The “UniForYourEyes – The University for Your Eyes” project, promoted by the University of Milano-Bicocca through COMiB, continues thanks to a partnership with QuBì, the City of Milan’s network combating child poverty in collaboration with the third sector, promoting access to care and visual wellbeing for children and young people in situations of economic and social vulnerability across the city. To find out more about UFYE project and QuBì collaboration, read the news on QuBì website.
optometry
112th National Congress of the Italian Physical Society – Optometry Symposium
The COMiB group and its collaborators participated in the Optometry Symposium of the 112th National Congress of the Italian Physical Society in Firenze on September, 9, with the following oral communications:
- Influence of pupil diameter on Zernike coefficients and objective spherocylindrical refraction obtained by ocular aberrometry presented by Silvia Tavazzi.
- Tribological in-vitro characterization of soft contact lenses at various hydration levels presented by Cherifa Souid.
- Eye movements during reading in naive contact lens wearers fitted with Multifocal Contact Lenses: Implications in relation to Monovision presented by Fabrizio Zeri.
- The effect of defocus incorporated multiple segment spectacle lenses on peripheral visual performance in caucasian young myopes presented by Greta Gianettoni.
- Stability of tear fluid biomarkers under accessible storage conditions assessed by Raman spectroscopy presented by Emiliano Bonera.
- Quantitative evaluation of fluorescein drainage from the eye surface via spectroradiometric monitoring in vivo presented by Erica Ponzini.
- Retinal microvascular imaging and cardiovascular risk: An epidemiological assessment in a BEA study subgroup presented by Giulia Carlotta Rizzo.
- Diplopia optometrical management. Series of case reports presented by Andrea Pirotta.
“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.
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
Optics and Optometry: why in Bicocca?
Watch Federica’s video to find out why you should enroll in the Bachelor’s degree course in Optics and Optometry at the University of Milano-Bicocca.
University corner at MIDO 2026
Thank you all for coming to visit us! You were so many again this year!
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.
Radio24 Meets Optics and Optometry at Milano-Bicocca: Innovation and Future Vision
On June 23, 2025, Smart City, the renowned program on Radio24 hosted by Maurizio Melis, turned the spotlight on a groundbreaking development in the field of vision science. The episode featured Prof. Silvia Tavazzi, Chair of the Bachelor’s Degree in Optics and Optometry and the Master’s Degree in Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Milano-Bicocca.
At the center of the conversation: an exciting innovation involving contact lenses integrated with biocompatible nanoparticles that allow the perception of infrared light. This advancement opens new frontiers not only for vision enhancement but also for potential applications in healthcare, safety, and augmented reality.
Prof. Tavazzi guided listeners through the scientific and technological foundations of the project, offering insights into how research in optics and optometry is shaping the future of visual experiences.
“Effect of publication bias on the evidence supporting the use of myopia control interventions” is online
Download the final version of the paper “Effect of publication bias on the evidence supporting the use of myopia control interventions” by Giulia Carlotta Rizzo, Erika Ponzini, Fabrizio Zeri, and Silvia Tavazzi published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. By clicking on the link before August 09, 2025, you will be taken directly to the latest version of the article, which you are welcome to read or download. No sign up, registration or fees required!