IROC Science to Innovation AG
Founder and board chair
Ophthalmic innovation, applied R&D and clinical research.
MICHAEL MROCHEN, PhD
A scientist’s curiosity. An entrepreneur’s perspective.
My work connects optical science, clinical evidence and the practical decisions involved in building ophthalmic technologies.
The questions have changed.
The curiosity remains.
I have worked across laser vision correction, corneal cross-linking, diagnostics and tissue addition. The recurring question is how a scientific possibility becomes something patients benefit from and clinicians can use reliably.
My experience includes research with Theo Seiler and colleagues, scientific consultancy with WaveLight, and company building through IROC Innocross, ClearSight Innovations and Allotex. I currently serve as Allotex’s co-founder and CEO.
Through IROC Science, I bring that experience to discussions with investors, boards, ophthalmic technology teams and clinic leaders.
“However, it is the team that makes it happen.”
Michael Mrochen · The Ophthalmologist, 2022 ↗
Based in Zug, Switzerland. IROC Science focuses on professional innovation discussions; it does not provide patient consultations.
SELECTED LEADERSHIP AND BOARD EXPERIENCE
From ophthalmic invention to clinical adoption and commercial scale.
My work has spanned research, product development, clinical practice, company building and governance. These roles inform the questions I bring to an innovation or commercialization decision.
Building ophthalmic businesses
Company website ↗
IROC AG
Co-founder, board member and former CEO
Zurich ophthalmology and refractive surgery clinic.
Vivior AG
Co-founder and former board chair
Technology for measuring visual behaviour in everyday life.
New Wave Consulting GmbH
Shareholder and managing director
Heroldsberg, Germany · Research and consulting in refractive ophthalmology.
Clinical and industry governance
Pallas Kliniken AG
Board member
Swiss ophthalmology and medical clinic group.
SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions
Board and advisory experience
Laser systems for refractive eye surgery.
Medevise Consulting
Board member
Advisory services for ophthalmic medical technology.
Investment and advisory
INIVEST AG
Board chair
Swiss investment company.
ANREPA Asset Management AG
Former board member
Swiss asset management company.
Developing an ophthalmic technology or evaluating its path to market?
Discuss your next decision →SELECTED RECOGNITION
Recognition across science, service and innovation.
The Ophthalmologist · March 2023
Deep in Thought Processes
A useful starting point for teams deciding which clinical problem to solve and what evidence to develop.
Read at publisher ↗The Ophthalmologist · December 2014
Translational Research: Innovate Horizontally
Relevant to development teams assessing whether an existing technology can answer an unmet clinical need.
Read at publisher ↗CRST Europe · February 2016
From Workbench to Clinical Proof of Concept: Mirricon
Relevant to founders, R&D leaders and investors deciding which milestone should come next.
Read at publisher ↗BEYOND THE LABORATORY
Two wheels.
Two skis.
A different perspective.
Away from the laboratory and the boardroom, I enjoy riding my BMW R 1200 R and skiing. Both give me a good reason to step away from a screen, spend time outdoors and enjoy the view. There is a person behind the publications—and I do occasionally close the laptop.