UC Davis Health Tschannen Eye Institute: Leading Vision Innovation

Located in Sacramento, California, the Ern Ernest E Tschannen Eye Institute at UC Davis Health stands at the forefront of ophthalmology and eye disease research. As a key clinical and research hub, it combines cutting-edge technology with deep clinical expertise to advance eye care for patients across the region and beyond.

A Legacy of Visionary Care

Named after Ern E. Tschannen, a dedicated leader in biomedical research, the institute honors a legacy rooted in scientific rigor and patient-centered treatment. Founded on principles of excellence, its mission is to prevent, diagnose, and treat eye diseases through innovation, education, and community outreach. Over the past decade, the institute has expanded its research portfolio to include breakthroughs in retinal disorders, corneal health, and neuro-ophthalmology.

Key Areas of Expertise and Advancements

The Tschannen Eye Institute specializes in several high-impact areas:

• Retinal Diseases: Pioneering gene therapy trials for inherited retinal dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options.
  
• Corneal Transplantation: Developing advanced surgical techniques and bioengineered corneal substitutes to improve outcomes for patients with corneal scarring or damage.
  
• Ocular Immunology: Investigating autoimmune eye conditions like uveitis, integrating precision medicine to tailor immunotherapies with fewer side effects.
  
• Neuro-Ophthalmology: Studying connections between neurological health and vision, enhancing early detection of conditions such as optic neuritis and glaucoma-related vision loss.
  

Supporting the Future of Eye Health

With state-of-the-art imaging systems, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and adaptive optics, clinicians at the institute deliver highly accurate diagnostics. These tools enable early detection of diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy—two leading causes of preventable blindness. Collaborations with national research networks amplify the institute’s impact, ensuring patients benefit from the latest clinical trials and data-driven treatments.

Commitment to Community and Education

Beyond clinical care, the Tschannen Eye Institute actively engages in public health initiatives. It hosts annual vision health workshops, partners with local schools for eye screening programs, and trains the next generation of ophthalmologists and researchers. This holistic approach strengthens community resilience and promotes lifelong eye wellness.

What Sets UC Davis Health Apart

The institute’s success stems from interdisciplinary collaboration—combining eye doctors, geneticists, biomedical engineers, and data scientists. This synergy accelerates discovery while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and ethical research. Recent breakthroughs, including improved gene-editing protocols and minimally invasive surgical devices, underscore its role as a national leader in vision science.

Conclusion: Vision for Tomorrow

The Ern Ernest E Tschannen Eye Institute exemplifies how innovation, compassion, and research converge to transform eye care. Whether through groundbreaking therapies, community outreach, or advanced diagnostics, it remains committed to preserving and restoring vision. Patients and families seeking expert eye care now have access to world-class resources grounded in trust, transparency, and proven excellence. Take the first step toward clearer vision—visit UC Davis Health’s Tschannen Eye Institute today to explore personalized care options and cutting-edge treatment pathways.