The facilities of the Jules Stein Eye Institute comprise two freestanding structures of architectural note.

The five-story Jules Stein Eye Institute building, occupying 110,000 square feet, is of neoclassical design. It is the original facility, constructed in 1966.

An expansion and companion building, the Doris Stein Eye Research Center, followed in 1989. It is a four-story, red granite structure, occupying 67,000 square feet, and connecting with the Jules Stein Eye Institute by way of a graceful portico. With support from Research to Prevent Blindness, a conference center complex was erected between the buildings as part of the Doris Stein Eye Research Center.

The two facilities complement each other in design and function and together accommodate the Institute's:

       Outpatient treatment centers
       Clinical laboratories
       a 30-bed ophthalmic inpatient unit
       four operating rooms devoted exclusively to ophthalmic surgery
       an optical dispensing facility
       an ophthalmic photography unit
       a pathology laboratory
       basic science laboratories
       a clinical research center
       a library devoted to ophthalmic materials
       meeting facilities for lectures and conferences, including a 156-seat auditorium.

The buildings reflect the considerable architectural knowledge and exquisite taste of Dr. and Mrs. Jules Stein, which is evident in the Institute's design, building materials, artwork and furnishings. Dr. and Mrs. Stein were committed to the belief that the special attention given to internal design created an uplifting environment for patients, visitors and staff alike.

Of particular architectural note are the Reading Room, Seminar Room and Adam Room, elegant meeting places containing antiques, original artwork and memorabilia from the Stein's estate. The Reading Room and the Adam Room are painstaking reconstructions of historic structures from 18th century England, utilizing the original building materials.

The main entrances to the buildings are graced with bronze sculptures, including a bust of Dr. Jules Stein and a life-sized statue of a blind boy, entitled "The Kingdom is Within." Marble floors and high ceilings enhance the public areas. The lobby of the Doris Stein Eye Research Center is an atrium opening to the roof. In 1999, an extensive refurbishment and redesign of the Jules Stein Eye Institute B-level lobby was completed, which has improved access for patients and visitors and offers a greatly enhanced and inviting entrance to the building. The foyer is set off by massive wood and glass doors and adorned with a magnificent breakfront from Dr. and Mrs. Stein's estate. The geometrically configured marble floor repeats the oval pattern of the ceiling lighting.

Patient care suites in both facilities have been carefully planned to offer comfortable, well-appointed reception and treatment rooms, along with the most up-to-date ophthalmic equipment. These areas are enlivened by original artwork, including wall murals in the pediatric waiting rooms. The most recent construction involved a complete renovation of the glaucoma patient care suite in 1998. Technologically advanced diagnostic capabilities were combined with a redesigned floor plan to enhance patient care and flow. Japanese prints and modern furnishings have created a soothing environment.

Dr. Jules Stein set the standard for the Institute's design and function at the outset when he pronounced, "Our primary objective in building this Institute has been to serve the needs of medical science and medical practice ... At the same time, we wished to demonstrate that all these purposes can be served within an atmosphere of grace and beauty." This standard has been maintained throughout the Institute's 30-year history and continues to be an integral component of all facilities planning.