Ophthalmology

Our eye specialists conduct pioneering research and deliver the full spectrum of care, including routine exams, urgent care, advanced diagnostics, innovative therapies, and complex surgical treatments to protect and improve your vision.
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Penn Medicine ophthalmologist gives eye exam at Scheie Eye Institute

Comprehensive eye care for every need

At Penn Medicine, specialists in every area of ophthalmology work together to diagnose and treat even the most complex eye conditions. We handle everything from routine eye exams, fittings and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and common vision concerns to advanced precision treatments. Our services are backed by the latest research and delivered with compassion to help preserve your sight and quality of life.

Inherited retinal disease care
Discover cutting-edge gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases and restore vision.
Neuro-ophthalmology
We evaluate, diagnose, and treat neurological and systemic health conditions that affect the eyes.
Ocular oncology
We offer advanced care for cancers and tumors involving the eye and surrounding areas.
Oculoplastic and orbital surgery
We offer advanced reconstructive and cosmetic eye surgery to restore function, comfort, and appearance.
Retina and vitreous care
Our specialists use advanced therapies to treat eye conditions that affect the retina and vitreous.
Emergency eye care
We specialize in urgent eye care and emergency treatment backed by Level I Trauma Centers.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Find a clinical trial

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Schedule a second opinion

Same-day appointments for urgent eye care

We offer same-day appointments for urgent eye care, ensuring that patients receive timely and expert treatment for their immediate eye health needs. Our dedicated team is committed to providing rapid access to top-quality ophthalmologic care when it matters most. Appointments for urgent eye issues are available from noon to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at our emergency clinic in the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Jean Bennett and Al Maguire in the lab

Pioneering gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases

Experts at the Inherited Retinal Disease Program use gene therapy to effectively treat Leber congenital amaurosis, which can cause severe vision loss in childhood. Their research continues to expand the promise of gene therapy for other inherited eye diseases.

Eye conditions we treat

  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Cataracts
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Dry eye
  • Eye stroke
  • Glaucoma
  • Graves disease
  • Ocular (eye) cancer
  • Orbital tumors
  • Refractive errors
  • Uveitis

Specialized eye care for children

Our pediatric ophthalmology services address a range of eye conditions, including strabismus, amblyopia, and congenital disorders. Our approach focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to support healthy visual development. Pediatric eye care at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Ophthalmology is available at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The Scheie Eye Institute

The Scheie Eye Institute at Penn Medicine is widely recognized for its research leadership and exceptional clinical care. Our ophthalmology specialists use advanced techniques from gene and RNA therapy to molecular imaging to protect and restore sight for people with glaucoma, retinal disease, and other complex eye conditions.

The exterior of the Scheie Eye Institute in MOTION van

Mobile clinic drives efforts to prevent blindness

Protecting vision starts with early detection. Scheie Eye Institute In MOTION brings free screenings for the leading causes of blindness, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, directly to communities throughout Philadelphia.

Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

Related articles

Scheie Eye Institute in MOTION: Eye care, delivered on wheels

A brand-new all-electric Scheie Eye Institute van offering community-based screening for the four leading causes of blindness is now taking to the streets.

  • September 17, 2026

New disease causes night blindness, peripheral vision loss

A newly uncovered genetic variant can leave central vision relatively untouched but causes loss of peripheral and low-light vision.

  • September 11, 2026

Penn, CHOP team awarded Breakthrough Prize for blindness gene therapy

Jean Bennett, Albert Maguire, and Kathy High honored for trailblazing work on the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited condition.

  • April 18, 2026

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