Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB)

At the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), basic researchers and clinicians work hand in hand to advance the understanding of vision, its diseases and to develop new therapies for vision loss. IOB started operations in 2018.

The institute is constituted as a foundation, granting academic freedom to its scientists.

IOB is guided by the Board of Trustees (general rules and strategy), the Scientific Advisory Board (scientific advice and strategy) and the Executive Board (leadership and operations). The Executive Board consists of three co-directors who share the responsibility of guiding the new organization.

Why IOB?

Globally, the prevalence of eye diseases is constantly rising. For most of them, there is no effective therapy available.

In aging societies, disorders such as macular degeneration or glaucoma constitute a leading cause of disability and loss of independent lifestyle.

Worldwide and especially in Asia, myopia – or short-sightedness – is on a steep incline with up to 90% of teenagers being affected in some regions.

At the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), basic researchers and clinicians work hand in hand to tackle these challenges, by advancing the understanding of eye diseases and to develop new therapies for vision loss.