Molinette Hospital in Turin performs world‑first eye autotransplant, restoring sight to Elena

Molinette Hospital eye autotransplant Michele Reibaldi Elena macula transplant

Surgeons at Molinette Hospital, part of the Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin, led by Professor Michele Reibaldi, carried out the first ever autotransplant of an eye’s anterior segment together with the macula from one eye to the other. The six‑hour operation transferred a block of tissue that included the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and, for the first time worldwide, the central retina (macula).

The patient, Elena, a 67‑year‑old woman, had been totally blind for more than five years after a traffic accident that destroyed the optic nerve of her left eye and caused severe damage to the retina and cornea of her right eye. By moving the healthy tissues from the non‑functioning left eye to the right eye, doctors enabled her to regain visual perception. Clinical checks confirmed successful graft integration and a gradual recovery of sight. Elena was accompanied throughout her stay by her guide dog, Joe, who was permitted to remain in the hospital ward alongside her.

Entities: Città della Salute e della Scienza (Turin) · Elena · Joe (guide dog) · Molinette Hospital · Prof. Michele Reibaldi · Professor Michele Reibaldi · Turin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 14 SOURCES] The operation lasted about six hours. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] The surgery was carried out at Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] Elena lost vision after a traffic accident that irreversibly damaged the optic nerve of her left eye and severely injured the retina of her right eye. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] The transplanted tissue included cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and the macula. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] An autotransplant of the anterior segment and central retina (macula) from one eye to the other was performed for the first time in medical history. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] Professor Michele Reibaldi led the surgical team. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] The patient, Elena, 67, regained sight after more than five years of total blindness. (multiple sources)
[● 14 SOURCES] Elena’s guide dog, Joe, was allowed to stay with her in the hospital. (multiple sources)