lead auditor of ISO 13485, Dr Fisher has additional experience in quality management systems and the translation of technologies from research and design into manufacture at home and abroad.

Mark is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants and gained the Freedom of the City of London in 2010 for his contribution to the economy through new business development.