For the Future of Ophthalmology
HEADQUARTERS
Villa Saroli
Viale Stefano Franscini, 9
CH-6901 Lugano (Switzerland)
ESASO Training Centre
Via agli Orti 20, CH-6901 Lugano
Postal Address
c/o BNTA
Via Balestra 17, PO Box 1170 6901 Lugano
Associated with
Moments Worth Seeing,
Lives Worth Living
You can help us create a world where no one has to miss the moments that matter.
with your precious help
ESASO helps Ophthalmology evolve and treatments improve
Eye diseases won't scare us anymore!
For 19 years, we have been dedicated to transforming ophthalmology with a steadfast commitment to patient health.
Our mission is to elevate the global standard of care by advancing treatments, combating diseases, and driving progress through education and research.
the challenge that humanity faces
We take vision for granted, but without it, we won’t be able to learn, walk, read, participate in school, and work.
2,2 Billion
people globally have a near or distance vision impairment.
In at least 1 billion of these, vision impairment could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed.
(Data from the World Health Organisation)
The main reasons to blindness are
Cataract
The main reason for blindness (51% of the cases), it affects around 20 million people globally.
65% of over 65
Glaucoma
Damaging the optical nerve sometime until complete blindness, it affects 111 million people.
4% of over 40
Macular Degeneration
It will affect 288 million people by 2040, ruining their sight and ability to read or drive.
30% of over 75
We strive to advance RESEARCH into innovative techniques and technologies while enhancing medical EDUCATION to empower doctors to deliver the highest standard of care.
SAVING SIGHTS MEANS SAVING LIVES
esaso seeworld project
Globally, just the 17% of people with vision impairment or blindness due to cataract have received access to quality surgery.
Thanks to our Donors, Dr. Mariamo S. A. Mbofana from Mozambique could train for a week in Lugano and is now performing life-changing surgeries in her community.
The ESASO SeeWorld Project is a charitable initiative by ESASO, offering ophthalmologists from underprivileged countries—affected by war, economic hardship, or political instability—the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and attend specialized courses. This program helps them enhance their knowledge, refine their skills, and learn to address specific local challenges in ophthalmology.
Sponsor a SeeWorld Project mission and save a community in a disadvantaged country.
How will your donations be used
SeeWorld Project
Train Ophthalmologists from disadvantaged countries
We aim to organize missions to bring ophthalmologists from underprivileged regions—such as economically challenged African nations or war-affected territories like Ukraine and Syria—to Europe for advanced training.
These missions are designed to equip them with the latest techniques and technologies, along with specialized skills, empowering them to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.
Laboratory Improvement
Upgrading our training microscopes
Upgrading our microscopes is essential to ensure doctors can train using devices similar to those they rely on in their daily practice. This allows them to seamlessly apply the techniques learned during the theoretical portion of the courses.
Optimisation of spaces
Our new laboratory in Lugano, located within the city’s second-largest hospital, features 15 training stations equipped with cutting-edge technology.
We are planning further optimizations, including new tables and chairs, to maximize the space and add more stations. This will enable us to accommodate additional participants and extend our training opportunities to more doctors.
Lesson streaming
Make lessons available to doctors from third world countries
We aim to record the theoretical portions of our courses and make them available—along with the high-quality insights, expert advice, and practical experiences shared by our outstanding faculty—to ophthalmologists in remote regions who are unable to attend in person.
To achieve this, we plan to purchase and install a recording and streaming system in our Theory Room in Lugano.
Artificial Intelligence implementation
Train a Ophthalmology-competent Language Model
We strongly believe in the transformative power of technology and are committed to leveraging advancements in computer science to enhance patient care.
In line with this vision, we are planning to train an artificial language model specifically on ophthalmology cases. This innovation aims to assist doctors in their practice and revolutionize the way treatments are delivered.
Supporting our efforts means contributing to the future of medicine and creating a lasting impact on healthcare.
Your support to make an impact
100 CHF helps us improve the bring our Education all around the world with streaming technologies
1’000 CHF help us organize a new SeeWorld Project mission
10’000 CHF help us upgrade our laboratories and improve the skills of ophthalmologists and their service to the patient
ESASO is registered as a non-profit Foundation. Your donation is tax deducible, contact your Bank or Credit Institute to learn more.
Why partnering with us (For Corporations)
By sponsoring our programs, your company can be part of a global mission to enhance eye care education and save sight. Showcase your commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Benefits for corporate partners: brand visibility, positive PR, and making a global impact.