Fondazione Bietti – Rome: The Pinnacle of Advanced Ophthalmology and Translational Research in the Heart of Italy

 

In the historic heart of Rome lies an ophthalmology institution that prefers the distinguished title of “Scientific and Medical Centre” over a simple “hospital”. The IRCCS Fondazione G.B. Bietti is a unique example of the integration of super‑specialised clinical care with pioneering vision research. Founded in 1984 by the pupils of Professor Giovan Battista Bietti, its mission has always been to advance ophthalmological knowledge for the benefit of society and the Italian National Health Service. In 2005, the Italian Ministry of Health officially recognised this non‑profit institution as a “Scientific Institute for Hospitalisation and Treatment” (IRCCS) in ophthalmology. This prestigious designation – awarded only to centres with outstanding standards in translational research, clinical services, and health management – signifies Bietti’s unparalleled status in the European healthcare landscape.

 

The Integrated “Research–Treatment” Model: The Core of Excellence

 

The main distinction of the Bietti Foundation is its steadfast commitment to the “translational research” model. Within this model, the boundary between laboratory and clinic dissolves. Foundational scientific discoveries are directly and rapidly transformed into new diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, while patient clinical data feeds back to illuminate future research paths. This continuous cycle opens the doors to “personalised medicine” for each patient. The foundation is also recognised by the EVICR.net network as a “European Centre of Excellence for Clinical Trials” in vision sciences.

 

Specialised and Super‑Specialised Ophthalmology Services

 

The clinical activities of this institute are concentrated at the Presidio Ospedaliero Britannico in Rome, operating under the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Operative Unit. A strong team of 31 ophthalmologists and 12 orthoptists/assistants provides a wide range of services. The activity structure is designed so that after an initial “comprehensive visit” – which forms the cornerstone of all prevention and treatment – the patient is referred to super‑specialised clinics as needed.

 

Specialised research and treatment units include:

 

· Glaucoma, Anterior Segment and Ocular Adnexa: Diagnosis and management of ocular hypertension and optic nerve damage using the most advanced monitoring techniques.

· Medical Retina and Surgery: Treatment of diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment.

· Ocular Oncology and Toxicology: Specialised management of ocular tumours.

· Visual Neurophysiology and Neuro‑Ophthalmology: Diagnosis and treatment of neurologically based eye diseases.

 

The institute also serves as a referral centre for rare and genetic ocular diseases.

 

Advanced Diagnostic Technologies: Precision in Detail

 

The eye, due to its unique transparency, is an ideal window for assessing health. The Bietti Foundation leverages this characteristic by utilising a suite of advanced imaging and functional assessment technologies.

 

Key diagnostic techniques by ocular segment:

 

· Anterior Segment (Cornea, Lens): Corneal topography, anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy.

· Retina: Morphological and angiographic OCT, fluorescein angiography, microperimetry, autofluorescence.

· Glaucoma: Perimetry (visual field test), OCT of the optic nerve and ganglion cells, angiographic OCT.

· Neuro‑Ophthalmology: Electroretinogram (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), visual field testing.

 

Scientific Leadership and Psychological Care Approach

 

The scientific direction of the institute is entrusted to Professor Monica Varano, who oversees the overall research path. The philosophy of care at Bietti extends beyond physical treatment. With a deep understanding of the anxiety and emotional vulnerability patients face – especially when threatened with vision loss – the foundation has created a safe and supportive environment. A focus on “patient satisfaction” and “clinical quality and risk management” is embedded in the institute’s formal structure, meaning that patient feedback directly leads to continuous improvement actions. This trust‑ and confidence‑based approach is an inseparable part of the treatment process.

 

Communication Channels and International Admission

 

The Bietti Foundation is accessible to Italian citizens through the National Health Service (SSN) and also provides its services to international patients.

 

Contact Information and Access

 

· Ophthalmology Centre (Inpatient and Outpatient Care):

· Address: Via di S. Stefano Rotondo, 6 – 00184 Roma, Italy.

· Phone: +39 06 85356727

· Email: info@fondazionebietti.it

· Operating Hours (Outpatient Care): Monday to Friday: 7:30 – 19:30 | Saturday: 7:30 – 13:30

· Legal Headquarters and Training Centre:

· Address: Via Livenza, 3 – 00198 Roma, Italy

· Scientific Management Email: direzionescientifica@fondazionebietti.it

· Appointment Booking: Appointments are scheduled with a medical prescription, by phone during the specified office hours.

· Access: Easily accessible via multiple metro lines (A, B, B1, C), tram, and numerous bus lines from various points in Rome – including landmarks such as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Colosseum, and Termini Railway Station.