Bestclinicabroad
Connect with the world's Best Clinic and doctors at Best Clinic Abroad. Your well-being is our priority, with personalized care every step of the way.
Connect with the world's Best Clinic and doctors at Best Clinic Abroad. Your well-being is our priority, with personalized care every step of the way.
Prof. Dr. Francesco Bandello is a world-renowned ophthalmologist and one of the top retina specialists in Europe, with over four decades of clinical and academic excellence. He currently serves as the Director of the Ophthalmology Unit at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan and is a Full Professor and Director of the School of Specialization in Ophthalmology at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. He is widely respected for his leadership in ophthalmological research and education, and for his groundbreaking work in retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. With over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications and involvement in numerous clinical trials, Prof. Bandello is an authority in the field. His academic, research, and organizational contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Gabriel Coscas Medal and the SOI Scientific Research Award. His expertise makes him one of the leading ophthalmologists in Italy and internationally.
Price upon request
According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people globally live with some form of vision impairment or blindness. A significant portion of these cases are preventable or treatable when diagnosed early and managed by qualified eye specialists. Common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive errors continue to drive demand for specialized ophthalmology services worldwide.
Italy has a well-established healthcare system that integrates public and private care under strict national regulations. Ophthalmology in Italy is practiced according to European Union medical standards and international clinical guidelines, including those aligned with the European Society of Ophthalmology and global evidence-based protocols. Eye specialists in Italy typically complete medical school, followed by a five-year specialization in ophthalmology, and many pursue further subspecialty training in retina, cornea, glaucoma, or refractive surgery.
Modern ophthalmology centers in cities such as Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Verona are equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), corneal topography, and retinal angiography. Surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, vitrectomy, and corneal transplantation are performed in regulated hospital environments with standardized safety protocols.
For international patients considering medical tourism in Italy, eye care services are often accessible within well-structured facilities that provide individualized treatment planning. Care typically includes thorough preoperative evaluation, informed consent processes, and post-treatment monitoring. Emotional and psychological support is also recognized as important, especially for patients facing progressive vision conditions. Overall, Italy offers structured, guideline-based ophthalmology services within a regulated healthcare framework.
Prof. Francesco Bandello, MD
Specialization: Medical and Surgical Retina
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Hospital: IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan
Prof. Francesco Bandello is a senior ophthalmologist with extensive experience in retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He practices at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, a tertiary academic hospital in Milan. His clinical work focuses on evidence-based retinal therapies, intravitreal treatments, and advanced imaging diagnostics. He has contributed to international research collaborations and adheres to European clinical guidelines in retina management.
Prof. Paolo Lanzetta, MD
Specialization: Retina and Macular Disorders
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Hospital: University Hospital of Udine
Prof. Paolo Lanzetta specializes in macular degeneration and retinal vascular diseases. At the University Hospital of Udine, he manages complex retinal conditions using modern diagnostic tools and minimally invasive techniques. His practice integrates clinical research with routine patient care. He is involved in academic teaching and follows structured protocols for retinal disease monitoring and treatment.
Dr. Matteo Piovella, MD
Specialization: Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Hospital: Centro Microchirurgia Ambulatoriale, Monza
Dr. Matteo Piovella focuses on cataract surgery and refractive procedures such as laser vision correction. At Centro Microchirurgia Ambulatoriale in Monza, he performs phacoemulsification and lens implantation using standardized safety measures. His approach emphasizes careful patient evaluation and realistic discussion of expected outcomes and limitations. He also participates in professional ophthalmology associations in Italy.
Prof. Luigi Fontana, MD
Specialization: Cornea and Ocular Surface Diseases
Years of Experience: 20+ years
Hospital: IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Prof. Luigi Fontana treats corneal disorders, keratoconus, and infectious keratitis. Working at a university-affiliated hospital in Bologna, he is experienced in corneal transplantation and lamellar keratoplasty techniques. His clinical practice follows European Corneal Society recommendations. He is also engaged in teaching and clinical research in ocular surface disease.
Prof. Carlo Maria Orione, MD
Specialization: Glaucoma
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Hospital: Ospedale San Martino, Genoa
Prof. Carlo Maria Orione manages glaucoma and complex optic nerve disorders. His work includes medical therapy optimization and surgical interventions when indicated. At Ospedale San Martino in Genoa, he uses modern diagnostic imaging for early glaucoma detection. His practice prioritizes long-term monitoring and patient education to manage progressive conditions safely.
Dr. Marco Nardi, MD
Specialization: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Hospital: Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa
Dr. Marco Nardi specializes in pediatric eye conditions, including strabismus and congenital ocular disorders. At the University Hospital of Pisa, he works within multidisciplinary teams. His care model includes careful visual development monitoring and structured treatment planning. He follows established pediatric ophthalmology standards to ensure safety and age-appropriate management.
Prof. Stanislao Rizzo, MD
Specialization: Vitreoretinal Surgery
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Hospital: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome
Prof. Stanislao Rizzo is experienced in complex vitreoretinal procedures, including retinal detachment repair and macular surgery. At Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, he performs minimally invasive vitrectomy techniques in regulated surgical settings. His clinical focus includes careful risk assessment and postoperative monitoring. He contributes to academic ophthalmology education and research.
Dr. Roberto Bellucci, MD
Specialization: Refractive Surgery and Intraocular Lenses
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Hospital: Verona Eye Center, Verona
Dr. Roberto Bellucci practices refractive surgery and advanced intraocular lens implantation. At Verona Eye Center, he evaluates patients thoroughly before recommending surgical correction. His approach includes discussing realistic expectations and potential risks, such as dry eye or visual disturbances. He follows international refractive surgery standards and emphasizes patient safety.
| Consultation Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Eye specialist consultation | $120–$350 |
Note: Costs are approximate and provided for general guidance only. Prices vary by healthcare provider, hospital type, city, and consultation format (in-person or remote). Diagnostic tests, imaging, or additional evaluations are not included. Final fees are determined by the provider after an individual clinical assessment and may be affected by currency fluctuations.
Choosing an eye specialist abroad can feel complex, especially when you are managing vision concerns that may affect daily life. It is natural to want clarity about safety standards, communication, and regulatory oversight before making a decision. Understanding how the healthcare system operates can help you feel more confident in planning your care.
➤ Availability of English-speaking medical staff and professional medical translators in many facilities
➤ Specialized clinics that manage a high volume of international patients
➤ Government regulations and oversight mechanisms supporting medical tourism safety and international patient protection
➤ Structured hospital documentation, patient-safety protocols, and informed consent practices
Foreign patients should also consider practical factors. Visa or entry requirements depend on your country of origin and length of stay. For surgical procedures, a postoperative stay of at least 7–14 days may be recommended to allow for early follow-up visits. While major cities often provide multilingual services, language barriers may exist in smaller regions. Planning structured follow-up care with your local ophthalmologist after returning home is important for ongoing monitoring.
Patients considering Eye Specialists care in Italy can share their medical reports with Best Clinic Abroad to receive coordinated support, guidance on consultation options, and a clear starting point for treatment planning.
Do I need a medical visa for eye treatment in Italy?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. If you are traveling from a country within the Schengen Area, you may not need a separate visa for short visits. Patients from other regions may require a short-term medical visa. It is important to check with the Italian consulate in your country and ensure you have documentation from the treating clinic confirming your scheduled consultation or procedure.
Will I be able to communicate in English with eye specialists in Italy?
In many major hospitals and ophthalmology centers in cities such as Milan, Rome, and Bologna, English-speaking staff are available. International patient departments often provide professional interpreters to support communication during consultations and informed consent discussions. However, outside large urban centers, English proficiency may vary, so confirming language support in advance is advisable.
Can I have an online consultation before traveling to Italy?
Yes, you may be able to arrange an online consultation before traveling. Best Clinic Abroad facilitates online consultation coordination, allowing you to share medical reports, imaging results, and previous prescriptions securely. This helps you understand whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate and allows the specialist to review your case in advance. Online consultations do not replace a full clinical examination but can assist in preliminary planning.
How long should I plan to stay in Italy after eye surgery?
The recommended stay depends on the type of procedure. For routine cataract surgery, a short stay may be sufficient, but follow-up visits within the first week are often advised. For more complex retinal or corneal surgeries, a longer stay may be necessary to monitor healing and manage early complications. Your treating ophthalmologist will provide guidance based on your specific condition.
Are medical records from my home country accepted by eye specialists in Italy?
Yes, you can usually bring your previous medical records, imaging scans, and prescriptions. Providing complete documentation helps the ophthalmologist understand your history and avoid unnecessary repeat testing. If documents are not in English or Italian, certified translations may be helpful to ensure accurate review.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed medical specialist based on individual clinical evaluation.
