Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital: a leader in head and neck care, research and education
Founded in 1905 to offer free ophthalmologic care
The Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital (Hôpital-Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, or HFAR) in Paris is a non-profit organization, today recognized as a cutting-edge public-private university hospital for treating head and neck diseases in both children and adults.
What’s more, in the face of the rapidly growing global problem of myopia, HFAR is now also home to Europe’s first institute specialized in the disease, which opened in 2023.
Healthcare is a field that requires constant evolution to confront the diseases and injuries that inevitably affect us all at some point. HFAR has constantly been at the forefront of that evolution, deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has access to care, regardless of their background or situation. The hospital also prioritizes research and education to drive forward new approaches to preventive care
By identifying early interventions and promoting healthy living, HFAR aims to reduce the burden of disease on individuals and society. This proactive approach is designed to shift the focus from merely treating illness to fostering long-term well-being.
A century of specialized care and innovation in Paris
Nestled in Paris’s 19th arrondissement, HFAR was established in 1905 by Baroness Caroline Julie von Rothschild in line with the wishes of her husband Adolphe de Rothschild, and inspired by his existing eye hospital in Geneva. HFAR was dedicated to providing free ophthalmologic care for all patients – from the outset the baroness insisted that it prioritize patient care over architectural splendor. The hospital combined medical excellence with social commitment, offering facilities such as a crèche for mothers and evening appointments for workers – over 80,000 consultations were done in the first year alone. The number of its outpatient visits, over 500 per day, meant that by 1919 it was Europe’s, and probably even the world’s, largest ophthalmologic institution. HFAR provided for up to 28,000 days of hospitalization annually, treated patients from all over the world and pioneered laser techniques by 1978.
From 1960 to 1990, with the support of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the hospital underwent major renovations and established a partnership with the French public health system. Since 2010, its activities have doubled.
Today, under the guidance of Ariane de Rothschild, who is president of its board, this university hospital has become a beacon of expertise in all matters concerning the head and neck. Specializing in ophthalmology, neurology, and ENT care, it caters to both adults and children. As a private health establishment of collective interest (ESPIC), HFAR prides itself on delivering top-tier care, while also driving forward groundbreaking research and education.
A new phase of expansion is underway, for the addition of 30 intensive care beds and 60 single rooms with state-of-the-art health monitoring systems, plus increased research capacity for gene therapy, predictive and personalized medicine, and artificial intelligence
Each year the Alphonse de Rothschild Foundation Hospital treats over 350,000 patients, carries out 50,000 surgical procedures and 45,000 emergency ophthalmology visits, conducts 150 clinical trials, publishes 300 scientific articles, and trains about 900 students.
Prevention is (at least) as important as a cure
As well as treating patients, HFAR also recognizes the importance and necessity of preventive measures – measures which must involve wider society and policymakers as well as healthcare systems.
One of its areas of focus is myopia. Often regarded simply as an affliction that creates a need for glasses, myopia can in fact lead to serious eye disease, visual impairment, and even blindness. High myopia is a particular problem, often resulting in issues such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. And projections show that half of Europe’s population could be myopic by 2050.
In the face of this myopia epidemic, HFAR inaugurated the Institut Français de Myopie (French Institute of Myopia)in March 2023. The goal is to treat over 30,000 people with severe myopia or children at risk of developing it each year. The institute will also undertake research into strategies for curbing myopia in children.
“The sole objective of the French Institute of Myopia is simple: to defeat myopia! The growth of myopia must be stopped, and no one with high myopia should lose their sight as a result of the consequences of this condition.”
Professor Ramin Tadayoni, first director of the French Institute of Myopia
Continuing a historic approach
The Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital has always been built on a strong sense of social responsibility, an acknowledgement of the need to help others whenever possible. The hospital as it is today, and its ongoing and evolving dedication to care, have emerged from a legacy and philanthropic leadership that started over 100 years ago and continues to embrace that approach to supporting those in need.