Associated with
Partners of the
ESASO Foundation
Many share our Vision and help us moving towards its realisation
The ESASO Foundation collaborates with many centres of excellence, including hospitals, universities, and specialised clinics, to deliver high-level educational activities in ophthalmology. These programmes are tailored to the level of experience of the participants and their training needs, and the format includes preceptorships, observerships, and other immersive experiences.
The objective is to combine solid theoretical knowledge with direct exposure to real-world clinical practice, allowing participants to experience how highly specialised environments operate on a daily basis.
Hospitals, universities and clinics interested in collaborating with the ESASO Foundation are warmly invited to get in touch.
Preceptorships
ESASO Foundation preceptorships are intensive, practice-oriented training programmes hosted in selected international centres of excellence.
Designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world clinical practice, these programmes offer participants direct exposure to how high-level ophthalmic care is delivered in leading institutions.
A typical preceptorship includes:
- Day 1: focused theoretical sessions and case-based discussions led by expert faculty
- Day 2: immersive hospital experience, including guided visits to clinics, wards, and operating theatres, observing clinical workflows, organisational models, and surgical practice
This format enables ophthalmologists to gain not only advanced clinical insights, but also a deeper understanding of how excellence is structured and implemented in daily practice.
For partners, preceptorships represent a high-impact educational model that combines scientific rigor, real-world application, and direct engagement with leading centres, ultimately contributing to the advancement of patient care through better-trained specialists.
Observerships
The ESASO Foundation Observership Programme offers ophthalmologists a one-month experience in an international centre of excellence. The fellow will have the opportunity to observe and interact with leading experts in a specific subspecialty (Medical Retina, Surgical Retina, Cornea, Cataract, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics, or others).
Partner Centers
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana-Cisanello
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Glaucoma preceptorships
The Ophthalmology Unit at Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (Cisanello Hospital, Pisa) is a leading academic and clinical centre in Italy. Directed by Prof. Michele Figus and affiliated with the University of Pisa, it performs around 5,000 surgeries annually, with particular excellence in glaucoma (among the highest volumes nationally), corneal transplants, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgery.
The unit integrates advanced surgical care with specialist clinics, including uveitis and rare diseases, and hosts the Regional Centre for Visual Rehabilitation (CERV). With roots dating back to 1884, it combines high-volume clinical activity, research, and international training, serving as a key referral hub in Tuscany and beyond.
Créteil Ophthalmo
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina Educational Activities
The Department of Ophthalmology at Créteil, part of the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil and affiliated with Université Paris-Est, is internationally recognized for excellence in medical retina.
Led by Prof. Eric Souied, the centre is a reference point for macular diseases, including AMD, inherited retinal disorders, and advanced imaging diagnostics. It combines high-level clinical care with leading research and clinical trials, contributing significantly to innovation in retinal therapies and education at a European level.
Humanitas University Milan
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Surgical Retina Educational Activities
The Ophthalmology Unit at Humanitas Research Hospital, affiliated with Humanitas University (Hunimed), is a leading Italian centre for advanced ophthalmic care and training.
It offers high-complexity surgery including cataract, glaucoma, vitreoretinal procedures, corneal transplants, and refractive surgery. Supported by advanced diagnostics and active research programs, the unit combines innovation, high surgical volume, and specialist education, serving as a major referral hub in Lombardy.
Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina preceptorships
The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is a leading research centre dedicated to understanding visual system disorders and translating discoveries into clinical applications.
Based in Basel, Switzerland, IOB integrates fundamental science, clinical research, and advanced technologies such as imaging, genomics, and data science. Its multidisciplinary approach supports innovation in diagnosis and treatment, contributing to the global advancement of ophthalmology.
Lisbon School of Medicine
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Glaucoma preceptorships
The Ophthalmology Service at Hospital de Santa Maria, affiliated with the Lisbon School of Medicine, is one of Portugal’s leading academic centres for ophthalmology.
It offers comprehensive expertise across subspecialties including glaucoma, vitreoretinal surgery, uveitis, and neuro-ophthalmology. Combining advanced diagnostics, high-volume surgery, and strong academic activity, it serves as a major national referral centre and a key contributor to specialist training and research.
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina preceptorships
Founded in 1805, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London is one of the world’s most prestigious ophthalmology institutions.
In partnership with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, it is globally recognized for excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Moorfields has played a pivotal role in advancing treatments across retinal diseases, glaucoma, and vision restoration, training generations of specialists and shaping modern ophthalmology.
Operativa di Oculistica del Policlinico di Bari
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina Educational Activities
The Ophthalmology Unit at Policlinico di Bari is a key academic centre in Southern Italy, recognized for expertise in medical retina and vitreoretinal diseases.
Led by Prof. Francesco Boscia, it focuses on conditions such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis, combining advanced imaging, intravitreal therapies, and surgical management. The unit is actively involved in research and training, contributing to national and international scientific activity.
Ospedale Sacco
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina and Ocular Surface preceptorships
The Eye Clinic at Ospedale Luigi Sacco (University of Milan) is a leading Italian centre for retinal diseases and ocular surface disorders.
It offers advanced care in medical retina, including AMD and diabetic retinopathy, alongside specialized treatment for ocular surface conditions. The unit is highly active in clinical research, imaging innovation, and international training programs.
Ospedale San Giuseppe
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina preceptorships
The Ophthalmology Unit at Ospedale San Giuseppe (Milan) is a recognized centre for medical retina and diabetic eye disease.
It specializes in advanced retinal imaging, intravitreal therapies, and management of complex macular conditions. The unit combines clinical excellence with strong academic involvement and international collaborations in retinal research.
Rotterdam Het Hospital
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for surgical retina educational activities
Rotterdam Eye Hospital is one of Europe’s leading centres for ophthalmic care, known for its patient-centred approach and surgical innovation.
The hospital provides comprehensive services across all subspecialties, with strong expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and complex eye conditions. It integrates clinical excellence, research, and training within a highly efficient and modern healthcare model.
Saint Paul Hospital
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Cornea and Ocular Surface preceptorships
St Paul’s Eye Unit in Liverpool is a historic and highly respected centre for ophthalmology, with over 150 years of clinical and academic excellence.
Integrated within major university hospitals and affiliated with the University of Liverpool, it offers advanced care in corneal disease, glaucoma, and retinal conditions, alongside strong research activity and specialist training programs.
University Hospital of Modena
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for medical Retina preceptorships
The Ophthalmology Unit at University Hospital of Modena is internationally recognized for excellence in medical retina.
Led by Prof. Giuseppe Querques, it focuses on macular diseases, advanced retinal imaging, and innovative therapeutic approaches. The unit is actively involved in research, publications, and international collaborations in retinal science.
University Hospital Ulm
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for Medical Retina preceptoships
The Department of Ophthalmology at University Hospital Ulm is a leading German centre for comprehensive eye care, research, and education.
It covers a wide range of subspecialties including glaucoma, retina, and cornea, combining advanced diagnostics with surgical expertise. The unit is strongly involved in academic research and international training initiatives.
xLABs Buenos Aires
Collaborating with the ESASO Foundation for a variety of Educational Activities
XLABS (Centro Latinoamericano de Entrenamiento Médico Oftalmológico) is a leading training and simulation centre in Latin America dedicated to ophthalmic education.
Based in Buenos Aires, it provides hands-on surgical training through wet labs, dry labs, and advanced simulation, covering cataract, vitreoretinal, and refractive procedures. As a regional hub, it supports skill development and professional growth for ophthalmologists across the continent.
Institutional Partners
EYE Health Insittute Armenia