Jules Gonin Eye Hospital Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland

Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin is a specialized eye hospital established in 1843 and affiliated with the Fondation Asile des aveugles. The hospital is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and support of individuals with vision impairments across all age groups, from children to the elderly. Its clinical and surgical ophthalmology services encompass a wide range of subspecialties, including vitreoretinal surgery, medical retina, strabology, pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma detection, immuno-infectiology, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular genetics, and ocular oncology.

The hospital operates an ophthalmic center in Rennaz, known as Hôpital Riviera Chablais, which has been providing advanced ocular imaging, rehabilitation, and screening services since 2020. This center is equipped with wide-angle fundus photography, swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), and retinal angiography systems. Specialized ocular imaging services are available every Thursday, supporting regional healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases. Additionally, the hospital conducts monthly consultations at the Hôpital de la Vallée in Le Sentier and offers mobile geriatric ophthalmology services for elderly patients residing in nursing homes throughout the canton of Vaud.

Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin offers a comprehensive range of ophthalmology specialties. These include laser refractive surgery, itinerant ophthalmogeriatrics, general and pediatric ophthalmology, and the management of retinal diseases through both surgical and medical approaches. The hospital is also recognized for its expertise in strabology, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, immuno-infectiology, oculogenetics, and ocular oncology for both adults and children. Psychological support services are available in association with these specialties.

The hospital maintains a 24-hour ophthalmological emergency department, supported by advanced imaging technologies and artificial intelligence tools for retinal disease screening. It provides a broad spectrum of consultations and hospitalizations, as well as itinerant ophthalmogeriatric consultations for elderly residents in nursing homes. Regular ophthalmological consultations are also offered in local facilities, including screening for diabetic eye diseases, low vision rehabilitation, and specific examinations such as driving license assessments.

Research and innovation are integral to the hospital’s activities, with ongoing projects focused on retinal degeneration and the development of new surgical techniques. The hospital supports regional healthcare providers by offering specialized imaging services to ophthalmologists, neurologists, and other physicians. It also maintains various research centers and outreach programs, facilitating patient engagement through multiple communication platforms.

The medical team at Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin is multidisciplinary and organized by subspecialties. Prof. Thomas J. Wolfensberger serves as chief of vitreoretinal surgery and medical director, while Prof. Aki Kawasaki leads the neuro-ophthalmology unit. Pierre-François Kaeser is responsible for strabology and pediatric ophthalmology. The team includes professors, associate professors, hospital practitioners, consultants, fellows, and clinical chiefs, each leading or supporting specialized units. Additional staff cover anesthesiology, oculoplastic surgery, and diabetology, with Nicolas Milliet as chief anesthesiologist, Stéphanie Lemaître as oculoplastic surgeon, and Lazaros Konstantinidis leading the ophthalmic diabetology consultation.

The Fondation Asile des aveugles, associated with the hospital, features a living lab apartment designed to demonstrate adaptations for low vision. This facility focuses on lighting, sensory complementarity, organization, safety, and contrast, with occupational therapists available to assist patients in making environmental adjustments to support visual impairments.

For residents in EMS facilities, consultations are conducted on Wednesdays, with provisions for up to eight patients per day. EMS facilities are required to provide a dedicated room that meets specific requirements, including appropriate lighting, furniture, and accessibility for both patients and staff.

Hôpital ophtalmique Jules-Gonin integrates clinical care with research and teaching activities, supporting a wide range of ophthalmologic services. Its infrastructure and specialized staff enable the hospital to address complex ocular pathologies and provide comprehensive care for patients with diverse vision needs.