The three-year course in Clinical and Vision Sciences at the Zaccagnini Institute is the only course in Italy that allows students to obtain both a licence to practise as an optician and a specialisation diploma in optometry. It allows students to start working immediately without the need for further exams or other requirements.
The IBZ three-year course in Clinical and Vision Sciences guarantees:
continuous practical and clinical training in the laboratory and clinic from the first year onwards;
the direct acquisition of the skills required to practise as an optician;
the attainment of advanced clinical and professional knowledge and skills in optometry;
training in management, retail marketing, communication and eyewear design engineering to work successfully in optical companies.
The course lasts three academic years and is held in Bologna and Milan.
The curriculum complies with the European ISCO-08/ESCO 2267 classification of skills – Optometrists and Ophthalmic Opticians, the European Union standard that regulates the recognition of skills and international mobility of Opticians and Optometrists.
The course covers ophthalmic and physiological optics, neuroscience applied to vision, clinical techniques and rehabilitation protocols for assessing and improving visual function, correcting vision defects, creating customised medical devices, including glasses, contact lenses for the visually impaired and medical filters, and effectively managing optical centres and relationships with people and healthcare professionals.
Requirements and admission procedures
To be admitted, applicants must have a secondary school diploma (Italian or foreign).
There is no entrance exam: places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the end of the course, upon passing the exams required by the study plan and completing the IBZ Clinical Portfolio, students will obtain:
the Optician's Licence;
the Diploma of Specialisation in Optometry.
Official certification of the exams taken and skills acquired is also issued, written in several languages to promote the international validity of the qualification.
The IBZ three-year course in Clinical and Vision Sciences guarantees:
continuous practical and clinical training in the laboratory and clinic from the first year onwards;
the direct acquisition of the skills required to practise as an optician;
the attainment of advanced clinical and professional knowledge and skills in optometry;
training in management, retail marketing, communication and eyewear design engineering to work successfully in optical companies.
The course lasts three academic years and is held in Bologna and Milan.
The curriculum complies with the European ISCO-08/ESCO 2267 classification of skills – Optometrists and Ophthalmic Opticians, the European Union standard that regulates the recognition of skills and international mobility of Opticians and Optometrists.
The course covers ophthalmic and physiological optics, neuroscience applied to vision, clinical techniques and rehabilitation protocols for assessing and improving visual function, correcting vision defects, creating customised medical devices, including glasses, contact lenses for the visually impaired and medical filters, and effectively managing optical centres and relationships with people and healthcare professionals.
Requirements and admission procedures
To be admitted, applicants must have a secondary school diploma (Italian or foreign).
There is no entrance exam: places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
At the end of the course, upon passing the exams required by the study plan and completing the IBZ Clinical Portfolio, students will obtain:
the Optician's Licence;
the Diploma of Specialisation in Optometry.
Official certification of the exams taken and skills acquired is also issued, written in several languages to promote the international validity of the qualification.
What an IBZ Optometrist can do
- Measure the refractive condition of the eye, necessary for vision;
- Assess the complex physiological and functional conditions necessary for vision, with particular attention to binocular vision;
- Define the necessary optical corrections (glasses, contact lenses, visual aids);
- Assess the quality of ophthalmic products to define ranges that meet the functional and aesthetic needs of people with ametropia;
- Prescribe, manufacture and supply customised optical aids;
- Protect, maintain and improve visual ability and performance;
- Observe any abnormalities to be reported to the doctor, without making medical diagnoses, performing surgery or prescribing medication;
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals, particularly ophthalmologists, to restore visual capacity during or after a course of treatment and/or rehabilitation;
- Organise and manage relationships between customers/patients, the optometric centre and professional services;
- Design and manage an optical business.
The Study Plan
The Study Plan allows students to acquire the scientific knowledge and skills of an Optician-Optometrist as defined by the most authoritative professional organisations such as the European Council of Optometry and Optics (Syllabus) and the American Optometry Association (Guidelines). It meets the ISCO-08 / ESCO 2267 standards of the European Union for Optometrists and Opticians, to ensure professional mobility in member countries.
The course lasts three academic years, with flexible classroom and online teaching, practical training and clinical experience taking place in the Institute's laboratories and clinics.
Transversal Skills and Soft Skills
Optical Business Management: Understanding organisation, economic management and strategic models, from optical retail to industry.
Retail and Professional Marketing: Tools and models to optimise the customer experience by enhancing services and identifying trends in the eyewear market.
Communication: Developing the interpersonal and negotiation skills necessary to interact effectively with customers/patients.
Frame design: Fundamentals of aesthetics, ergonomics and design applied to eyewear to evaluate materials, shapes, comfort and styles in relation to the visual needs and identity of the customer.
English for Vision Care Professionals: Spoken and professional English course, to perform a complete optometric examination and present ophthalmic solutions.
Educational Integrations
The course lasts three academic years, with flexible classroom and online teaching, practical training and clinical experience taking place in the Institute's laboratories and clinics.
Transversal Skills and Soft Skills
Optical Business Management: Understanding organisation, economic management and strategic models, from optical retail to industry.
Retail and Professional Marketing: Tools and models to optimise the customer experience by enhancing services and identifying trends in the eyewear market.
Communication: Developing the interpersonal and negotiation skills necessary to interact effectively with customers/patients.
Frame design: Fundamentals of aesthetics, ergonomics and design applied to eyewear to evaluate materials, shapes, comfort and styles in relation to the visual needs and identity of the customer.
English for Vision Care Professionals: Spoken and professional English course, to perform a complete optometric examination and present ophthalmic solutions.
Educational Integrations
- Erasmus +: International mobility opportunities with European partners to gain lively and dynamic educational experience.
- International Academic Projects: Interdisciplinary activities with European educational institutions to explore different teaching methods, develop research skills and broaden professional prospects.
- Educational visits and participation in industry events: these are an important opportunity to learn about the world of optics and optometry.
- Internships: With leading companies in the sector in Italy and abroad.
FIRST YEAR
FIRST TERM
- Anatomy of the Eye and Visual System
- Introduction to Optometry
- Elements of Physics and Sciences preparatory to Optics
- Geometric Optics I
- Fundamentals of Contact Lens Practice I
- Frames and Lenses for Eyeglasses
SECOND TERM
- Physiology of the Visual System
- Refraction Clinic I
- Geometric Optics II
- Fundamentals of Contactology II
- Ophthalmic Lens Laboratory I
- Retail Marketing I
THIRD TERM
- Chemistry, Biochemistry and Ophthalmic Materials
- Refraction Clinic II
- Ophthalmic Optical Instruments
- Soft Contact Lenses
- Ophthalmic Lens Laboratory II
- Retail Marketing II
SECOND YEAR
FIRST TERM
- General Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
- Binocular Vision I
- Physical Optics
- RGP Contact Lenses
- Ophthalmic Lens Laboratory I
- Optical Business Management
SECOND TERM
- Anterior Segment Pathologies
- Binocular Vision II
- Geometric Optics III
- Multifocal Contact Lenses
- Ophthalmic Lens Laboratory II
- Budgeting and Business Planning
THIRD TERM
- Posterior Segment and Optic Nerve Pathologies
- Binocular Vision Anomalies
- Optical Aberrations
- Fundamentals of Orthokeratology
- Eyewear Design Engineering
- Business Models in the Optical Sector
THIRD YEAR
FIRST TERM
- Neuroscience of Vision and Psychophysics
- Paediatric Optometry
- Visual Optics
- Advanced Contact Lenses I - Irregular Corneas and Scleral Lenses
- Scientific Research Methods for Optics-Optometry
- Psychology of Vision
SECOND TERM
- Ocular Imaging and Instrumental Analysis
- Geriatric Optometry
- Digital Technologies for Vision
- Advanced Contact Lens Practice II - Myopia Progression Management
- Low Vision and Impaired Vision
- Communication and Negotiation Skills
THIRD TERM
- Applied Ocular Pharmacology
- Occupational Optometry and Ergonomics
- Advanced Optical Devices
- Advanced Contact Lens Practice III - Complication Management
- The Profession of Optometrist
Course Frequency and Weekly Schedule
In the 2026-2027 academic year, the first year begins on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at the Bologna and Milan campuses.
Each of the three years is divided into three terms with lessons from September to June.
The weekly schedule includes morning and afternoon classes from Tuesday to Thursday. On Fridays, laboratories and clinics are available to students assisted by tutors.
Each of the three years is divided into three terms with lessons from September to June.
The weekly schedule includes morning and afternoon classes from Tuesday to Thursday. On Fridays, laboratories and clinics are available to students assisted by tutors.
The optical course formats: the full-time course and the student workers' course
Enrolment in the Three-Year Course
Admissions and Enrolment
Enrolment or pre-enrolment opens every year in October.
Fifth-year high school students can pre-enrol.
To pre-enrol, you must fill in the form available and pay the fee of €300.00.
The secretariat will inform the candidate of the acceptance of their application and whether they have been accepted within the limited number of places available.
Early Bird Enrolment by 15 April
For the 2026/2027 academic year, take advantage of the Early Bird tuition fee and get a 10% discount on the tuition fee for the three-year course in Clinical and Vision Sciences for the 2026/2027 academic year at the IBZ campuses in Bologna and Milan.
Early Bird enrolment has a limited number of places and requires the completion of the admission and enrolment process with the payment of the relevant fee by 15 April 2026.
Tuition fees
The IBZ tuition fee covers all school costs and a wide range of services and support to complement teaching:
- textbooks, handouts, streaming lessons and video lessons, materials needed for practical exercises and all teaching activities are provided by the Institute;
- at the beginning of the academic year, students receive a backpack, a lab coat, a notepad, a pen, a penlight and an ID badge that allows them to access the Institute and its services;
- remedial courses, tutoring and coaching, both in person and remotely, and qualification exams.
- IBZ does not require the purchase of individual tool kits, textbooks or other teaching materials, nor does it charge exam fees or fees for the collection of qualifications obtained.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available, covering up to 50% of tuition fees, which are awarded on the basis of objective requirements such as:
- the income and assets of the family unit and the composition of the family, to be documented with the University ISEE and tax return;
- the distance of the residence from the place of study;
- academic merit, to be documented with the grades obtained in the third and fourth years of upper secondary school.
- Scholarship applications must be submitted before enrolment.