ABOUT US
- HISTORY
History of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, literally "the science of the eyes", is a term that describes the study of the function and diseases of the eye and its related parts and the medical specialty that deals with pathology, anatomy and treatment of the eye.
Until the technological revolution of the 1930s, ophthalmic research consisted mainly of clinical observation and pathology. During these years it became apparent that to secure advancement in ophthalmology would depend upon a radical strategy: a drive to incorporate biochemistry, virology, immunology, bacteriology, biophysics and the related sciences; a bid to buy increasingly elaborate equipment and a recruitment initiative to develop a broad base of scientists that are the hallmark of modern research.
After World War II, a move to combine hospitals and streamline services enabled the establishment of the Institute of Ophthalmology with close links to the current Moorfields Eye Hospital. Officially opened in November 1948, the Institute was the outcome of a desire to provide a training facility that specialised in fundamental research
During the 1980's and 1990's the Institute moved in a phased manner from its original location in Judd Street to its present site in Bath Street adjacent to Moorfields Eye Hospital. The facilities and development potential of our current space provide us with the ability to integrate national and international programmes to confront the major challenges in eye disease. Our mission to derive the foremost clinical advancements from the most comprehensive base of research continues to thrive.
To more closely view the positive impact the Institute of Ophthalmology continues to have in the treatment of patients worldwide, we invite you to view the Our Achievements section of this site.
Should you wish to contribute to our ongoing mission we gratefully thank you in advance for visiting the Donations page.
History of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, literally "the science of the eyes", is a term that describes the study of the function and diseases of the eye and its related parts and the medical specialty that deals with pathology, anatomy and treatment of the eye.
Until the technological revolution of the 1930s, ophthalmic research consisted mainly of clinical observation and pathology. During these years it became apparent that to secure advancement in ophthalmology would depend upon a radical strategy: a drive to incorporate biochemistry, virology, immunology, bacteriology, biophysics and the related sciences; a bid to buy increasingly elaborate equipment and a recruitment initiative to develop a broad base of scientists that are the hallmark of modern research.
After World War II, a move to combine hospitals and streamline services enabled the establishment of the Institute of Ophthalmology with close links to the current Moorfields Eye Hospital. Officially opened in November 1948, the Institute was the outcome of a desire to provide a training facility that specialised in fundamental research
During the 1980's and 1990's the Institute moved in a phased manner from its original location in Judd Street to its present site in Bath Street adjacent to Moorfields Eye Hospital. The facilities and development potential of our current space provide us with the ability to integrate national and international programmes to confront the major challenges in eye disease. Our mission to derive the foremost clinical advancements from the most comprehensive base of research continues to thrive.
To more closely view the positive impact the Institute of Ophthalmology continues to have in the treatment of patients worldwide, we invite you to view the Our Achievements section of this site.
Should you wish to contribute to our ongoing mission we gratefully thank you in advance for visiting the Donations page.