The Vision Institute at Mercy Pavilion is home to state-of-the-art eye clinics on four floors that comprise comprehensive, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, glaucoma, cornea, low vision, refractive surgery, retina, as well as an ophthalmology operating suite and urgent clinic.
The clinic pods are designed with a “patient owns the room model”, so that the patient can safely leave personal items in their room as they are taken for testing or minor procedures. The pods have designated procedure rooms in close proximity to the examination rooms for patient convenience and clinic efficiency.
The specialty clinics include:
- Several large minor procedure rooms on the first three floors
- A low vision suite that houses a fully functional apartment to allow patients to be educated on independent living in a realistic setting
- A refractive surgery suite including two intralase machines
- A dry eye clinic with the latest equipment for treatment of this common yet impactful condition
- A retinal dystrophy clinic with in-house genetic counselors
- The Campbell Laboratory, unique in the country as a processing center for analysis of all ophthalmic specimens
- A venipuncture lab for preparation of serum tears
- A compounding pharmacy across the connected walkway in Mercy Hospital
The operating suite includes:
- 8 operating rooms with ceiling-mounted microscopes
- Multiple machine platforms from different suppliers for cataract, corneal, glaucoma, and retinal surgery
- In-suite satellite pharmacy
The Urgent Eye Care Clinic opened in October of 2023, and is unique in the ophthalmology community nationwide with a separate street entrance, examination suite, and waiting room. The clinic is overseen by general ophthalmologists with subspecialty care available upstairs, and is supported by a team of optometrists, residents, and physician assistants.
Jerome I. Finkelstein, MD, FACS
Vice Chair, Clinical Operations
Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Chief of Ophthalmology, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Mercy, and UPMC Presbyterian
Physician Lead, Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
