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History and founding year
The history of university medicine in Tübingen dates back to 1805, when Professor Johann Heinrich Ferdinand Autenrieth opened the first university hospital in the historic Alte Burse building. Originally equipped with fifteen beds in twelve rooms, this foundation marked the separation of surgical and obstetrical care from general internal medicine. Over the nineteenth century, as specialized disciplines emerged, dedicated facilities were constructed to accommodate growing patient numbers and scientific advances. The dedicated building for the eye hospital was built in 1909, establishing an independent home for academic ophthalmology. This milestone allowed specialized surgical procedures, clinical diagnostic methods, and eye research to develop rapidly in dedicated laboratories and operating suites.
Throughout the twentieth century, the medical complex expanded significantly across Tübingen, eventually establishing modern clinical quarters on the Schnarrenberg hill. Today, the university hospital system operates over sixteen hundred beds across its combined facilities, integrating decades of clinical tradition with modern infrastructure. Ophthalmic medicine in Tübingen has continually evolved alongside advances in microsurgery, laser technology, and molecular diagnostics. For international visitors seeking specialized Medical Treatment in Germany, understanding this historical evolution offers perspective on how academic research and patient care have developed together. The hospital continues to maintain its academic heritage while operating modern treatment facilities for complex ocular conditions.
Departments and specialisations
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Abteilung für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin)
- Medical Clinic II – Haematology (Medizinische Klinik Innere Medizin II Hämatologie)
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (Institut für Arbeitsmedizin)
- Centre for Neurology (Zentrum für Neurologie)
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie)
- Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen)
- Clinic for Urology (Klinik für Urologie)
- Centre for Personalised Medicine (Zentrum für Personalisierte Medizin)
- Centre for Neurovascular Diseases (Zentrum für Neurovaskuläre Erkrankungen)
- Institute of Medical Genetics (Institut für Medizinische Genetik)
The specialized work at the Tuebingen University Eye Hospital focuses on retinal surgery and therapy (Netzhaut), complex management of glaucoma (Glaukom), and gene therapy applications (Gentherapie) for inherited visual disorders. When undergoing Eye treatment in Germany, patients undergo detailed examinations to map structural changes in the retina, optic nerve, and anterior eye segment. Close collaboration with the Institute of Medical Genetics enables precise molecular diagnostics for hereditary dystrophies, laying the groundwork for target-oriented therapeutic protocols. This integration of genetic diagnostics and clinical ophthalmology provides patients with access to verified therapeutic strategies for rare and severe vision-threatening conditions.
Many ophthalmic patients present with systemic health conditions, requiring input from complementary medical fields. Because the eye hospital operates within a full-scale university medical center, interdisciplinary consultations are available whenever needed. Before surgical intervention or complex treatments, patients may undergo thorough medical evaluations organized through Diagnostics in Germany. Departments such as intensive care, haematology, neurology, and personalized medicine work together during clinical conferences to assess perioperative risks and tailor surgical protocols. This comprehensive institutional setup ensures patient safety during complex vitreoretinal operations, corneal procedures, and surgical interventions conducted under general or local anaesthesia.
Doctors of the clinic
The medical and scientific leadership of the eye hospital is headed by internationally recognized specialists in academic ophthalmology. The Medical Director and Head of the Tuebingen University Eye Hospital is Prof. Dr. med. Karl Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt. Under his direction, the clinic has developed advanced microsurgical techniques for retinal and vitreous surgery, alongside clinical research into innovative treatment methods for complex ocular diseases. The medical team works according to standardized clinical protocols, ensuring that patient care combines rigorous academic standards with meticulous surgical execution. International patients receive direct evaluations from experienced senior consultants who oversee every stage of treatment planning.
Where the clinic is located
The clinic is located in Tübingen, a traditional university city situated in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. Known for its quiet academic setting and well-organized municipal infrastructure, Tübingen provides a supportive environment for recovery following specialized eye surgery. The university hospital facilities are arranged across two main areas: the historic valley site (Kliniken Tal) and the modern medical campus on the Schnarrenberg hill (Kliniken Berg). The eye hospital is situated on the Schnarrenberg campus, where modern diagnostic units, specialized outpatient clinics, and surgical suites are grouped together.
Traveling to Tübingen is convenient for international patients arriving by air or train. The nearest major international airport is located in Stuttgart, approximately thirty to forty minutes away by road or regional rail connections. Patients do not need to navigate the hospital grounds or search for specific building addresses independently prior to arrival. Complete travel instructions, maps of the Schnarrenberg campus, and recommended transit options are sent directly to the patient within their official hospital invitation letter. When requested, private airport transfers can be organized to transport patients directly from the terminal to the hospital reception desk.
Meals, rooms and leisure
Inpatient accommodations at the Tuebingen University Eye Hospital are designed to ensure comfort, privacy, and physical safety during post-operative recovery. Through elective hospital services (Wahlleistung), patients can choose accommodation in single or double rooms. These rooms feature adjustable medical beds, private sanitary facilities, wireless internet access, television, and direct nurse call systems. Daily meals are arranged with careful attention to dietary requirements and medical recommendations. Patients can select from various daily menu options, including vegetarian choices and specific therapeutic diets prescribed by the attending physician during their stay.
The hospital campus includes green park spaces designed to offer a peaceful environment for walking and relaxation during recovery. Family members and accompanying relatives (Angehörige) are welcome, with visiting hours structured flexibly to allow personal support throughout the hospital stay. Cafeterias located within the clinical complex offer hot drinks, light snacks, fresh pastries, and everyday items for patients and visitors. Further details regarding accommodation standards, supplementary service fees, and financial transparency can be found in our overview of the Cost of Treatment and Payment in Germany.
How to arrange treatment
Organizing medical care at the Tuebingen University Eye Hospital begins with a review of existing medical records, diagnostic reports, and recent ocular imaging scans. Submitting high-resolution optical coherence tomography scans, visual field tests, and clinical summaries enables the medical team to evaluate the condition accurately. A well-planned procedure for Arranging medical treatment in Germany ensures that all preliminary diagnostic details are reviewed prior to travel. Following evaluation of the medical documentation, the hospital issues a formal cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag) detailing the planned diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
All medical payments are transferred directly to the university hospital’s official account without intermediary fees or hidden surcharges. Once payment or deposit confirmation is completed, the clinic issues an official medical invitation required for visa processing. The team at AlenMed assists patients with consulate documentation, facilitating an expedited Medical visa for Germany: application support. Throughout the medical stay, a professional Medical interpreters and personal support in Germany service from AlenMed accompanies the patient, ensuring clear communication during consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical discussions.
Submit medical documents
If you or a family member require specialized eye care or a second opinion from an academic ophthalmic center in Germany, you can send your medical reports and eye scans for initial review. University specialists will evaluate your documents, clarify diagnostic options, and outline potential treatment pathways along with an official cost breakdown. To request a free preliminary document review and receive detailed guidance on planning your trip, please complete the treatment enquiry form on the AlenMed website.