The UPMC Vision Institute brings together experts from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology. We strive to deliver cutting-edge care, develop new and better treatments, and improve the quality of life for people with visual impairments.
“Our goal is to prevent vision loss and restore sight,” says José-Alain Sahel, MD, director, UPMC Vision Institute, and chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Dr. Sahel leads a team of more than 70 ophthalmologists at UPMC Vision Institute. His team also includes optometrists, residents, nurses, and other health care professionals who are specially trained in eye care. The team cares for the most common and most complex conditions.
Services at the UPMC Vision Institute
The UPMC Vision Institute offers high-quality care, whether patients need a routine eye exam or ongoing treatment for advanced vision conditions.
Most people receive optometry care — like annual eye exams and contact lens or eyeglass services — as part of their ongoing health care needs. The Vision Institute’s optometry service delivers this routine care for both pediatric and adult patients. We also can help patients manage a range of vision conditions like low vision, dry eye, and glaucoma.
Comprehensive ophthalmology services, also known as general ophthalmology services, include the medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions like:
- Cataracts.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Macular degeneration.
- Pediatric and adult strabismus.
- And others.
When more highly specialized treatment is needed, the Vision Institute provides subspecialty care. This includes care for the cornea, retina, optic nerve, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and orbital disorders. We offer the latest treatments and innovative clinical trials, some of which are only available here in Pittsburgh.
Urgent eye care services are also available at the Vision Institute’s new headquarters at UPMC Mercy Pavilion. Specially trained first responders can deliver care for:
- New flashes or floaters.
- Red or painful eyes.
- Scratched corneas.
- Sudden vision loss
- And other acute conditions.
The urgent eye services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Urgent eye care is available at the UPMC Mercy Emergency Department at all other times.
The UPMC Vision Institute’s New Facility: UPMC Mercy Pavilion
The UPMC Vision Institute delivers care at 13 locations in the Pittsburgh area. We opened our new headquarters at the UPMC Mercy Pavilion in Uptown on May 1. Designed to maximize the patient experience, the pavilion features:
- 83 eye exam rooms.
- 8 ophthalmology operating rooms.
- A concierge service to help with patient navigation.
- A dedicated suite for refractive surgery.
- A full-service optical shop, on-site pharmacy, and an outpatient testing suite offering EKG, bloodwork, and history and physical services for patients preparing for surgery.
- A life skills apartment and rooftop sensory garden for occupational therapy.
- A street simulation lab. This allows doctors to assess a patient’s vision in real-world scenarios to guide treatment planning and determine whether treatment is effective.
- High-contrast, accessible wayfinding elements.
- Unique commissioned artwork.
To learn more, visit UPMC.com/VisionInstitute.