San Donato Hospital
Ophthalmology in Italy typically costs between $3,300 and $8,500. Final expenses depend on the complexity of the surgical technique, the type of lens implants used, and the clinical facility chosen. International patients often find 30-50% savings compared to the US for advanced vision correction procedures.
Typical Ophthalmology Costs in Italy
Major eye care centers are located in Milan, Rome, and Turin. While specialized research hospitals in Milan may have higher rates due to advanced technology, facilities in smaller hubs can offer lower pricing. Consult with a specialist to get accurate pricing for your specific case.
| Italy | Turkey | Austria | |
| Vitrectomy | from $4,000 | from $2,300 | from $4,500 |
| Strabismus treatment | from $2,200 | from $900 | from $2,500 |
| Strabismus surgery | from $2,500 | from $1,100 | from $3,000 |
| Retinal detachment surgery | from $5,500 | from $1,500 | from $7,500 |
| ReLEx SMILE eye surgery | from $2,500 | from $1,800 | from $2,200 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Ophthalmology treatment upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Ophthalmology treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Ophthalmology treatment journey.
Leader in retinal diseases – Dr. Bandello has received multiple international awards and leads key European ophthalmology organizations.
Written by Anna Shchur
Written by Kateryna Zamkovska
Written by Anna Shchur
Written by Mariia Mytrofankina
Top-rated ophthalmology clinics in Italy include San Raffaele and San Donato Hospital in Milan. These centers are known for advanced retinal surgery and cataract treatments. San Raffaele holds IRCCS accreditation. Prof. Dr. Francesco Bandello leads its specialized eye department. It treats over 300,000 patients annually.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinics with IRCCS accreditation, like San Raffaele and San Donato, function as elite research hubs. They handle a high volume of 300,000 patients yearly. This scale allows surgeons to see rare cases daily. It translates to higher success rates for complex retinal detachment or pediatric eye conditions.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that visiting top Milan centers provides a clear and careful examination. They appreciate the attentive attitude of doctors who use advanced computer research during consultations.
Italian eye clinics utilize high-precision diagnostic imaging and robotic laser platforms to treat vision disorders. Facilities like San Raffaele in Milan integrate clinical research with advanced care. Patients access technologies like femtosecond lasers, AI-powered retinal screening, and widefield imaging systems for early disease detection.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian ophthalmology centers like San Raffaele manage massive patient volumes, exceeding 300,000 cases annually. This scale allows departments led by experts like Dr. Francesco Bandello to serve as primary sites for international clinical trials. Patients often gain early access to emerging therapies before they reach the global market.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors are exceptionally thorough. During a single exam, it is common for the lead specialist to bring in additional colleagues for specialized computer-aided research to ensure total accuracy.
Recovery from eye surgery in Italy typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for complete healing. Most patients resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Vision often stabilizes by week 4. Restrictions include avoiding heavy lifting and swimming for 2 to 4 weeks to prevent complications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that patients choosing clinics within the GVM Care & Research network, like Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, benefit from integrated recovery protocols. These facilities often coordinate directly with specialized medical spas like the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic. This connection ensures a seamless transition from clinical surgery to medically monitored convalescence in a relaxing environment.
Patient Consensus: Patients suggest staying in rural Tuscany or Lake Garda to avoid city dust and pollution during healing. They emphasize following strict clinic rules regarding screen time and air travel for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Italian ophthalmology centers extensively cater to English-speaking patients within the private sector. Leading facilities in Milan and Rome employ multilingual specialists. These centers provide dedicated international departments to manage medical translations and logistics. Research hospitals like San Raffaele offer expert retinal care with fluent English-speaking staff.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear trend where Milan-based clinics like San Raffaele and San Donato attract the highest international volume. These facilities integrate advanced research with clinical practice. Patients often find that the most specialized English-speaking surgeons are concentrated in these large research hospitals. This environment guarantees access to the latest retinal and corneal technologies.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm local translation support when booking. Many report that while surgeons speak perfect English, having a dedicated translator helps navigate administrative paperwork and pre-operative tests smoothly.
Intravitreal injections in Italy are safe and strictly regulated by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). Clinics such as San Raffaele use sterile theatres or mobile laminar flow systems. These systems maintain ultra-clean air zones. This focus on sterility keeps infection rates exceptionally low for patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian research hospitals such as San Raffaele perform over 52,000 operations annually. This high volume means their retinal units have handled almost every complex case type. Patients benefit from this collective experience. Many lead specialists also serve as principal investigators in global clinical trials.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the medical teams are very attentive. They often involve multiple specialists for imaging to provide a thorough diagnosis. The Italian experience is distinct for its careful approach. Professional translators are also present to assist during consultations.
Australian patients can find qualified English-speaking ophthalmologists in Italy by prioritising large research hospitals (IRCCS) in Milan and Rome. These institutions often employ specialists like Dr Francesco Bandello who hold international leadership roles. Verifying registration with the FNOMCeO ensures the practitioner is a specialist (oculista), not an optometrist.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian research hospitals, known as IRCCS, provide more oversight than small private offices. Major centres like San Raffaele in Milan manage 300,000+ patients annually. These facilities usually provide medical translators and digital records. Australian patients can easily share these with their local GP or optometrist.
Patient Consensus: Specialists at major Milanese hospitals provide thorough examinations, often involving several consultants. Patients suggest confirming translator availability before arriving. This helps maintain clear communication about retina issues or surgical plans.
International patients access specialised glaucoma and keratoconus care at Italy's leading research hospitals and private clinics. Key hubs include San Raffaele and San Donato in Milan. These facilities provide micro-drainage implants for glaucoma and specialised cross-linking for keratoconus progression.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many choose large hospitals, patients often find faster access through premium wings like La Madonnina Clinic. These facilities share resources with research hubs like San Donato. However, they significantly reduce waiting times for diagnostic consultations. This is a vital advantage for patients needing urgent keratoconus stabilisation.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Italy value the meticulous research-based approach and thorough computer diagnostics during consultations. They often find that specialist translators effectively bridge the gap during complex retinal examinations.
Australian patients must account for recovery times and logistical hurdles before seeking refractive surgery in Italy. Long-haul flights require a 14-day wait to prevent healing issues from cabin pressure. Specialist clinics in Milan and Rome follow strict European Union safety standards for laser procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian clinics with IRCCS status, like San Raffaele or San Donato, serve as research institutes. Surgeons here often use new laser platforms before they reach general clinics. Patients should look for these academic hubs in Milan for precise mapping and ablation technology.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Italian specialists perform detailed screenings including corneal topography. They find the staff attentive. They also value clinics that arrange professional interpreters to explain retinal data clearly.
Australians with eye emergencies in Italy should dial 112 or visit a public hospital Pronto Soccorso immediately. Under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, valid Medicare card holders receive essential treatment. Sudden vision loss or chemical burns require urgent triage at specialised ophthalmic units.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Public hospitals handle immediate trauma, but Milan is a primary hub for complex eye care. San Raffaele Hospital manages 52,000+ annual operations. It is led by internationally recognised specialists like Dr Francesco Bandello. Choosing a facility with IRCCS research accreditation ensures access to retinal diagnostics not always available in smaller clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Italy report that ophthalmologists provide thorough research during appointments and offer attentive care. They suggest bringing a concise medication list and prior surgery history to help staff speed up the triage process.
Private healthcare is the primary route for visitors or residents seeking immediate eye surgery in Italy. Public systems face 6–24 month backlogs for elective procedures like cataract surgery. Private centres like San Raffaele in Milan provide rapid scheduling and premium materials. These include multifocal and toric lens implants.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Northern cities like Milan are healthcare hubs but often have higher costs. Our data reveals clinics like Maria Cecilia Hospital near Bologna provide JCI-accredited care. They handle 9,000 annual cases with lower overheads. They also include airport transfers from Bologna. This simplifies logistics for those travelling with impaired vision.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the depth of research during appointments in Italy. This often involves multiple specialists for complex retinal scans. They suggest confirming all follow-up visits and emergency contacts before surgery to support the recovery phase.
International patients can buy dry eye treatments over the counter in Italy. Medications for eye infections require a doctor's prescription. Local pharmacies, marked by a green cross, stock preservative-free lubricants. Specialists like Dr Francesco Bandello at San Raffaele provide assessments for prescription-only treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian research hospitals, such as San Raffaele or Humanitas, hold IRCCS or JCI accreditations. These centres combine clinical care with academic research. Patients visiting these facilities often receive more detailed diagnostics, such as retinal imaging. This helps identify the correct medication for complex infections that standard pharmacies cannot treat.
Patient Consensus: Patients find Italian ophthalmologists conduct very thorough examinations. These often involve multiple specialists for complex retinal cases. They note that a clear medical plan with generic drug names makes substituting medicines easier.