To detect such conditions earlier, the Vista Group is investing in a mobile care model and has acquired a majority stake in the Swiss provider Augenmobil.
Augenmobil primarily conducts mobile eye examinations in nursing and care homes. Additionally, the service is used in other facilities and companies. Examinations are carried out on-site by specialized professionals. A digital platform aids mobile diagnostics, structured data collection, and remote medical assessment of examination results by ophthalmologists.
Currently, Augenmobil serves 167 nursing and care homes in seven cantons, reaching over 20% of the market in these areas. Switzerland has over 1,500 nursing and care homes with approximately 100,000 beds.
Early Detection Prevents Vision Impairments
Experience from past examinations highlights the significant demand. About 20% of individuals examined are found to have an eye condition, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, or glaucoma. Many of these conditions can be effectively treated, but early diagnosis is crucial.
'Many older people struggle to attend eye examinations regularly. By bringing the examination to them, we reach significantly more affected individuals,' says Barbara Bachmann, CEO of Augenmobil.
Relief for Patients, Homes, and Healthcare System
For residents, the model primarily means one thing: They do not have to leave their familiar environment. Tedious transports to hospitals or doctor’s offices are often unnecessary. Care institutions also benefit, as accompaniment to external appointments can be reduced. Mobile diagnostics also offer benefits for the healthcare system. Early-detected conditions can often be treated more easily and cost-effectively. Moreover, specialized doctors can be more specifically utilized.
Vista Invests in New Care Models
With the majority stake, the Vista Group aims to further develop and make innovative care models more accessible. 'The demand for ophthalmic services will continue to rise with the aging population,' says Christoph Gasser, CEO of the Vista Group. 'Mobile diagnostics allow us to reach patients early and utilize healthcare system resources more efficiently.'
Expansion into Further Regions Planned
With the partnership, Vista plans to further expand the offering in the coming years. The goal is to make mobile ophthalmic care available in more regions and businesses across Switzerland. This should particularly enable older individuals to have easy access to important preventive examinations.
About Vista Eye Clinics
The Vista Group is one of the leading providers of ophthalmic care in Switzerland. The company operates a network of over 30 eye clinics across Switzerland for diagnostics, conservative treatments, and surgical procedures. With its investment in Augenmobil, Vista expands its commitment to include a mobile care offering.
About Augenmobil AG
Augenmobil is a Swiss provider of mobile ophthalmic examinations. The company conducts eye checks directly in nursing and care homes as well as in other facilities. Examinations are carried out on-site by specialized professionals and are digitally assessed by ophthalmologists. Today, Augenmobil serves 167 nursing and care homes across multiple cantons.
Media Contact:
Vista Eye Clinics
Simone Hess - Corporate Communications
+41 61 551 40 90
simone.hess@vista.ch
www.vista.ch