Dr. Zacks, CSO and co-founder of ONL Therapeutics, is a clinician-scientist and the Edna H. Perkiss Research Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center. For over 20 years his research has focused on the molecular regulatory mechanisms controlling photoreceptor death or survival in retinal disease. Dr. Zacks is a pioneer and recognized thought leader in the field of retinal neuroprotection and photoreceptor cell physiology. He has demonstrated that the Fas pathway is largely responsible for cell death and has discovered unique molecules that block the Fas receptor and preserve retinal cell structure and function.

A recognized expert in the study of retinal disease, Dr. Zacks has received numerous honors for his work, including the Macula Society’s W. Richard Green Lecture and Award in 2011 and the 2024 Kreissig Award for Excellence in Retinal Surgery from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency in ophthalmology and fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary of Harvard Medical School.