93994 - Integration Between Biomedical Research, and Health Care Professionals in Ophthalmology

Learning outcomes

The student will develop a solid understanding of the concept of translational medicine, with specific reference to its application in ophthalmology. Emphasis will be placed on the process of translating findings from preclinical research into clinical practice, particularly in the context of eye diseases. Glaucoma will serve as a key example to illustrate translational approaches from bench to bedside.

Connection with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The content of this module aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting early diagnosis and innovative management of ocular diseases as a tool for prevention and care in systemic and neurodegenerative conditions.
It also contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing advanced, interdisciplinary training for future physicians, and to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by encouraging the integration of high-tech diagnostics and translational research in ophthalmology.

 

Course contents

   1, The Ocular System as a Window into Systemic
and Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Understand how ocular signs can reflect systemic and neurological disorders

• Recognize the main ocular manifestations that may serve as early indicators of systemic disease
  
  2.The Role of Functional Testing and High-Tech Imaging in Ocular Diseases

• Explore the most relevant functional tests and imaging technologies currently used in ophthalmology

• Understand the contribution of these tools to diagnosis, monitoring, and research in ocular diseases
  
  3. Biomarkers of Systemic and Neurodegenerative Diseases in Ocular Fluids: Tears, Aqueous Humor, Vitreous Humor

• Understand the role of tear, aqueous humor, and vitreous analysis in translational research
  
  4. Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration and Frontiers in Neuroprotection in Glaucomatous Disease

• Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying retinal ganglion cell loss in glaucoma

• Analyze current strategies and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at neuroprotection and slowing disease progression

Readings/Bibliography

Materials provided by the teacher, and references from the Literature, available on the Virtuale platform

Teaching methods

The module includes 1 CFU  provided through in-person, instructor-led lectures. Language Italian , slides in english

Assessment methods

The course will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.
To obtain a “pass”, students are required to actively participate in class and attend more than 66% of the scheduled sessions.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, mobile app for interactive teaching.