Dr. Christine Heun

Even upon entering the practice, it becomes clear that a different approach is being pursued here than in many traditional medical practices. In a beautiful new building, six treatment rooms, a waiting area, and a children's play area extend over 220 square meters. The rooms appear bright and calm and are designed to a high standard, more like a stylish studio than a medical facility. The numerous pictures of human and animal eyes that run through all the rooms are striking, giving them a very special touch. The doctor placed particular importance on keeping waiting times as short as possible. Instead, personal care and an environment where patients feel well taken care of are the focus.

"Eye health is quality of life" – this thought shapes the work of Dr. Heun and her team. Accordingly, the medical spectrum of the practice is comprehensive. In addition to general ophthalmology, specialized consultations are also offered, as well as the latest diagnostic procedures. A particular focus is on prevention. Many eye diseases develop slowly and initially go unnoticed. Diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinal changes often cause symptoms only at a later stage. Precise diagnostics are therefore all the more crucial. The practice uses contemporary examination procedures for this purpose, including high-resolution OCT analyses, retinal examinations, or gentle eye pressure measurements without the classic unpleasant air puff. Dr. Heun consciously takes time for detailed discussions and understandable explanations – an aspect that has become rare in the hectic everyday practice of many places.

Originally, the native Hessian, who grew up in a rather rural environment, aspired to a career in geology or archaeology, but an internship in a hospital made her rethink her original plan. “This meaningful activity greatly appealed to me – the social component, that is, the close contact with people, combined with a very scientific component,” explains Dr. Heun. And so she decided to study human medicine at the Philipps University of Marburg, preceded by training as a nurse at the University Hospital in Marburg. “The training was an absolute enrichment for my studies. Not only because I already knew the staff on site, but also because I was familiar with the hospital routine and could easily integrate into all the processes,” says the doctor. She completed part of her internship in ophthalmology and was immediately enthusiastic: “In general, I have always been fascinated by eyes. Initially in animals – for example, bees can see ultraviolet light – and then also in humans during my studies.” Another plus point of this field for Dr. Heun was the surgical aspect, the opportunity to work operatively. “Operating so intricately on the eye – that posed quite a challenge for some fellow students. I found it exciting right away,” laughs Dr. Heun. After completing her studies, she worked as an assistant doctor and employed specialist for several years at the University Hospital of Marburg and in renowned ophthalmic specialist centers until she established her own practice, IRISOvital, in 2025.

A particularly large number of patients visit the private practice because of dry and irritated eyes. More and more people suffer from discomfort such as burning, itching, a constant foreign body sensation, or watery eyes – often caused by long screen times, dry air, air conditioning, or stress. What initially often seems harmless can significantly impair everyday life and personal well-being. At IRISIOvital, the so-called Sicca syndrome is not superficially treated but comprehensively diagnosed. Modern tear film analyses and individually tailored therapy concepts aim to find causes instead of merely alleviating symptoms short-term. Additionally, innovative procedures like low-level light therapy are used.

Pediatric ophthalmology also plays an important role in the practice. “Good vision is a crucial prerequisite for a child’s development – both in learning and in social interactions,” says the specialist and mother of a son. Many vision problems arise at a young age but often go undetected because children themselves do not notice or correctly assess limitations. Early ophthalmological check-ups are therefore all the more important. If visual impairments, strabismus, or disturbances in spatial vision are detected early, they can often be treated very well, preventing long-term limitations. For example, the number of young people with myopia (nearsightedness) has been increasing worldwide for years - partly due to changed visual habits, intensive screen use, and less time spent outdoors in daylight. Therefore, the correct therapy is not just about whether the child needs glasses, severe nearsightedness can also increase the risk of later eye diseases. “As an ophthalmologist, my goal is to specifically slow down the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health,” explains Dr. Heun. Thus, young patients are treated with particular calm, patience, and sensitivity. The aim is to create a relaxed environment and prevent any fears about examinations from arising in the first place.

Another benefit of the ultra-modern practice is how naturally medical and aesthetic aspects are brought together. Under the term “Happy Aging,” IRISIOvital offers cosmetic eye treatments that are intentionally natural and restrained. The focus is not on artificial changes, but on a fresher, more rested appearance. This approach fits the overall philosophy of the practice: health, well-being, and radiance are not viewed in isolation but understood as closely connected. Equally modern is the view on the topic of longevity. While a long, healthy life is often associated with diet and fitness, the dedicated doctor wants to raise awareness of the long-term health of the eyes among her patients. “Regular check-ups that are already customary with dentists or gynecologists are just as sensible for the eyes,” says Dr. Heun. From the age of 40, eyes should be checked at least every two years, as this is the only way to detect, for example, glaucoma early on and treat it successfully. But systemic diseases can also be detected from the condition of the eyes: “If I take a photo of the back of the eye and see that the vessels are convoluted, then I know that the patient has high blood pressure.” The specialist also advises her patients on eye health and supplements as well as nutrition: “Coenzyme Q10, for example, helps improve blood circulation to the optic nerve. And green foods like arugula or broccoli are perfect for protecting the cells in the macula.” Dr. Heun also assists in choosing the right sunglasses. “Someone who is only in the city needs a completely different sun protection than someone who regularly goes to the mountains.”

Despite all the technical possibilities and innovative treatment concepts, one thing is particularly noticeable at IRISOvital: the personal atmosphere. Many patients today not only desire medical competence but also time, attention, and the feeling of being taken seriously. It is precisely this understanding that shapes the work of Dr. Christine Heun. Because good vision influences more than just perception – it means independence, security, and the ability to actively participate in life, regardless of age.