Dr Alessandro Arrigo, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University in Milan, Italy, has rapidly established himself as a leading figure in the field. After earning his medical degree with distinction from the University of Messina in 2015, he pursued specialized training in ophthalmology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, completing his residency in 2020, also with top honours.
Dr Arrigo’s expertise lies in medical retina and anterior segment surgery, areas in which he actively contributes through clinical practice, research and participation in international collaborations. With already over 160 publications in peer-reviewed journals, his work is helping to shape the future of ophthalmology.
In this Q&A, he shares insights into his career, research interests and the evolving landscape of ophthalmic care.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?
During my university studies, I started early on my research activity in neuroscience. My path led me to explore the visual circuits of the brain and, later, the retina and then the eye. I was fascinated by the complexity of this organ, and it did not take long to guess that the eye could represent a window for the human body. Always passionate about technology, I found in ophthalmology a fertile ground where I can express all my creative potential towards innovation. Finally, I was fascinated by the possibility of being able to deal with clinical, surgical and research at the same time at the highest level and with great technological content. In a second phase, I discovered the greatness of the world of ophthalmology, its extensive scientific networks and the relationships with companies aimed at stimulating innovation processes. There are jobs, and then there are fun jobs. Ophthalmology is certainly a very fun job.
2. Who has been the most significant mentor or role model for you, and what did you learn from them?
If the question is to identify a single mentor, I can only appoint my chairman, Prof. Francesco Bandello. He is much more than one of the world’s leading experts in ophthalmology. Prof. Bandello is above all a master, a leader who drags and does not get pulled, a human being able to give you unconditional confidence and possibilities of growth. He is a shining example of how humility and ambition can coexist. But in truth, the path of personal and professional growth is not dictated by a single person. Many figures have contributed to my growth, and continue to do so, in and out of the world of ophthalmology. Among these, I cannot fail to mention Prof. Ramin Tadayoni, a figure who, although for a short time, has left an indelible mark. I was fortunate to work with him through the last EURETINA mentorship program, until his untimely death. He was another shining example of energy, humility, ambition and desire to better and better. He was a human being that we needed and will never stop missing. Although I am convinced that everyone has their own path, and that they must face it alone, there are many people to whom I will never stop saying thank you.
3. What current innovations in ophthalmology excite you the most?
The beauty of the ophthalmology world is that almost every day something new comes out. We are surrounded by great innovations in both diagnostic and therapeutic fields. The ever-growing relationships with companies are enabling me to come into ever closer contact with research and development processes. We will increasingly have to confront artificial intelligence, of which I am a supporter, although I still believe in the supremacy of “natural intelligence”. I have lived the final phase of a great therapeutic revolution, represented by the introduction of intravitreal injections for exudative retinopathies, and I am sure that I will be one of the actors of the next great revolution, represented by gene therapy. This leads me to look forward to the future with enthusiasm and with ever greater desire to do.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Arrigo. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
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