our team
Our team is comprised of experts in hematology, ophthalmology, biomedical/ biomaterial engineering, quality/ regulatory affairs, project management, drug design, pre-clinical trials, and device development. We like dogs, hiking, swimming, sailing, making sushi, espresso, baking, and reading. And eyes, blood and science, of course!
Get to know us below!
core team
Tracey Kirkman
Marketing Consultant
Lindsay Peters, MPH
Chief of Staff and
Director of Program Management
Meltem Corbacioglu Pala
Senior Scientist
scientific advisors
- Laurence Corash, MD – Dr. Corash is a well-known hematologist with an extensive background in clinical research. He has authored nearly 200 research papers and pioneered the development of pathogen inactivation technologies for blood components.
- Michael Goldstein, MD – Dr. Goldstein is a highly experienced ophthalmologist, entrepreneur, chief medical officer and clinical trial design strategist. He has served as CMO of four companies. His most recent major accomplishment was ushering Aurion Biotech through their 2025 acquisition by Alcon as the company’s President and CMO.
- Richard (Dick) Lindstrom, MD – Dr. Lindstrom is the founder of Minnesota Eye Consultants and Adjunct Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology. He is an internationally recognized leader in corneal care. Highly involved in ophthalmology venture capital
- William Trattler, MD – Dr. Trattler is a refractive, corneal and cataract eye surgeon at the Center For Excellence In Eye Care. He has extensive experience in clinical trial design and has been previously named as one of the “Top 100 most influential people in the world of ophthalmology by “The Ophthalmologist”.
- Sean Ianchulev, MD, MPH – Dr. Ianchulev is known as one of the most prolific ophthalmic inventors and entrepreneurs today, with many FDA-approved medical products on the market. He is currently a Professor of Ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear of Mount Sinai, where he also directs the program for technology and innovation.
- Robert Rothman, MD – Dr. Rothman is a glaucoma and laser cataract surgeon and is currently a clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
- Eric Donnefeld, MD – Dr. Donnenfeld is an expert and pioneer in refractive, cornea, and cataract surgery and one of the leading refractive and cataract surgeons in the United States. Highly respected and well-regarded as an SME in the venture capital space.
- Ehsan Sadri, MD – Dr. Sadri is the CEO and Founder of Visionary Eye Institute. Co-founder of visionary ventures. Strong focus on ophthalmology venture capital, well-versed in regenerative medicine.
- Nora Lee Cothran, OD – Dr. Cothran is an optometric physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and neurological eye disease. In addition to clinical care, Dr. Cothran is actively involved in FDA Clinical Trials and provides continuing medical education to her peers and colleagues.
- Heather Sheardown, PhD – Dr. Sheardown is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, and the International Union of Societies of Biomaterials and Engineering. She has an international reputation for her research on ophthalmic biomaterials, including her innovative work on the development of new materials for artificial cornea and ophthalmic drug delivery.
business and legal advisors
Richard Gervase
Intellectual Property Attorney
Mintz
bios
learn more about:
our mission
We endeavor to bring relief to millions, transcending barriers of traditional therapies and paving the way for a future with safer, more effective treatments.
Our actions are driven by three core principles: Prioritizing patients, fostering a positive work environment, and embodying our values.
our products
Our therapeutic formulation is suitable for a variety of products, including liquid eye drops, gels, ointments, contact lenses, contoured bandages, and wound dressings. Initially, ECI is pursuing ophthalmic indications for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) and dry eye disease (DED).
ECI’s pipeline includes indications for ophthalmic burns, epithelial defects, endothelial diseases, limb stem cell deficiency, ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), corneal abrasions, and chronic wounds.
careers
We are committed to an inclusive work environment. Together we can help communities see clearly and lead healthier lives.
Consider joining our team!