Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute expands with Jeffrey and Patricia Cole Pavilion

(Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic)

With the opening of the Jeffrey and Patricia Cole Pavilion at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, the institute has significantly expanded its facilities. The new four-story outpatient building more than doubles the institute’s footprint, adding 60 exam rooms, eight operating rooms, and dedicated procedure and administrative spaces to support patient care, research, and education.¹

“This state-of-the-art facility is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to improving the lives of the patients we serve and furthering advancements in the field of ophthalmology,” said Andrew P. Schachat, MD, interim institute chair of Cole Eye Institute and the holder of the Ed and Joey Story Professor of Ophthalmology Chair.

This new facility is part of a $172 million expansion project at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. The project includes constructing a 150,000-square-foot building and renovating the existing 130,000-square-foot Cole Eye Institute, originally built in 1999.

Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, FASRS, a vitreoretinal surgeon and associate professor of ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, told Ophthalmology Times and Modern Retina: "We at Cole Eye Institute are extremely excited about the opening of the Jeffrey and Patricia Cole Pavilion. This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to provide top-notch ophthalmology care to more of our patients in Cleveland and beyond."

Rachitskaya is also a member of the Modern Retina editorial advisory board.

The expansion was funded in part by a $31.5 million lead gift from Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife, Patricia O’Brien Cole. He, along with his company Cole National—based in Cleveland for 60 years and once the world’s largest provider of commercial vision care services—also made the lead donation that helped establish the institute in 1999.

“The opening of this new facility is a deeply meaningful moment for my family and me,” he said. “This expansion allows Cole Eye Institute to reach more individuals in need and provide essential eye care, both for the local community and across the nation.” 

Philanthropy played a vital role in this expansion, with $125 million raised to fund the project. These contributions support capital expenses, as well as the growth of patient care, research, and education.

With nearly 400,000 patients treated annually, including over 21,000 surgical procedures, the Cole Eye Institute is staffed by nearly 200 professionals and trainees who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and researching a wide range of eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This expansion project was driven by the institute's growth over the last ten years.

The new building's design prioritizes expanding the institute's capabilities while enhancing the patient experience. A three-story glass atrium connecting the two buildings brings in natural light and showcases a hanging art installation. Each outpatient room is equipped with large flat-screen monitors, enabling providers to review enhanced imaging directly with patients during visits. Additionally, dedicated check-in and discharge areas were incorporated to minimize wait times and reduce foot traffic throughout the facility.

What's next

The second phase of the expansion involves renovating and redesigning the existing 130,000-square-foot building. Plans include a dedicated pediatric ophthalmology space on the first floor and upgraded imaging facilities on the second floor. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Reference

1. The Jeffrey and Patricia Cole Pavilion at Cole Eye Institute opens for patient care. News release. Cleveland Clinic. February 24, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2025/02/24/the-jeffrey-and-patricia-cole-pavilion-at-cole-eye-institute-opens-for-patient-care