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About ESASO Foundation
The beginning
Much more than a school
The ESASO Foundation was born as a school to answer need of ophthalmology graduates wishing to specialise and refine their skills, but rapidly evolved into something more.
In order to really impact the well-being of the population, the ESASO Foundation put its passion and efforts into building something that could propagate and positively affect the lives of people far away from Lugano, across the globe, and around the world.
This is the time when our mission changed, our vision widened, and our values were carved in stone.
Our Mission
ESASO Foundation exists to deliver world-class ophthalmic education that is rigorous, practical, and ethically grounded. We want to empower eye health professionals globally to treat patients with skill, confidence, and compassion, and help raise the global standard of eye care for the benefit of all communities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where the highest standards of ophthalmic knowledge, innovation, and clinical practice are shared globally — not as a privilege, but as a common resource.
Our impact every year
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Every ophthalmologist trained by the ESASO Foundation becomes a multiplier of impact.
The knowledge and skills gained at one of our courses don’t stop in the classroom, they extend across an entire career, reaching thousands of patients and families.
By investing in one doctor, we help elevate the standard of care for entire communities, creating a ripple effect that grows far beyond a single learning experience.
4 PRINCIPLES
What moves us
Our work is guided by four principles that shape every ESASO initiative.
They are not abstract values, but concrete commitments: protecting educational independence, making high-level training accessible, sharing knowledge globally, and acting with social responsibility.
Together, these pillars ensure that what we build today strengthens physicians — and ultimately improves the lives of patients worldwide.