The future of corneal transplantation and Eye Banks was at the center of the 2026 Stati Generali (General Assembly) of the Italian Transplantation Network. This collaborative and working event, held in Rome last March 24–25, was dedicated to the evolution of the organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplantation system in Italy.
Alongside the new frontiers of transplant medicine—ranging from allogeneic transplantation to the latest research innovations—the Italian Society of Eye Banks (SIBO) presented the work of the twelve Italian eye banks. These centers are responsible for collecting and processing donated ocular tissues, which enabled over 8,000 corneal transplants to be performed in 2025.
“We would like to thank the Director of the National Transplant Center, Giuseppe Feltrin, for the invitation and for the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of collaboration, networking, and the innovative future ahead for Italian Eye Banks,” stated SIBO President Francesca Pateri.
Heartfelt thanks go to the National Transplant Center, which concluded the Stati Generali of the Italian transplantation network in a truly unique and special way with a Papal Audience, where Italian Eye Banking professionals were received by Pope Leo XIV. This extraordinary moment filled all the network’s professionals with even greater pride in the work they carry out every day.
