Albrecht-von-Graefe-Haus
Albrecht-von-Graefe
(Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst) Albrecht von Graefe (22.05.1828 - 20.07.1870) is considered the founder of modern ophthalmology in Germany. After studying various disciplines, he turned to ophthalmology in 1848 and opened a private eye clinic with 120 beds in 1852 in Berlin, which soon enjoyed international renown in practice as well as in research.
1854 Foundation of the first ophthalmological journal "Archiv für Ophthalmologie"
1866 Director of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Charité
New treatments for glaucoma, squinting and cataracts should be especially mentioned. The "Graefe Knife" has been the standard instrument in cataract surgery for many decades. With the Helmholtz Augenspiegel he discovered and described numerous diseases of the retina, choroid and optic nerve.
▲ 1. Abb.: Graefe monument in front of Berlin's Charité hospital, 2. Abb.: Greeting card from Albrecht von Graefe's great-granddaughter, Blida Heynold von Graefe
▲ 1. Abb.: Albrecht von Graefe's waiting room, 2. Abb.: book cover
History of the house
It all began in the early 1980s, when Dr. Rasch started producing artificial eye lenses in his parents' house in Falkensee alongside his work at Potsdam Hospital.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the concept was modified. In 1990, Dr. Rasch received official approval from the GDR authorities to manufacture intraocular lenses, but the objectives now had to be adapted to the new circumstances. For example, a suitable building had to be found where an ophthalmologist's practice and outpatient surgery could be combined with research activities.
Back in December 1989, we presented our ambitious new concept to the mayor of Potsdam and received his support. Then, chance came to our aid in Hans-Thoma-Strasse in Potsdam. The owner at the time was enthusiastic about the new eye project and helped us to implement it.
The building, which was constructed in 1912 and originally planned as a residential building, was completely renovated in 1991 and converted in line with the new plans for its use. After just nine months of extensive renovation work, various practices and trades were able to start operating in August 1991.
The Albrecht von Graefe House was then officially founded on October 12, 1991, and named after the famous ophthalmologist and founder of modern ophthalmology, Albrecht von Graefe.
The basic concept was to create a center where the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases could be brought together under one roof, from basic medicine to highly specialized care, including teaching and research. The diagnosis and treatment facilities feature high-tech instruments and equipment in a stylish interior design.
▲ 1. Abb.: House at Hans-Thoma-Str. 11 before renovation (1990) 2. Abb.: The house at Hans-Thoma-Straße 11 was one of the first renovated houses in the city.
▲ 1. Abb.: Work on the relief of Albrecht von Graefe, 2. Abb.: Emmi Rasch, co-founder, energy source, and advisor
▲ Current view of the Graefe House
Albrecht-von-Graefe
(Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst) Albrecht von Graefe (22.05.1828-20.07.1870) is considered the founder of modern ophthalmology in Germany. After studying various disciplines, he turned to ophthalmology in 1848 and opened a private eye clinic with 120 beds in 1852 in Berlin, which soon enjoyed international renown in practice as well as in research.
1854 Foundation of the first ophthalmological journal "Archiv für Ophthalmologie"
1866 Director of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Charité
New treatments for glaucoma, squinting and cataracts should be especially mentioned. The "Graefe Knife" has been the standard instrument in cataract surgery for many decades. With the Helmholtz Augenspiegel he discovered and described numerous diseases of the retina, choroid and optic nerve.
▲ 1. Abb.: Graefe monument in front of Berlin's Charité hospital, 2. Abb.: Greeting card from Albrecht von Graefe's great-granddaughter, Blida Heynold von Graefe
▲ 1. Abb.: Albrecht von Graefe's waiting room, 2. Abb.: book cover
History of the house
It all began in the early 1980s, when Dr. Rasch started producing artificial eye lenses in his parents' house in Falkensee alongside his work at Potsdam Hospital.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the concept was modified. In 1990, Dr. Rasch received official approval from the GDR authorities to manufacture intraocular lenses, but the objectives now had to be adapted to the new circumstances. For example, a suitable building had to be found where an ophthalmologist's practice and outpatient surgery could be combined with research activities.
Back in December 1989, we presented our ambitious new concept to the mayor of Potsdam and received his support. Then, chance came to our aid in Hans-Thoma-Strasse in Potsdam. The owner at the time was enthusiastic about the new eye project and helped us to implement it.
The building, which was constructed in 1912 and originally planned as a residential building, was completely renovated in 1991 and converted in line with the new plans for its use. After just nine months of extensive renovation work, various practices and trades were able to start operating in August 1991.
The Albrecht von Graefe House was then officially founded on October 12, 1991, and named after the famous ophthalmologist and founder of modern ophthalmology, Albrecht von Graefe.
The basic concept was to create a center where the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases could be brought together under one roof, from basic medicine to highly specialized care, including teaching and research. The diagnosis and treatment facilities feature high-tech instruments and equipment in a stylish interior design.
▲ 1. Abb.: House at Hans-Thoma-Str. 11 before renovation (1990) 2. Abb.: The house at Hans-Thoma-Straße 11 was one of the first renovated houses in the city.
▲ 1. Abb.: Work on the relief of Albrecht von Graefe, 2. Abb.: Emmi Rasch, co-founder, energy source, and advisor
▲ Current view of the Graefe House
Pension am Holländischen Viertel
The Albrecht-von-Graefe-Haus, built in Art Nouveau style in 1912 and lovingly restored in 1991, is located in the heart of Potsdam, not far from the "Holländisches Viertel". Located in the historic old town of Potsdam with an exclusive ambience, the small guesthouse is today an insider tip for the discerning taste.
The rooms were named after famous ophthalmologists, who have rendered outstanding service to the operation of the "cataract", including Harald Ridley, Charles D. Kelman.
With a visit to the "Pension am Holländischen Viertel" you will combine accommodation in an exclusive ambience with proximity to all the tourist attractions that the Brandenburg state capital has to offer. After an eventful day in Potsdam, enjoy the cozy and comfortable atmosphere of the Pension, for example: a relaxing bath in the Jacuzzi.
We are happy to arrange city tours, rides with the "White Fleet", guided tours, theater and concert visits and other cultural events in cooperation with the Potsdam Information. Due to the convenient location, all sights can be reached quickly and easily on foot or by public transport.
After impressive hours in our city, it's best to end the day in one of the surrounding historic restaurants.
Equipment and prices
Details about the rooms and prices can be found on the website of the “Pension am Holländischen Viertel.”
Vision Gallery
On January 4, 2000, a new gallery opened in Potsdam: the “Vision Gallery - Art and Innovation in the Eye.” The initiators were the then 85-year-old optician Emmi Rasch and her son Dr. Volker Rasch, an ophthalmologist.
The aim of the gallery is to use part of the gallery to present the eye and vision in art or to exhibit topics related to vision or artists' perspectives. Topics such as “Near and Far,” “Contrasts,” “Light and Shadow,” “glare,” “aberrations,” and others are planned.
Numerous guests and prominent figures from politics, business, and the arts were welcomed to the opening, including Brandenburg's Minister of the Interior Jörg Schönbohm and Potsdam's then-mayor Matthias Platzeck.
Innovations for the eye
The Vision Gallery showcases medical and technical developments in ophthalmology, optometry, and related fields, including both existing procedures and products as well as future visions. The exhibition by the Potsdam Eye Clinic at Albrecht-von-Graefe-Haus GmbH and VR Vision Research GmbH presents its own innovations and is divided into the following areas:
- Development of new diagnostic methods and surgical techniques as well as the manufacture of implants in the former GDR
- New implants (developments over the last 10 years)
- New surgical instruments
- Insight into ongoing research projects, patent applications
- Scientific publications and awards at international congresses
- Audiovisual teaching and learning materials
▲ Opening of the Vision Gallery on January 4, 2000 (from left to right): Interior Minister Jörg Schönboom (✝) | Emmi Rasch, co-founder of the eye clinic (✝) | Mayor Matthias Platzeck