RetMap

RetMap, Inc. is a private ophthalmic medical device company based in Chicago, Illinois, that designs and develops electroretinography (ERG) products for human and veterinary eye care. The company describes itself as a visual electro-diagnostics business staffed by engineers, scientists and clinicians, with a mission centered on screening, diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative eye conditions.

Its lead commercial product is the RM Electrode, described by the company as an FDA-cleared, single-use disposable contact lens-type ERG electrode and as the first soft disposable contact lens sensor for electroretinography. Design features cited by the company include an integral speculum to hold the eyelids open for consistent pupil exposure, a double base curve for positional stability, and a recessed electrode intended to reduce motion artifact. The company positions ERG as the only direct and objective measure of retinal function and health, and frames its product goal as improving ERG test sensitivity so that progressive, irreversible blinding diseases can be detected before permanent vision loss occurs.

Beyond the RM Electrode, RetMap describes a product pipeline addressing clinical barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease and injury. A pipeline technology named the Contact Lens Electrode Array (CLEAr Lens) originated in the Neural Engineering and Vision Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago, directed by RetMap co-founder and CTO John Hetling; Chief Medical Officer Safa Rahmani is credited with foundational contributions to the CLEAr Lens and its potential diagnostic role in retinal gene therapy.

Founding story

RetMap was founded in November 2009 and incorporated as a C-corp. Tamas Ban, who holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a PhD in bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago, co-founded the company to commercialize retinal diagnostics and now serves on its board after previously serving as CEO. Much of the company's underlying technology was invented in the Neural Engineering and Vision Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago, led by co-founder John Hetling; initial discoveries leading to the CLEAr Lens were made by Safa Rahmani during her master's work at UIC. Board member John Major, former Motorola CTO and former chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless, is described as the earliest supporter of the company.

Business model

RetMap develops and commercializes ophthalmic medical devices, selling its single-use disposable RM Electrode ERG sensor directly through its website, including a canine version for veterinary use.

Sales of single-use disposable ERG electrodes, offered for purchase through the company's website in human and canine versions.

Traction

The RM Electrode has FDA clearance and is available for purchase; the company reported 7 employees and a "Full Product Ready" stage.

Latest developments

David Vigil joined as Chief Executive Officer and board member in January 2021, with co-founder John Hetling serving as Chief Technology Officer, Safa Rahmani as Chief Medical Officer, Michael Aceti as consulting Chief Financial Officer, and Nancy Sullivan of Illinois Ventures acting as board observer.