Ophthalmology

See clearly again. Without compromise,
without dependence.

At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, we start by understanding your eyes and your life. Then we find the right solution together.

The ophthalmology department at Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia is led by Dr. Andrea Russo, MD, PhD, whose research, teaching and inventions in refractive surgery set the clinical standard the whole team works to.

Laser vision correction

Cataract surgery

Premium lens implants

ICL implantation

Day surgery in Brescia

21,000+

Procedures performed

20+

Years of clinical experience

1 examination

Complete diagnostics

60+

Scientific publications

Your Vision Changed

Your vision changed.
Your daily life changed with it.

Maybe it’s distance that’s become unreliable. Maybe it’s the close-up detail you used to take for granted. Or a cloudiness that wasn’t there a year ago. Whatever brought you here, you already sense it won’t improve on its own.

Find Your Path

What’s happening with your vision?

“I can’t see clearly at distance” / “Reading is getting harder”

Glasses and contacts have been part of your life for years. Or reading has started to slip and you want a solution that doesn’t involve lens surgery. Laser vision correction can change both.

“Everything up close is getting harder to read”

The small print, the phone, the menu. Premium lenses can restore the near vision presbyopia is taking from you.

“My doctor says I have cataract”

Colors have faded, the glare is getting worse, and you want to understand your options. Today’s cataract surgery can give you better vision than you’ve had in years.

“I was told laser isn’t an option for me”

A thin cornea or high prescription doesn’t mean you’re out of options. ICL lens implantation corrects what laser cannot.

“My eyes burn and drops are no longer enough”

Burning, gritty eyes, screens that grow harder by the hour: dry eye is treated at the cause, with photobiomodulation (LLLT), intense pulsed light (IPL) and LipiFlow.

“I’m not sure what’s wrong with my vision”

Something has changed and you want answers. A thorough examination is the clearest first step.

Who Leads the Department

Dr. Andrea Russo

Ophthalmologist. Founder of Palazzo Manzoni.

“Every pair of eyes is different. My role is to understand yours, explain your options clearly, and help you choose what’s right for your life, not just your prescription.”

Free guide to refractive surgery

Are you considering reducing or eliminating glasses?

Understanding your visual condition, the available techniques and when a specialist assessment is appropriate can make the next step clearer. Leave your details to access Palazzo Manzoni’s complete guide.

The guide is for information only and does not replace a comprehensive eye examination.

Why Palazzo Manzoni

Built differently.
On purpose.

Your journey begins with a thorough examination and a conversation, not a conveyor belt. Everything happens in one place, from first assessment through surgery and follow-up.

Palazzo Manzoni building exterior

01

A plan built for your eyes

Each treatment plan is designed around your eyes and your life, not around a single default approach.

02

Everything under one roof

Diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up in a single location. No referrals, no waiting between facilities.

03

Precision technology

The department works with Zeiss diagnostic and laser systems throughout, currently the benchmark in ophthalmic surgery.

04

Day surgery in a palazzo

Hospital-grade operating rooms inside a restored historic building that feels nothing like a hospital.

Your Path to Clear Vision

Your path to clear vision, step by step.

Step 01

Book your initial examination

Call, email, WhatsApp, or book online. No referral needed.

Step 02

Meet your specialist

A thorough assessment of your eyes, a clear explanation of your options, and a plan that fits your life.

Step 03

Your treatment

Day surgery at Palazzo Manzoni. Most procedures take minutes. You go home the same day.

Step 04

See the world again

The things your vision had quietly taken from you start coming back.

Ready when you are.

Book an eye examination at Palazzo Manzoni and get a clear picture of your options.

Manzoni Channel

The Quiet Cost of Postponing

The quiet cost
of postponing

Most eye conditions don’t improve on their own. Refractive errors drift further from what’s comfortable. Cataracts progress quietly until reading, driving, and recognizing faces become a daily effort. Presbyopia doesn’t reverse.

Waiting isn’t neutral. It usually means more years adapting your life to your eyes, instead of letting your eyes work for your life.

At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, understanding your options is the first step, and it costs nothing but an hour of your time.

Patient Stories

They were where
you are now

Glasses and contacts have been part of your life for years. Or reading has started to slip and you want a solution that doesn’t involve lens surgery. Laser vision correction can change both.

Real experiences from patients who took the step

I’m a physiotherapist. I lean over patients all day and my glasses fell off at least twice every shift. I’d been -6 since I was fifteen and told myself laser correction wasn’t for prescriptions that high. The specialist showed me otherwise at the first appointment and walked me through the data without rushing. A week after surgery I was back at work with perfect vision.

A., 28

Refractive Laser – SMILE

I’m a retired geography teacher. I spent thirty years pointing at maps and asking students what they could see. When I started struggling to see them myself, the irony wasn’t lost on me. I’d been explaining away the blur and the glare at night for two years. I chose a standard lens because I’ve worn reading glasses since my forties and don’t mind them. The distance clarity I have now is so sharp I couldn’t believe it.

P., 67

Cataract Surgery

I’m a theatre designer. My work is visual – scale models, colour, lighting distances. My prescription was -8 and my corneas too thin for laser; three separate clinics confirmed it. A colleague who’d had ICL suggested I try here. The procedure was explained without rushing, the recovery faster than I expected. I went from -8 to zero in a few weeks. I can now see the back wall of a stage from the technical desk. I wish I had done it sooner.

G., 34

Intraocular Lens – ICL

Google Reviews

What patients say about their experience

4.9

★★★★★

794 reviews

Istituto Chirurgico Palazzo Manzoni

Giordana Locatelli

★★★★★

I had lens surgery to correct myopia, astigmatism, and other issues. The clinic, doctors, and team were professional and friendly. I can see perfectly…I recommend this facility to anyone.

2 weeks ago

Chereji Maria

★★★★★

Laser surgery done in March. Positive experience, if I could do it again, I’d do it sooner. Friendly and professional staff. I recommend it. Thank you.

2 weeks ago

Isabella Pizzini

★★★★★

I had femto-lasik surgery three months ago for mild myopia, and now, after a check-up, I can say I’m very satisfied. The staff and doctor were very kind. There was some slight discomfort after the operation, which was quick and painless, as they say, and the result was very satisfactory. I highly recommend it.

2 weeks ago

Stay Connected

Stay well, not just treated

Practical insights on prevention, recovery, and living well, written by our specialists. No spam, no sales. Just useful knowledge you’ll be glad you have.

Common Questions

Common questions
about ophthalmology

What vision problems can be treated at Palazzo Manzoni?

The ophthalmology department treats the full range of refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia) and cataracts. Treatments include laser refractive surgery (SMILE, Femto-LASIK, PRK, Presbyond), ICL phakic lens implantation for high or unusual prescriptions, and cataract surgery with standard or premium multifocal lenses.

How do I know which treatment is right for me?

That is exactly what your first eye examination is for. It assesses your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, lens clarity, and overall eye health, then places those findings in the context of your age, lifestyle, and visual goals. You leave with a clear explanation of your options and an honest recommendation, not a sales pitch.

Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

Most patients between 20 and 45 with stable myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism are good candidates. The pre-operative examination looks at corneal thickness, prescription stability, and eye health to confirm suitability. If laser is not ideal for you, ICL lens implantation is often an excellent alternative.

What if another clinic told me surgery isn’t an option for me?

It is worth a second opinion. High prescriptions, thin corneas, or unusual anatomies often rule out standard laser surgery, but do not rule out vision correction. Patients in this situation are frequently successful candidates for ICL, a phakic intraocular lens implanted without removing corneal tissue.

What is the difference between standard and premium lenses for cataract surgery?

A standard intraocular lens restores clear distance vision after cataract removal, but you will still need reading glasses for close-up tasks. A premium multifocal lens corrects distance, intermediate, and near vision in the same surgery, reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses. The right choice depends on your lifestyle.

What happens during my first eye examination?

Your first visit lasts about an hour. It includes a detailed diagnostic examination with advanced imaging, a discussion of your vision goals and daily life, and a personalized explanation of the treatment options available to you. There is no pressure to decide anything during the visit. You leave with the information you need to make a calm, informed choice on your own timeline.

Is the procedure painful, and how long does recovery take?

Procedures are performed under local anaesthetic eye drops, so you feel no pain, only light pressure. Most laser patients see improvement within hours and return to normal activities within one to two days. Cataract patients typically see clearly by the next day. Full visual stabilization can take a few weeks depending on the procedure.

How much does treatment cost?

Costs depend on the procedure and, for cataract surgery, on the type of lens chosen. After your initial examination, once the appropriate treatment has been identified, you receive a detailed, transparent cost estimate with no hidden fees.

Where is Palazzo Manzoni located, and do I need a referral?

Istituto Chirurgico Palazzo Manzoni is at Via dei Mille 14 in central Brescia, easily reached by car or public transport from anywhere in Lombardy, including Milan (about one hour away). No referral is required. You can book directly by phone, email, or online form.

Who leads the ophthalmology department?

The ophthalmology department is led by Dr. Andrea Russo, MD, PhD, ophthalmologist, researcher, and founder of Palazzo Manzoni. Dr. Russo specializes in laser refractive surgery, ICL lens implantation, and cataract surgery with premium IOLs, and collaborates with the University of Brescia. His research on refractive surgery and ocular imaging is internationally cited.

Take the Next Step

Your next step starts
with a conversation

At Palazzo Manzoni in Brescia, every consultation is personal, unhurried, and designed to give you clarity about your next step.

Address

Via dei Mille 14, 25122 Brescia, Italia

WhatsApp

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30 · Sat 9:00-13:00

01

Get in touch

Call, email, WhatsApp, or book online.

02

Meet your specialist

A personal consultation to understand your situation.

03

Your plan, your pace

Together you decide the best path forward.