*Prof. [Jan Antolik](/people/jan-antolik)’s path into computational neuroscience began in artificial intelligence, at a time when the field was far from its current prominence. What started as a detour to better understand neural networks became a long-term commitment to studying the brain itself. Today, his work sits at the intersection of biologically grounded modeling and neurotechnology, with a particular focus on how cortical circuits give rise to perception and how they might be engaged to restore vision.*

*In this interview, he reflects on the ideas that shaped his approach, the challenges of linking stimulation to perception, and the broader vision behind large-scale collaborative efforts like REVICAN.*

Collage for the Pathways series featuring Jan Antolik. On the left is a portrait of Antolik. The top right shows a diagram of a computational model linking training on visual stimuli to stimulation protocols and predicted neuron responses. The bottom right shows a Prague cityscape with the CSNG logo. The Pathways logo appears at bottom left.

Prof. Jan Antolik on Building Models That Take Biology Seriously

*In a new [Advanced Functional Materials](https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202512621) paper, [Prof. Yossi Mandel](/people/yossi-mandel) and colleagues unveiled a hybrid retinal prosthesis that fuses living neurons with a high-density electrode array. By nestling human stem-cell-derived photoreceptor precursors into microscopic wells atop each electrode, the device mimics natural retinal circuits while slashing the energy needed to activate them. Implanted in blind rats, it supported cell survival, growth toward host neurons, and early signs of synaptic integration. It’s a bold step toward restoring high-resolution sight to people with degenerative blindness.*

*We spoke with Mandel about the motivations behind this hybrid approach, what it could mean for visual acuity, and the challenges that lie ahead on the road to the clinic.*

A portrait of Prof. Yossi Mandel appears on the left above the words “Data Drop.” To the right is a colorful scientific diagram showing a hybrid retina implant. Green stem cells are shown transforming into neurons that are placed on top of a grid of tiny electrodes. This “living” electronic layer is implanted behind the retina, where it connects to the eye’s remaining cells—rods, cones, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells—creating a bridge between electronics and biology to restore vision.

Prof. Yossi Mandel on Merging Electrodes and Neurons for High-Acuity Vision Restoration

*Prof. [Lauren Ayton](/people/lauren-ayton) has built a remarkably multifaceted career in vision science: from her early days as an optometrist to leading the clinical team at [Bionic Vision Australia](/consortia/bionic-vision-australia), guiding trials at [Bionic Eye Technologies](/companies/bionic-eye-tech) in the US, and now driving innovation as Associate Dean at the [University of Melbourne](/institutions/uni-melbourne) and Deputy Director of the [Centre for Eye Research Australia](/institutions/cera). She has also played a key role in shaping the bionic-vision.org community, co-developing (with [Daniel Rathbun](/people/daniel-rathbun) and [Joe Rizzo](/people/joseph-rizzo)) early versions of the world map of bionic vision research groups that now lives on our site.*

*Blending clinical insight with entrepreneurial drive, she has become a leading voice in shaping the future of vision restoration, from visual prostheses to emerging gene therapies. In this interview, she reflects on the winding path that brought her here and on where the field must go next.*

A collage highlighting Prof. Lauren Ayton’s career. On the left is a professional headshot of her smiling outdoors, with the “Pathways” series logo beneath it. On the right, top left shows her receiving the 2019 Victorian Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year award. Top right shows her wearing a bionic eye simulator device during development of the Low Vision Assessment of Daily Living (LoVADA) protocol funded by Retina Australia in 2014. Bottom right shows her with colleagues from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences/ Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and Cerulea Clinical Trials inherited retinal disease research team, during a Christmas party / baby shower.

Prof. Lauren Ayton’s Journey from the Clinic to the Future of Sight Restoration

*In a recent [Science](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu2987) paper, [Dr. Jiayi Zhang](/people/jiayi-zhang) and colleagues unveiled a subretinal prosthesis built from tellurium nanowire networks (TeNWNs): a material engineered to convert both visible and near-infrared light into neural signals, no external power required. It’s a bold leap toward restoring light sensitivity in degenerative blindness, and maybe even extending the human visual spectrum.*

*We spoke with Zhang about the motivations behind the device, the trade-offs that come with tuning exotic materials for biology, and how two animal models are shaping the path to human translation.*

Collage featuring Jiayi Zhang and a visual summary of her research. On the left is a professional headshot of Jiayi Zhang wearing glasses and a dark blazer, with the words "DATA DROP" and a downward-pointing data icon below. On the right, a scientific illustration shows how tellurium-based nanomaterials implanted under the retina can absorb visible and infrared light to stimulate remaining retinal cells and the brain’s visual cortex. Inset diagrams depict nanowire networks (easy to implant), their broadband light absorption properties, and how asymmetry in their structure produces strong photocurrents without an external power source.

Dr. Jiayi Zhang on Tellurium Nanowires and Broad-Spectrum Retinal Prostheses

ReVision Implant

*[Frederik Ceyssens](/people/frederik-ceyssens) is Co-Founder and CEO of [ReVision Implant](/companies/re-vision-implant), the company behind [Occular](/implants/occular): a next-generation cortical prosthesis designed to restore both central and peripheral vision through ultra-flexible, high-density electrode arrays. Built on years of microfabrication and neurosurgical innovation, Occular aims to deliver grayscale vision at over 1000 pixels of resolution, directly to the brain.*

*As many legacy approaches to visual prosthetics have stalled, ReVision is betting on deep brain access, advanced stimulation strategies, and a scalable insertion system that reaches well beyond the cortical surface. We spoke with Ceyssens about what sets Occular apart, why performance may beat out invasiveness, and what it will take to get this ambitious system into human trials.*


Collage of the ReVision logo, implant, and researchers standing in the clean room.

Frederik Ceyssens on Scaling Cortical Implants with ReVision

Pixium Vision

*[Dr. Brian Burg](/people/brian-burg), former Director of R&D at [Pixium Vision](/companies/pixium-vision), reflects on the tumultuous yet inspiring journey from the company’s initial bankruptcy to a promising revival. Detailing the rollercoaster of potential acquisitions and judicial setbacks, Dr. Burg shares insights into the company’s rebirth under the new stewardship of [Science](/companies/science), promising a second chance for its [PRIMA](/devices/prima) subretinal implant.*

Collage of Dr. Burg's headshot with the logos of Pixium Vision and Science Corporation

Dr. Brian Burg on the Fall (and Revival) of Pixium Vision

*[Prof. Gregg Suaning](/people/gregg-suaning), at the forefront of bionic vision innovation, shares his journey with [Bionic Vision Australia](/consortia/bionic-vision-australia), from humble beginnings with makeshift components to pioneering the development of cutting-edge vision prostheses. Reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and the collaborative spirit that propelled the project forward, Prof. Suaning highlights the critical role of technological and academic synergy in advancing the field.*

*In 2012, Prof. Suaning was honored with the Bartimaeus Award by The Eye & The Chip for his prolonged and substantial contributions to the field of bionic vision.*

The image is a collage of four different pictures related to bionics and advanced technology. In the top left, Prof. Gregg Suaning is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a blue button-up shirt and is standing against a white background. The top-right picture shows a close-up of a human eye, with an overlaid illustration of the Phoenix99 bionic eye implant. The bottom-left image displays Phoenix99's circuit board with several electronic components and a small blue dome-like object attached to it via a flexible cable. Finally, the bottom right picture is of a woman sitting in front of a presentation screen that has the words "sydneyBIONICS" along the silhouette of the Sydney Opera House. Inside the silhouette, there are stylized representations of neurons, which are connecting at various points, symbolizing the intersection of technology and neural networks.

Prof. Gregg Suaning and the Rise of Bionic Vision Australia

*[Dr. Xing Chen](/people/xing-chen), a rising star in bionic vision, shares her insights gained from esteemed roles at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and the University of Pittsburgh. She delves into the intricacies of brain-machine interfaces, ethical considerations in neuroscientific advancements, and the importance of collaborative research, offering a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of bionic vision.*

Dr. Xing Chen standing in front of her neuroscience equipment at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

Prof. Xing Chen's Path through Neuroscience and Neuroethics

*With lived experience and a career spent reshaping how we understand visual impairment, [Dr. Gordon Legge](https://legge.psych.umn.edu) offers a rare perspective at the crossroads of science and accessibility. From MIT to the University of Minnesota, Legge has helped define the field of low vision research: its methods, its assumptions, and its real-world impact. In this interview, he reflects on the evolution of vision science, the promises and pitfalls of bionic eye technology, and what it takes for blind and low vision individuals to thrive in research careers.*

Presentation of the Prentice Medal to Gordon from AAO President Bernard Dolan, October 25th, 2013. 

Prof. Gordon Legge on the Intersection of Low Vision and Neurotech

*Drawing from his vast experience in ophthalmology and as a cornerstone of the [Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology](https://www.henryford.com/services/eye/dio), [Dr. Philip Hessburg](/people/philip-hessburg) discusses his pioneering work, the ever-evolving landscape of bionic vision, and the challenges and aspirations for the future.*

Dive into this candid conversation as Dr. Hessburg retraces his journey and shares valuable insights on a subject close to his heart.

Left: Logo of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. Right: Dr. Hessburg standing alongside Dr. Theresa Cooney, holding the plaquette for the 2019 Visionary Award in hand.

Dr. Philip Hessburg’s Lifelong Quest to Restore Sight

*We sat down with [Dr. Daniel L. Rathbun](/people/daniel-rathbun), Associate Professor and Director of the [Bionics and Vision Lab](/research-groups/bionics-and-vision-lab) at [Henry Ford Health Systems](/institutions/henry-ford-health-sys), to trace his journey from vision research in Tübingen to the surgical suites of Detroit. In this Pathways spotlight, Rathbun reflects on working alongside [Dr. Eberhart Zrenner](/people/eberhart-zrenner), organizing the [2023 The Eye & The Chip](/events/eye-chip-2023) conference, and navigating the clinical, ethical, and engineering frontiers of sight restoration through bionic technologies.*

Dr. Daniel Rathbun on Turning Sci-Fi into Sight - a Path to Clinical Impact

Sensor-Tech

*We caught up with [Dr. Denis Kuleshov](/people/denis-kuleshov), Director of [Sensor-Tech](/companies/sensor-tech), the Russian neurotech company behind [ELVIS](/implants/elvis) (short for “electronic vision”): a striking cortical prosthesis that looks like it belongs in Cyberpunk 2077 but is built for real-world impact. Designed to restore vision by bypassing the retina and optic nerve entirely, ELVIS is among the first devices to integrate artificial intelligence directly into the visual processing pipeline. In this interview, Kuleshov shares the philosophy behind the project, what sets it apart, and what’s next on the road to human trials.*

Dr. Kuleshov at an exhibition holding the headband of the ELVIS implant in his hand.

Research Spotlights

Pathways: Prof. Jan Antolik on Building Models That Take Biology Seriously

March 29, 2026 8:22 AM

11 min read

How researchers found their path, and where they're headed next.

Data Drop: Prof. Yossi Mandel on Merging Electrodes and Neurons for High-Acuity Vision Restoration

October 28, 2025 8:17 AM

5 min read

One paper. One researcher. What it means and why it matters.

Pathways: Prof. Lauren Ayton’s Journey from the Clinic to the Future of Sight Restoration

September 25, 2025 8:20 AM

9 min read

How researchers found their path, and where they're headed next.

Data Drop: Dr. Jiayi Zhang on Tellurium Nanowires and Broad-Spectrum Retinal Prostheses

July 17, 2025 8:16 AM

6 min read

One paper. One researcher. What it means and why it matters.

Next on the Horizon: Frederik Ceyssens on Scaling Cortical Implants with ReVision

June 12, 2025 8:26 AM

12 min read

Ambitious ideas, bold tech, and the road to clinical impact.

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All images used with permission. Introduction graphic: © Getty. Background graphic: © Tracy Spohn/Shutterstock.