On 28- 6-1982, he graduated in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Bari. On 16-7-1986, he completed is general ophthalmology residency at the University of Bari.
From November 1986 to April 2005, Prof. Avitabile was head of the Retina and Ultrasonography service of the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Catania.
In 2001, he was nominated Associate Professor in Ophthalmology.
In 2006, he was nominated Full Professor in Ophthalmology at the University of Catania.
From June 2005 to November 2012, Chairman of the Second Eye Clinic – University of Catania. Since November 2012, Chairman of both, First and Second Eye Clinics – University of Catania.
Author of more than 350 publications in several national and international scientific journals. Main interest of Prof Avitabile is vitreoretinal surgery. Prof Avitabile has performed more than 7000 surgeries.