Wills Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In operation since 1834, Wills was the first US medical facility dedicated to the treatment of eyes and first to train residents in ophthalmology. Committed to patient care, research, and education, Wills is known worldwide for its surgical and medical innovations in eye care.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Opened in 1834, Wills Eye Hospital was the first medical institution in the United States devoted entirely to diseases of the eye, and the first to train physicians in the young specialty of ophthalmology. Growing from that pioneering mission, it earned a worldwide reputation for its advances in surgical and medical eye care. Its focus on patient care, research, and teaching set a standard for specialized American medicine.
Why it matters
Wills established eye care as a distinct medical specialty in America and trained generations of ophthalmologists who carried its methods across the country and the world.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.1 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.3 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.3 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Philosophical Hall0.3 mi away · PA
- Old City Hall0.3 mi away · Philadelphia
Attractions
- Liberty Bell0.3 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Reading Terminal0.4 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.5 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Fat Salmon0.1 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.1 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden0.1 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.1 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe0.1 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.2 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- AKA Washington Squarenearby · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotelnearby · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.3 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- ROOST East Market0.3 mi away
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.3 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
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Themes & tags
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