Basel/Zürich – Die Schweizerische Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft (SOG) zeichnet Dr. med. Philippe Valmaggia mit dem renommierten Alfred Vogt Preis 2026 aus. Die Auszeichnung würdigt seine herausragende wissenschaftliche Arbeit im Bereich der innovativen ophthalmologischen Bildgebung.

Dr. Valmaggia, der an der Universität Basel tätig ist, hat ein bahnbrechendes Verfahren entwickelt, das den retinalen Blutfluss mit modernster OCT-Technologie (Optical Coherence Tomography) sichtbar macht. Besonders bemerkenswert ist seine Kopplung von OCT mit der Elektrokardiografie (EKG), die es ermöglicht, die "Heart-Retina-Time" (HRT) zu bestimmen – die Zeitspanne, in der der Blutpuls vom Herzen in die Netzhaut gelangt. Dieses Konzept eröffnet neue Perspektiven für die Nutzung der Augendiagnostik als Biomarker für kardiovaskuläre Gesundheit.

Dr. Valmaggia vereint als multidisziplinärer Forscher Medizin und Biomedizinische Technik. Mit seinem MSc in Biomedical Engineering und seinem PhD hat er eine einzigartige Expertise entwickelt, die es ihm ermöglicht, komplexe OCT-Technologien in praktische klinische Anwendungen zu übersetzen.

Das interdisziplinäre Team unter der Leitung von PD Dr Peter Maloca, des Center for Medical Image Analysis & Navigation (CIAN) am Department of Biomedical Engineering der Universität Basel und der Augenklinik des Universitätsspitals Basel arbeitet weiterhin an der Weiterentwicklung dieser innovativen Methoden.

"Der Alfred Vogt Preis ist eine verdiente Anerkennung für Dr. Valmnaggias Beitrag zur Förderung der ophthalmologischen Forschung in der Schweiz", so eine Mitteilung der SOG.

We are pleased to announce that our research team has been nominated for the Best Poster Prize for our groundbreaking study comparing innovative visualization technologies for retinal patient education.

The study, titled "From Flatscreen to Apple Vision Pro: A Randomized Crossover Study of Immersive Technologies for Retinal Patient Education," was conducted by researchers from the University of Basel, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, and leading medical institutions across Europe.

The Research Achievement

Our team conducted a comprehensive clinical trial involving 100 patients who experienced all three visualization platforms: traditional 2D OCT imaging, a Lenovo stereoscopic 3D display, and Apple Vision Pro virtual reality technology. The goal was to determine which method best helps patients understand retinal tear pathology and prepare for surgery. We ask the critical question: How can these tools meaningfully improve ophthalmology and patient education?

Remarkable Results

The findings were compelling and clear. Both immersive technologies—3D display and VR—significantly outperformed traditional flat-screen imaging across all nine measured domains, including image clarity, spatial comprehension, disease understanding, and educational value for surgical consent.

The 3D stereoscopic display emerged as the winner for clinical practicality, with 70 percent of patients rating it most comfortable and 64 percent finding it best for understanding. Apple Vision Pro delivered the most immersive and enjoyable experience, with 58 percent of patients preferring its engaging interface, making it ideal for explaining complex surgical procedures.

Clinical Significance and Patient Preference

Most importantly, both immersive platforms substantially enhanced patient education compared to standard 2D OCT. Our research demonstrates that traditional two-dimensional images alone are insufficient for effective patient education in retinal disease. Patients using either 3D or VR technology showed significantly greater confidence in their treatment recommendations and better understanding of their condition. Overall patient preference was decisive: 59 percent chose the 3D display, 32 percent selected Apple Vision Pro, and only 9 percent preferred traditional 2D imaging.

The Team Behind 

This award-winning research was led by Peter M. Maloca and his team, including Valentina Burri, Claudia Bruè, Pascal W. Hasler, Adnan Tufail, Philippe C. Cattin, and Philippe Valmaggia from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel, the Department of Ophthalmology at University Hospital Basel, and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Looking Forward

This recognition validates our commitment to improving patient care through innovative technology. The results suggest that 3D display technology is ready for routine clinical implementation, while Apple Vision Pro holds significant promise for complex cases requiring heightened immersion and understanding. We are grateful for this prestigious nomination and look forward to translating these findings into clinical practice to enhance patient education and surgical outcomes worldwide. By conducting rigorous clinical trials with real patients—not theoretical assessments—we provide the evidence base that hospitals and clinics need to integrate these technologies responsibly.