On April 20, 2023 The UPMC Vision Institute opened as a part of the new UPMC Mercy Pavilion next to UPMC Mercy. The nine-story tower now serves patients who have diseases of the eye or vision impairment and those who need physical rehabilitation.
Highlights of the new nine-story tower include:
- 410,000 square feet of collaborative space for clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry partners;
- A state-of-the-art facility to deliver gene ad cell therapy for the eye;
- An innovative, fully mocked-up apartment where patients can relearn critical life skills;
- A 3-D street lab with simulated city streets, offices, and meeting rooms to help patients with low vision navigate their surroundings.
Other areas in the building include exam rooms, an optical shop, a pharmacy, therapy stations, and a UPMC Center for Rehab Services gym. Training ramps and stairs in a healing garden on the roof terrace offer patients a safe environment in which to prepare for real-life experiences.
