Company
At Axorus, we develop a Contact Lens to restore sight to blind patients afflicted with dry AMD or Retinitis Pigmentosa
With our partners at Boston University, we developed this retinal stimulator, using patented photoacoustic technology.
Preclinical trials are currently underway at the Institut de la Vision in Paris, France
Founders
Jean-Damien
CEO
Hélène, PhD
CTO
Scientific Advisors
Dr. Serge Picaud
Vision Institute Director
Pr. Ji-Xin Cheng
Photoacoustic Scientist
Pr. Chen Yang
Photoacoustic Scientist
Dr. Vasily Smirnov, MD
Neuro-ophthalmologist
Pr. Frédéric Matonti, MD
Ophthalmologist, Surgeon
Pr. Wendy Liu, MD
Ophthalmologist, Surgeon
Partners
We work in close collaboration with neurobiologists and regulatory affairs advisors.
Product
Contact Lens for dry AMD
We are developing a patented, non-invasive solution aimed at restoring sight for people with damaged retinas. Our device stimulates the retina with ultrasounds generated by the photoacoustic effect: the interaction of the laser with the lens.
Completely Non Invasive
No surgery
No injections
No genetherapy

Contact Lens + Laser Projector Glasses
Technology
We are using genetic-free photoacoustic neuromodulation to stimulate cells inside the retina in order to restore vision for the patients.
We have preclinical proof of in vivo non-invasive photoacoustic activation of the retina and visual areas of the brain.
SPIE Photonics West - 2026 - Non-Invasive Photoacoustic Contact Lens for Sight Restoration
Nature Communications - 2025 - A flexible photoacoustic retinal prosthesis
SPIE Photonics West - 2025 - Advances in photoacoustic retina stimulation
Nature Light: Science & Applications - 2022 - Noninvasive brain stimulation with ultrahigh precision
Nature Light: Science & Applications - 2021 - Genetics-free Photoacoustic Neuromodulation
Our Story
Axorus definitively abandoned its neuro-electronic implant technology in 2021, and its invasive photoacoustic implants in early 2025. These legacy technologies have been completely replaced by a 100% non-invasive solution. Since May 2025, Axorus has pivoted to exclusively develop this new technology: the photoacoustic contact lens.
Careers
You are looking for a start-up that tackles challenging and meaningful projects :
Join Us - send your resume to jobs@axorus.com
FAQ
1. Which eye diseases does Axorus target?
Our technology aims to restore vision in patients suffering from retinal blindness, primarily dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
2. Is the device available today?
No. The device is currently in the preclinical development stage. While strong in vivo evidence has already demonstrated cortical activation, the technology must successfully complete regulatory milestones (FDA clearance / CE Marking) and clinical trials before becoming publicly available.
3. Does Axorus develop implants?
No. Axorus is exclusively developing a 100% non-invasive solution: a photoacoustic contact lens. While the company historically explored neuro-electronic implants (discontinued in 2021) and subretinal photoacoustic implants (discontinued in early 2025 in favor of the lens), our current technology requires no surgery and has entirely moved away from the concept of implantation.
4. How does the Axorus photoacoustic lens work?
The system consists of smart glasses equipped with a near-infrared (NIR) laser emitter and a pigmented contact lens. The glasses project light patterns onto the lens. Through the photoacoustic effect, the lens material converts this light into highly localized ultrasound waves. These waves directly stimulate the retinal neurons to recreate visual perception.
5. Is the device permanent?
No and Yes. Unlike competing solutions such as implants or gene therapies, the Axorus device is completely reversible. The lens is inserted and removed daily just like a standard contact lens, ensuring zero medical or technological lock-in for the patient. However, the patient needs to wear the contact lenses to see, like regular contact lenses.
Contact
Addresses
Headquarters: 70 Rue du Docteur Yersin Parc, 59120
Loos - France
Paris Office: Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris - France
Axorus SAS - RCS Lille Metropole 853 802 494