Milan, February 23, 2026 – The Lombardy Region has initiated a groundbreaking experimental project aimed at revolutionizing the management of ophthalmic emergencies and urgent cases within the Metropolitan City of Milan. This innovative network seeks to integrate public hospitals equipped with ophthalmology units, promising citizens faster responses, streamlined patient pathways, and a more efficient allocation of resources for both severe and minor ocular emergencies.
A Modern and Integrated Model for Ophthalmic Care
The regional government, acting on a proposal from Welfare Councillor Guido Bertolaso, has approved this one-year experimental project. Coordination will be handled by ASST Fatebenefratelli – Sacco, specifically through its Ophthalmic Department, which serves as the city’s central reference point for complex ophthalmic emergencies.
Councillor Bertolaso emphasized the project’s core principles: “With this experiment, we are introducing a modern and integrated organizational model that focuses on appropriateness, quality, and continuous training. The numbers tell us that a significant portion of accesses can be managed more effectively through shared pathways and uniform protocols. We are centralizing complex cases, leveraging widespread expertise across the territory, and utilizing telemedicine and advanced training to ensure rapid, safe, and homogeneous responses for citizens throughout the Milan metropolitan area.”
Addressing the Challenge of Emergency Room Overload
The initiative stems from a detailed analysis of patient flow at the Ophthalmic Emergency Room of Fatebenefratelli. In 2024, this facility recorded 36,521 accesses, with approximately one-third classified as ‘white codes’ (minor cases). From January 1 to October 31, 2025, there were 31,714 accesses, including 10,780 white codes.
A prospective analysis conducted in March 2025 further revealed that 18.2% of patients arriving at the Ophthalmic Emergency Room had previously sought care at another hospital within the preceding 36 hours. Additionally, 47% of patients recorded between January and February 2025 resided outside the Municipality of Milan, underscoring the facility’s broader regional significance.
The Network: Centralization for Complex Cases, Decentralization for Minor Urgencies
The new model is designed to centralize complex cases while distributing the management of minor urgencies across the network. This network comprises public facilities with Ophthalmic Operating Units, including Level II Emergency Departments (DEA):
- ASST Fatebenefratelli – Sacco – Coordinator
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
- ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo
- ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda
- ASST Melegnano Martesana
- ASST Rhodense
- ASST Nord Milano
- ASST Ovest Milano
- ASST Lodi
Key Provisions of the Project
The organizational model outlines several key provisions:
- Centralization of Complex Cases: Emerging cases and complex urgencies will be managed at the Ophthalmic Department of Fatebenefratelli, which offers major surgery capabilities, advanced diagnostics, and 24-hour surgical availability.
- Uniform Triage Protocols: The project includes the development and sharing of standardized ophthalmic triage protocols to guide staff in general emergency rooms, even in the absence of a specialist.
- Fast Track Ambulatory Pathways: Activation of internal ‘fast track’ ambulatory pathways for managing minor codes, aiming to reduce inappropriate emergency room visits.
Enhancing Telemedicine and Training
The project also emphasizes the strengthening of telemedicine and teleconsultation services among specialists within the network. Furthermore, it includes training programs on triage and advanced surgical training, utilizing state-of-the-art video-assisted technologies. Professionals within the network will have opportunities to work shifts in specialized emergency rooms, fostering integration and professional growth.
Training holds particular importance: the Ophthalmic Department will offer dedicated programs for both medical and nursing staff. These programs aim to standardize decision-making criteria, intervention timings, and referral procedures for complex cases. The overarching goal is to establish a shared pathway that ensures rapid and homogeneous assessments, greater integration among professionals, and more efficient use of available resources.
Experimental Phase and Future Expansion
ASST Fatebenefratelli – Sacco will submit an interim report to the DG Welfare six months after the project’s launch. Based on these results, the Region will evaluate the potential extension of the experiment to accredited private facilities under contract within the metropolitan area.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in optimizing ophthalmic emergency care in Milan, promising a more responsive, integrated, and high-quality service for all citizens.
Source: lombardianotizie.online
