Curriculum
CURRENT POSITIONS
- Associate Professor in Ophthalmology at the Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- Ophthalmologist at the University Hospital of Ferrara (HCP: Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ferrara, Italy)
EDUCATIONS
- 1992, Degree of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- 1997, Specialization in Ophthalmology at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- 2004, Degree of Philosophical Doctor (PhD) in "Disabling diseases secondary to inherited and environmental risk factors" at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
QUALIFICATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- 1992, Professional Certification as Medical Doctor (Certification n. 01633)
- 2000, Master in "Rehabilitation of low vision adult patient" (University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Italy)
- 2000, winner of the "Poster of Medicine - City of Salerno" award, assigned by the Study Center "Trotula de Ruggiero" Onlus Foundation during the National Course of Updating in Pediatrics (Paestum, Salerno, Italy) for the poster "Quantitative evaluation of retinal venous tortuosity in patients with β-thalassemia major"
- 2005, contributor of the London Dysmorphology & Neurogenetics Databases OMIM (GENEYE Section www.lmdatabases.com/about_lmd.html) as responsible for the data published in the scientific article "Macular coloboma in siblings affected by different phenotypes of retinitis pigmentosa"
- 2007, expert of the matter for the Scientific Disciplinary Sector MED/30 "Visual Apparatus Diseases" - attribution of the Faculty Council of the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- 2008, winner of the "Genomic Pioneers" award assigned by Ocimum Biosolutions BV (IJsselstein - Utrecht, The Netherlands) during the International Human Genome Meeting 2008 (Hyderabad, India)
- 2010, contributor of the Genetic Association Database (GAD - http://geneticassociationdb.nih.gov/) as responsible for the data published in the scientific article "Coagulation-balance genetic predictors for efficacy of photodynamic therapy in occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration"
- 2011, contributor of the Genetic Association Database (http://geneticassociationdb.nih.gov/) as responsible for the data published in the scientific article "Predictive role of coagulation-balance gene polymorphisms in the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for classic choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration"
- 2020, National Scientific Qualification for the role of full professor in ophthalmology authorized until 14 Jan 2029 (Call 2018-2020 of the Italian Ministry of Education University and Research) - 2023, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification (expiration 26 Jun 2026)
MAIN AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Retinal diseases
- Low-vision and vision rehabilitation
- Ophthalmic genetics
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
- from 2001 to 2003, PhD student in "Disabling diseases secondary to inherited and environmental risk factors" at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2002 to 2003, principal investigator of the project "Epidemiologic and phenotypic management of vision-threatening diseases characterized by genetic inheritance or risk factors" supported by the Young Researcher Funding of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2003 to 2005, co-investigator of the multicenter project "Morphological and functional evaluation of the eye before and after surgical refractive correction" (Protocol: 2003069218; Program of Scientific Research of Relevant National Interest - PRIN 2003) co-financed by the Ministry of Education University and Research at the Eye Clinic of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2003 to 2005, local coordinator of the multicenter study "Evaluation of intraocular pressure lowering-effect of Xalacom in patients with POAG or OH" (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00143208) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2004 to 2007, research grants on "Effectiveness profile e safety of topical drugs used in the treatment of chronic glaucoma" at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2006 to 2007, local coordinator of the multicenter study "At six-week, multicenter, randomized, double-masked study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two dosing regimens of travoprost 0.004% / timolol 0.5% once-daily morning dosing and once-daily evening dosing vs. dorzolamide 2% / timolol 0.5% eye drops twice daily in subjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension" (EudraCT Number: 2005-004767-34) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2008 to 2011, study coordinator of the project "Healthcare implementation for the clinical-rehabilitative management of patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa or other vision-disabling diseases" co-financed by the Ministry of Health in accordance with the Law n. 284/1997 (Deliberations of the Veneto Regional Council n. 3229/2009 and n. 3420/2010) at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- from 2011 to 2012, local coordinator of the multicenter study "A phase III, randomized, double-masked 6-month clinical study to compare the efficacy and safety of the preservative-free fixed-dose combination of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% eye drops to those of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% eye drops given as individual monotherapies in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension" (EudraCT Number: 2010-022965-82) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2011 to 2014, local coordinator and substitute principal investigator of the multicenter project "Pharmacogenetic factors for the efficacy assessment of combined treatments in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration" (Project Code: PRIN-2009NZAZSJ; Program of Scientific Research of Relevant National Interest – PRIN 2009) co-financed by the Ministry of Education University and Research at the Eye Clinic of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2011 to 2018, study coordinator of the project "Healthcare continuity for the clinical-rehabilitative management of patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa or other vision-disabling diseases" co-financed by the Ministry of Health in accordance with the Law n. 284/1997 (Deliberations of the Veneto Regional Council n. 2331/2011, n. 2454/2012, n. 2349/2013, n. 2826/2014, Deliberations of Director of the Unit Primary Healthcare of the Veneto Region n. 42/2016 and n. 92/2017) at Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- from 2012 to 2015, study coordinator of the project "Targeted genealogic implementation for the clinical phenotyping and biobanking of patients with inherited chorioretinal degenerations" (Project Code: 330/2010) supported by the funding for the healthcare research of the Veneto Region (Call 2010 - Deliberation of the Veneto Regional Council n. 1000/2012) at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- from 2014 to 2016, principal investigator of the healthcare research program "Single or combined protocols for the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: compliance, risk/benefit and cost/benefit ratios" (Project Code: PRUA2-2013-00002008; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03552770) supported by the funding for the healthcare research of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Call 2013 - Deliberation of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Council n. 1939/2013) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2014 to 2017, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "A phase 3 randomized, double-masked, controlled trial to establish the safety and efficacy of intravitreous administration of Fovista (anti PDGF-B pegylated aptamer) administered in combination with Lucentis compared to Lucentis monotherapy in subjects with subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration" (EudraCT Number: 2013-002997-33) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2015 to 2016, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "A phase 3 randomized, double-masked, controlled trial to establish the safety and efficacy of intravitreous administration of Fovista (anti PDGF-B pegylated aptamer) administered in combination with either Avastin or Eylea compared to Avastin or Eylea monotherapy in subjects with subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration" (EudraCT Number: 2013-003018-42) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2015 to 2019, local coordinator of the multicenter study "Argus II retinal prosthesis system post-market surveillance study protocol" (Argus II PM-01-01; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01490827) supported by the Veneto Region as pilot project of visual rehabilitation for the autonomy improvement of patients with total blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (Deliberation of the Veneto Regional Council n. 2314/2014) at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- from 2019 to 2023, principal investigator and national coordinator of the multicenter project "Patient's self-monitoring with preferential hyperacuity perimetry and unconventional tele-monitoring procedures provided by out-patient clinic services in decision-making process to determine the necessity of intravitreal retreatment with anti-angiogenic drugs in patients affected by neovascular age-related macular degeneration" (Project Code: RF-2016-02362267) co-financed by the Ministry of Health within the program of national healthcare research (Deliberation of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Council n. 537/2018) at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2020 to 2022, local coordinator of the multicenter study "Natural history of patients with inherited retinal diseases due to mutations in RPE65 gene" (RPE65-NHS - ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04525261) supported by Retina Italia Onlus at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- 2020, author of the software program “DELTA-S3” (comparative test among visual acuities), recorded in the Special Public Register for Computer Programs of the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE Registration No. D000013913 of 21 Aug 2020 - Owner: University of Ferrara)
- from 2020 to 2023, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "A phase 3 multicenter, randomized, double masked, sham-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal administration of Zimura (complement C5 inhibitor) in patients with geographic atrophy secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (GATHER1)" (EudraCT Number: 2020-000676-38) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2022 to 2023, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "Retrospective chart review study combined with cross-sectional patient and caregiver surveys to document and describe the disease-related clinical, individual, sociodemographic characteristics of patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) and the impact of XLRP on patients and their caregivers (EXPLORE XLPR-2)" (Study Code: NOPRODRPG0001) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2023 to present, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "An open-label extension (ole) phase 3 trial to assess the safety of intravitreal administration of avacincaptad pegol (complement C5 inhibitor) in patients with geographic atrophy who previously completed phase 3 study ISEE2008 (GATHER2)" (EudraCT Number: 2022-002860-59) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2023 to present, member of the Italian Team of the international project SeeMyLife, selected by the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases (EJR-RD) and co-founded by the European Union (web-page https://www.ern-eye.eu/see-my-life-research-project/)
- from 2024 to present, local principal investigator of the multicenter study "A phase 2b, randomized, double-masked, multicenter, dose-ranging, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate intravitreal JNJ-81201887 (AAVCAGsCD59) compared to sham procedure for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - PARASOL" (EudraCT Number: 2022-500746-16-00 - Janssen Study: 81201887MDG2001) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2024 to present, local coordinator of the multicenter study "A randomized, partially masked, controlled, phase 3 clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RGX-314 gene therapy in participants with nAMDA (ASCENT)" (EudraCT Number: 2023-503666-23 – Study Code: RGX-314-3101) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2024 to present, local coordinator of the multicenter study "A post-authorization, multicenter, multinational, longitudinal, observational safety registry study for patients treated with voretigene neparvovec (PASS)" (Study Code: CLTW888A1240) at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region (Civil Hospital of Camposampiero, Padova, Italy)
- from 2024 to present, local principal investigator of the multicenter study " Global patient registry of inherited retinal diseases (IRD Registry)" (Study Code: NOPRODRPG0002 - ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05957276) carried out at the Operative Unit of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy)
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY
- 2005, professor at the unit "Educational tools and training technologies for the autonomy of visually impaired and blind people" organized by the Center for Research, Innovation and Distance Education (CARID) - University of Ferrara (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2007-2008, adjunct professor at the Degree Course of Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from the Academic Year 2008-2009 to present, professor at the Degree Course of Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from the Academic Year 2008-2009 to present, professor at the School of Specialization in Ophthalmology of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from the Academic Year 2009-2010 to present, professor at the Degree Course of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from the Academic Year 2015-2016 to the Academic Year 2022-2023, professor at the Degree Course of Professional Education at the University of Trento (Italy)
- 2016, visiting professor at the University Pierre and Marie Curie presenting a lecture entitled "Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration: role of inflammation in retinal cells damage" (UPMC Seminar Series / Genethon France - 18 November 2016, Evry, France)
- in the Academic Year 2016-2017, referee of PhD theses for the Faculty Board of the Doctorate Course in Biomedicine of the University of Padova (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2016-2017, referee of PhD theses for the Faculty Board of the Doctorate Course in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine of the University of Brescia (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2017-2018, referee of PhD theses for the Faculty Board of the Doctorate Course in Biomedicine of the University of Padova (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2017-2018, referee of PhD Theses for the Faculty Board of the Tuscany Doctorate Course in Neuroscience of the University of Firenze (Italy)
- from 2017 to 2018, member of the Faculty Board of Doctorate Course in Molecular Medicine (PhD - DOT1309791) at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2018-2019, referee of PhD theses for the Faculty Board of the Doctorate Course in Biomedicine of the University of Padova (Italy)
- in the Academic Year 2018-2019, referee of PhD theses for the Faculty Board of the Tuscany Doctorate Course in Neuroscience of the University of Firenze (Italy)
- 2019, professor at the II-level master "Clinics of glaucoma" at the University of Molise, presenting the topics of "Classification of glaucoma" and "Evolution of the concept of glaucomatous disease" (UNIMOL Management - 28 March 2019, Campobasso, Italy)
- 2020, lecturer at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital of Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) presenting the webinar lecture "Role of inflammation in retinal degeneration" (KKESH Global Education Form / Retina Division - 1 July 2020)
- from 2020 to present, member of the Faculty Board of Doctorate Course in Advanced Therapies and Experimental Pharmacology (PhD - DOT209A27E) at the University of Ferrara (Italy)
SCIENTIFIC, EDITORIAL AND MANAGERIAL ACTIVITIES
- Author of 143 scientific articles, of which 129 published in indexed scientific journal (on 23 January 2025 the metrics of publication at the web-site www.scopus.com were: H-index = 28 and total citations = 2962) and 8 book’s chapters; a total of over 100 scientific communications have been presented as posters or papers at international and national conferences
- 2002, editor of the scientific book entitled "Clinical and rehabilitative managements of low-vision patient" (Francesco Parmeggiani, Elisabeth Milan and Piero Steindler Eds.) 2002; Fabiano Editore, Canelli (AT); ISBN: 88-87333-63-7
- from 2003 to 2006, scientific representative at the Regional Committee of the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Onlus) - Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of the Veneto Region (Italy)
- from 2008 to present, scientific referent for the University of Ferrara at the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of the Veneto Region, authorized by the Ministry of Health as national reference Center of vision rehabilitation and established by the Veneto Region in accordance with the Law n. 284/1997 (Deliberation of the Veneto Regional Council n. 4095/2003)
- 2009, manager and coordinator of the course “Degenerative diseases of the optic nerve and retina: up-to-date”, certified as event for Continuous Education in Medicine (Event Code: VEN-FOR30918; Organizer Code: VEN-ORG148)
- from 2009 to present, member of the National Scientific Committee of Retina Italia ODV Association (Italy)
- 2010, reviewer of research projects on ocular rare diseases for the Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research (Spain)
- 2010, member of the Working Group on Rare Eye Diseases of the Inter-regional Area of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto Adige, to schedule personalized therapeutic plans for patients of ophthalmic pertinence (Center for Rare Diseases of Veneto Region, Padova, Italy)
- 2010, member of the Working Group of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) for the drafting of the Regional Guidelines "Intravitreal therapies with anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of the exudative maculopathy and of the neovascular glaucoma" (Deliberation of the General Direction for Health and Social Policies of the Emilia-Romagna Region n. 611/2010)
- from 2010 to 2011, guest editor of the special issue "Clinics, Epidemiology and Genetics of Retinitis Pigmentosa" published in the international indexed scientific journal "Current Genomics" (ISSN: 1389-2029 - print; ISSN: 1875-5488 - online; Bentham Science Publishers, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
- from 2010 to 2021, Member of the Interdepartmental Scientific Committee of the Center Hemostasis and Thrombosis of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- 2011, reviewer of research projects on ocular diseases of the retina for the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (France)
- 2012, reviewer of research projects on ocular rare diseases for the Fighting Blindness Ireland – MRCG/HRB (Ireland)
- 2012, reviewer of research projects on ocular rare diseases for the E-Rare / ERA-Net (European Commission EU-FP7)
- from 2012 to 2013, member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific indexed journal "World Journal of Pharmacology" (ISSN: 2220-3192)
- from 2013 to 2016, member of the Scientific Commission 06 (Medical and Surgical Sciences) for the evaluation of the financing proposals in the context of the Local Research Funding (FAR) call of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2014 to 2015, member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific indexed journal "Jacobs Journal of Ophthalmology" (ISSN: 2469-3057)
- from 2014 to 2021, Member of the Interdepartmental Executive Board of the Center Hemostasis and Thrombosis of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- from 2015 to 2016, member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific indexed journal "Ophthalmology Open Journal" (ISSN: 2475-1278)
- from 2015 to 2016, member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific indexed journal "International Journal of Ophthalmology & Vision Research" (ISSN: 2640-5660)
- from 2016 to 2021, scientific representative at the Regional Committee of the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Onlus) - Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy)
- from 2017 to 2018, member of the Editorial Board of the international scientific journal named "EC Ophthalmology" (National Library of Medicine / NLM ID: 101704160)
- from 2017 to present, scientific representative of the Center for Retinitis Pigmentosa of Veneto Region at ERN-EYE European Reference Network for the care of people with rare eye diseases (Working Group 1: Retinal Rare Eye Diseases; Transversal Working Group 5: Low Vision, Daily Life and Patients Groups) - procedure n. 2014/287/EU of European Commission validated by European Reference Network Board of EU Member States on 15 December 2016
- from 2017 to present, member of Academy of Sciences of Ferrara (Italy) as aggregate associate in the medical sciences category (Decree of Nomination of the Ministry of Cultural Activities of 24 May 2017)
- 2018, expert for the evaluation of projects related to the funding applications for additional PhD scholarships of the National Operational Program (PON) Research and Innovation 2014-2020 (ANVUR - National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes)
- from 2021 to present, Coordinator of the School of Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Assistance at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention of the University of Ferrara (Italy)
- 2022, invited expert of the COMP meeting entitled “Inherited Retinal Dystrophies and Orphan Designations” [Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products organized by EMA (European Medicines Agency) whose work has then been matter of scientific publication (Moseley J et al. Eur J Ophthalmol 34: 1631-1641; 2024)]
- from 2022 to present, Luxturna’s team coordinator at Camposampiero Hospital (Azienda ULSS 6 Euganea, Italy) certified Center for gene therapy with voretigene neparvovec - Decree 155/2022 of the Healthcare General Director of Veneto Region)
- from 2022 to present, Member of the Executive Board and Vice-President of the Italian Society of Genetic Ophthalmology (SIOG)
- from 2023 to present, Head of the Program for Low-Vision Prevention and Visual Rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Ferrara (HCP: Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ferrara, Italy)
MAIN AREAS OF RESEARCH
- Clinical management of exudative macular diseases
- Genotype-phenotype correlation of inherited retinal dystrophies - Advanced assessment of macular vision
- Methods of monitoring of inherited retinal dystrophies
