Italian ophthalmology congresses

In October 2026, two major national congresses were held in Italy to address advancements in ophthalmology. The XXII National Congress of the Italian Society of University Ophthalmologists (Sou) took place in Chieti-Pescara, focusing on scientific research, technological innovation, and the training of young specialists. Topics included artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and new surgical techniques.

Following this, the V National Congress of the Italian Society of Ophthalmological Sciences (Siso) was held at the Rome Cavalieri Congress Center. The event, which concluded on October 31, featured discussions on medical and surgical retina, cataracts, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology, alongside live surgery sessions and the integration of digital tools. Siso president Teresio Avitabile noted the society’s growth to over 3,000 members and emphasized priorities such as managing waiting lists, simplifying medical procedures, and ensuring timely access to care to prevent vision loss.

Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci participated in institutional sessions, highlighting the role of ophthalmologists in protecting health across all age groups. Schillaci also addressed healthcare budget allocations, including 3.4 billion euros for the health fund and 1.6 billion euros for support services for the elderly and vulnerable.

The Siso congress concluded with a heavy emphasis on the frontiers of medical technology. The program included 1,059 speakers, 148 courses, and 27 live surgical demonstrations covering disciplines such as cornea, refractive surgery, and visual rehabilitation. A dedicated symposium led by Professor Stanislao Rizzo explored the use of artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning, foundation models, and large language models, for the diagnosis and prognosis of ocular diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.