Located on UC San Diego’s East Campus, the Shiley Eye Institute is the region’s only academic institution offering comprehensive programs in clinical eye care, cutting-edge research on surgical techniques and treatments for eye diseases, ophthalmology education, and community outreach. The Institute is housed in a three-story modernist building designed by Anshen + Allen and completed in 1991, originally organized with administrative and laboratory uses on the first two floors and outpatient surgical facilities on the third floor, accessed independently from the east.
Driven by growing demand for clinical services and the relocation of laboratory functions to the adjacent Viterbi Family Vision Research Center, TEF was selected to design the conversion of the second floor into state-of-the-art clinical space—an adaptation not originally envisioned in the building’s design. The renovation required a comprehensive rethinking of circulation, access, and building infrastructure while preserving the operational separation of the third-floor surgical suite.
The project includes full life-safety and accessibility upgrades, seismic strengthening in accordance with University of California policy, and complete modernization of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. A new three-stop elevator was introduced to connect the first and second floors via the north entrance, improving public access to the new clinic while maintaining the dedicated east entrance for surgical patients on the third floor. Additional scope includes building envelope repairs to address water intrusion, selective exterior refresh, roofing replacement, and targeted improvements to ground-floor restrooms, stairs, drop-off areas, and landscaped entry plazas.
The renovated second floor is organized around a dedicated reception and waiting area immediately accessible from the existing open stair and new elevator, providing intuitive wayfinding for patients. Within the clinic, east–west circulation corridors support modular exam pods that enhance continuity and workflow for faculty, students, and care teams. The clinic features 25 new examination rooms focused on retina and glaucoma care, diagnostic imaging and testing rooms, ophthalmic procedure spaces for in-clinic treatments, and a refractive and laser center. Generous waiting areas and clear circulation were designed to improve patient comfort and operational efficiency while supporting collaboration and integration of emerging technologies.
Funded in part by a transformative gift from philanthropist Darlene V. Shiley, the renovated clinic welcomed its first patients in May 2025. The project reflects the Institute’s long-standing commitment to patient-centered care, education, and research, while positioning the facility to meet future demand. The renovation earned LEED Silver certification, underscoring SEI’s commitment to sustainable, cost-effective building practices.

TEF Design team
Alyosha Verzhbinsky, FAIA, Principal-in-charge
David Ko, Project Architect
Mark Froemsdorf, Project Manager
Karen Nealon, Interior Designer
Beth Swenson Radovanovich, AIA, ACHA, Medical Planner

Project team
Architecture and Interiors: TEF Design
Contractor: Align Builders
Landscape: SPURLOCK
Civil Engineer: Nasland Engineering
Structural Engineer: Degenkolb
Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineer: Dufoe Consulting Engineers
Electrical/Telecom Engineer: Randall Lamb Associates, Inc.
Fire Alarm/Fire Life-Safety: Jensen Hughes
LEED: Stok
Cost Estimating: Cumming Group
Client: UC San Diego Health

Photography
Lawrence Anderson Studio
Products/Brands
1. Soundply, RF Series M19 Micro-perforated Acoustic Panel
2. Kalwall, Translucent Skyroofs
3. Interface, Third Space Carpet Tile
4. Armstrong World Industries & USAI Lighting, BeveLED 2.2 Basic Square Downlight
5. 3M, Luasanne Window Film