About us
Six decades of caring for your eyes
Since 1966 the Pavan family has been dedicated to the health of its patients. The tradition was started by Marijan Pavan, MD, and since 1996 it has been continued by his son, Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD, the founder of the clinic. Today we bring together knowledge gained at leading Croatian and European clinics at Poliklinika Pavan — a place where tradition meets modern ophthalmology.
1966.
Marijan Pavan, MD · otorhinolaryngologist
The start of a family tradition
Dr Marijan Pavan, senior consultant and specialist in otorhinolaryngology, headed the ENT department of Karlovac hospital and laid the foundations of the dedication to patients that the Pavan family still cherishes today.
1996. – 2000.
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Residency in ophthalmology
His son, Dr Josip Pavan, began his residency in ophthalmology in 1996 at University Hospital Centre Zagreb (Rebro) and Dubrava University Hospital, completing it in 2000.
1998.
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Master of Science
He earned his master’s degree at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine with a thesis on IgG and interferon-gamma in the aqueous humour of patients with diabetes and cataract.
Europe
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Training at leading European clinics
After his residency he spent several weeks on study visits at prestigious European ophthalmology institutions:
2004.
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Doctorate at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine
He defended his doctoral dissertation on the effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone on corneal epithelial healing.
2005 – today
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Dubrava University Hospital
He took over the Eye Department of Dubrava University Hospital, which he later raised to the level of a university department. Today he is head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Dubrava University Hospital.
2006.
Poliklinika Pavan
Opening of the PAVAN Centre for Ophthalmology
We open our own centre in Karlovac with a clear goal — excellent prevention and treatment of eye diseases, with an individual approach to every patient.
2017.
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Senior consultant and assistant professor
He is awarded the title of primarius and appointed assistant professor at J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek.
2022.
Prof. Josip Pavan, MD, PhD
Appointment as professor
He has been a professor since 2022. He is the author and co-author of dozens of professional and scientific papers and university textbooks on ophthalmology.
2025.
Poliklinika Pavan
Neurology clinic
The clinic expands its services and opens a consultative specialist neurology clinic, led by Prof. Anđelko Vrca, MD, PhD — one of the leading neurologists in the region and a subspecialist in epileptology, who took over the Neurology Department of Dubrava University Hospital in 1995.
Today
Poliklinika Pavan
Poliklinika Pavan
More than 30,000 successful eye operations and 150,000 examinations. We see patients in Karlovac, and in 2027 we are also opening a location in Vrbnik on the island of Krk.