Unilabs Switzerland Chosen by Leading Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) and the Basel Eye Hospital to Enhance Ophthalmological Diagnosis

Geneva, 11th of September 2023: Unilabs, a leading international provider of diagnostic services, has been selected by the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), a renowned translational research institution which develops new therapies in ophthalmology, and the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital Basel (USB) to advance genetic testing and diagnosis in the field of ophthalmology in Switzerland.

“We are honoured that such esteemed institutions namely the Basel Eye Hospital and IOB, recognised for their exceptional expertise in ophthalmology and being at the forefront of clinical research and innovation in the field of retinal diseases, have placed their trust in our expert genetics team,” said Dr Konstantinos Nikopoulos, Scientific Manager at the Department of Genetics at Unilabs Switzerland. “We are thrilled to apply our expertise in genetic testing for retinal diseases in order to provide patients with the most exhaustive and modern diagnostic solutions in a timely fashion.”

This patient-centric approach across a spectrum of different clinical specialities combined with comprehensive analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data, will lead to improved precision in ophthalmological diagnoses and potentially the development of personalised treatment schemes for patients.

“Our partnership with Unilabs represents a major leap forward in our ability to address complex retinal diseases," said Prof. Hendrik Scholl, Chief Physician of the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital Basel and Founding Director of IOB, internationally acclaimed for his clinical prowess in treating retinal diseases, particularly inherited retinal and macular dystrophies, as well as his research on retinal neurodegeneration. "By combining our clinical expertise with Unilabs' specialised genetic testing capabilities, we will be empowered to offer certified genetic testing and precise and targeted treatment options, with a focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for each patient. Together, we aim to establish ourselves as a leading centre for ophthalmological diagnosis and genetic testing for retinal diseases, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care."

A key aspect of this partnership involves medical boards conducted at the Basel Eye Hospital, where individual patients will undergo thorough reviews. Based on the recommendations, Unilabs Switzerland's genetics team will target specific genes or gene groups to enhance diagnostic yield and clinical sensitivity. This patient-centric approach ensures that each case receives targeted and tailored genetic testing, enabling the development of new state-of-the-art genetic panels.

"By combining our expertise and resources, we can increasingly uncover rare ophthalmological diseases and offer novel insights and diagnostic solutions that directly benefit patients. This collaboration represents one of the first partnerships and synergies between a public health institute and a private diagnostic laboratory, highlighting the innovation and forward-thinking nature of both organisations," said Matthieu Quentin, General Manager at Unilabs Switzerland.

Media contact:

Inês Camilo, Unilabs: ines.camilo@unilabs.com

Lavinia Brunold, IOB: lavinia.brunold@iob.ch

About Unilabs

Unilabs is one of Europe’s leading medical diagnostics companies, offering a complete range of laboratory, pathology, genetics, and imaging services to patients across four continents.

With over 13,000 people in 16 countries, Unilabs invests heavily in technology, equipment, and people – using digital technologies in its state-of-the-art laboratories and imaging institutes – to improve the lives of close to 100 million people every year.

About the 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 and its diseases, and to develop new therapies for vision loss. IOB started its operations in 2018. The institute is constituted as a foundation, granting academic freedom to its scientists. Founding partners are the University Hospital Basel, the University of Basel and Novartis. The Canton of Basel-Stadt has granted the institute substantial financial support.