Dr. Irene Raffin was awarded the first edition of “Elda Chierichetti” prize. The ranking list is online.
“Elda Chierichetti” Prize: the ranking list
Research
“Francesco Ferrante” National Optometry Award to Dr. Facchin
Dr. Alessio Facchin, researcher at the Università Mercatorum, Rome, and COMiB’s member, was awarded the 33rd “Francesco Ferrante” National Optometry Award.
Dr. Facchin is a professional who exemplifies the integration of optometry, psychology and scientific research. His career combines academic work, scientific output, university teaching and a commitment to promoting eye health awareness.
For more information about the award motivation, read the news on Ottica Italiana.
“Elda Chierichetti” Prize: call for applications
University of Milano-Bicocca announces a competition for the awarding of the 1st “Elda Chierichetti” Prize to students enrolled, in the 2025/26 academic year, in either the first or second year of the Master’s Degree Programme in Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Milano-Bicocca, as recognition of the quality of a research project idea and to support its implementation in the field of optometry.
The Master’s Degree in Optometry and Vision Science was established in 2024 and is currently the highest-level academic programme in Optometry in Italy.
The prize is established in memory of Elda Chierichetti, who was awarded the title of Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana in 1988. She was a historic figure in Milanese optics and received a civic merit award from the Municipality of Milan in 2002.
The “Elda Chierichetti” prize was established with the aim of supporting excellence in optometry education. Its establishment was strongly supported by both Cristian Scotti, the current owner of Ottica Arnaldo Chierichetti S.r.l., and the University of Milan-Bicocca, which Elda Chierichetti has always supported with conviction, recognizing the value of university education for the growth and advancement of the optometry profession.
Applications must be submitted from 29 May 2026 to 16 June 2026.
For further details, please refer to the call for applications.
COMiB at EAOO 2026
COMIB researchers partecipated in the European Academy in Optometry and Optics (EAOO) 2026 conference, held in Riga from May 15 to 17.
During the Rapid Fire Session I: Optics and Education, Prof. Fabrizio Zeri presented: “Adaptation outcomes with progressive addition spectacle lenses in previously successful and unsuccessful wearers”. An insightful contribution exploring adaptation and wearer experience with progressive addition lenses.
During the Student and Early Career Researcher Session Giulia C. Rizzo presented “Reading performance of elderly and young people at the Rate of Reading Test (RRT)”. Special thanks to HOYA for the support.
An inspiring session at the Contact Lens SIG in collaboration with IACLE: “Current Innovations in Contact Lens and Optometric Education”. A stimulating discussion on innovation, education, and the future of optometric training. Highlights included:
• Evaluation of AI in Assessing Students’ Group Work —prof. Fabrizio Zeri
• Blended Learning: The Challenge of Engaging Participants — prof. Bruce Evans
A valuable opportunity to reflect on how AI and new educational approaches are shaping the future of optometry and contact lens education.
“Attitudes Towards the Use of Silicone Hydrogel Daily Disposable Contact Lenses (Verofilcon A) Among Neophyte Wearers” is online
COMiB at NCC 2026
On March 8th and 9th, COMiB researchers attended the Nederlands Contact lens Congress (NCC) 2026 in Veldhoven.
Prof. Fabrizio Zeri brought a little magic with his talk: “Potions, not poisons: optimizing contact lens solutions for comfort and safety”
Dr. Giulia Carlotta Rizzo presented her reasearch “Experiencing contact lens wear encourages young adults to consider their use: findings from the ATP study”.
Moreover, during the one-hour session “Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research” hosted by IACLE, Fabrizio Zeri and Alison Ng gave the oral presentation “Evaluation of AI in assessing students’ group work”.
MIDO 2026 is coming soon!
Talk by Fabrizio Zeri: ” Dry Eye Workshop III (Dew III) e sua implementazione sui dispositivi CSO”, February 1, 2026 at 01:00 PM, Area B2Eyestg – Hall 1, Booth PR29
Talk by Giulia C. Rizzo: ” Oltre la refrazione: introduzione all’aberrometria oculare”, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM, Hall 3, Booth H22-K21
Don’t miss these events at MIDO2026!
COMiB at the annual congress of the RCLSO society
The COMiB attended the annual congress of the RCLSO society. Dr. Erika Ponzini presented her research “The hidden impact of early wear: Detecting the subtle alterations in tear fluid and contact lens hydration”, highlighting how even subtle changes can affect vision quality and contact lens comfort. A valuable opportunity to share scientific results and strengthen dialogue within the optometric community.
Second Congress in Optics and Optometry at the University of Padua
The COMiB took part in the Second Congress in Optics and Optometry hosted by the University of Padua! In the photo: four Master’s students in Optometry and Vision Science from the University of Milano-Bicocca – two from the Bachelor’s program in Milano-Bicocca and two from the Bachelor’s program in Padua – together with one of the congress organizers and the president of the Master’s program in Milano-Bicocca. A valuable opportunity for exchange and growth, strengthening collaboration between universities and highlighting the role of our students in the scientific community.
Fabrizio Zeri appointed Associate Professor
On September 29, 2025, the University of Milano-Bicocca appointed Professor Fabrizio Zeri as Associate Professor (second tier) in the scientific-disciplinary sector PHYS-06/A – Physics for Life Sciences, the Environment, and Cultural Heritage.
This marks the first time that an Italian university, 25 years after the establishment of the first degree program in Optics and Optometry, has created an associate professorship dedicated to research in the field of optometry and contact lenses—an area in which Professor Zeri has been a pioneer, recognized internationally.
This academic recognition represents a historic step forward for optometric education in Italy.