- TFOS Ambassadors
Italy
Piera Versura
I am Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences. For many years, I have been leading the Laboratory for Cornea and Ocular Surface Analysis – Translational Research, which is recognised by the National Health System as a diagnostic service. In this laboratory, we analyse human tear fluid for both clinical and research purposes, with a focus on bringing “Tears in the Clinic.” Our activities include the identification of biomarkers in tear-derived cells to support precision diagnostics and personalised medicine approaches.
My academic path began at the University of Bologna. Early in my career, I became deeply interested in the ocular surface. I find it fascinating not only for its complexity and close links with systemic health, but also because it is a unique biological site that must remain moist while in constant contact with the external environment, a fragile balance essential for vision. Over the years, this interest has evolved into a programme of research that integrates clinical observation, laboratory medicine, and translational science.
My research primarily addresses ocular surface disease, with a particular focus on dry eye disease and its links to systemic and neurodegenerative disorders. Over the years, I have pursued several interconnected lines of investigation: identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring, characterising the protein profile of human tears through micro-sampling approaches, and developing novel diagnostic tools such as microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices. I have also contributed to the creation of in vitro and ex vivo models of the cornea and conjunctiva, explored the role of the ocular surface microbiome, and examined the impact of airborne pollutants on ocular health. In addition, I have investigated the therapeutic potential of cord blood-derived products, rich in trophic factors, as innovative treatments for severe ocular surface disorders.
My laboratory collaborates with national and international public institutions and also receives unrestricted research support from companies in the ophthalmological field. I have authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers, book chapters and consensus documents, and my full list of publications is available on my University of Bologna webpage https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/piera.versura/en and my ORCID profile (ID 0000-0002-2951-5337)
Beyond research, I am committed to professional service. I have been engaged in several scientific societies and served for seven years, until 2024, on the Board of Directors of the TFOS. I have contributed to working groups and international networks dedicated to advancing tear research and translating discoveries into meaningful clinical practice. These experiences have strengthened my conviction in the importance of collaboration, consensus-building, and the dissemination of knowledge across disciplines and borders. I also serve as Communication Delegate of my department DIMEC at the University of Bologna, the largest medical department in Italy. In this role, I help coordinate communication and outreach, reinforcing the connection between academia, healthcare, and society.
Teaching and mentorship are integral parts of my career. I supervise students, residents and PhD candidates, encouraging them to combine methodological rigour with intellectual curiosity and empathy. Education is not only about transferring knowledge, but also about fostering critical thinking and independent judgement. Guiding younger colleagues has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life, as it offers the privilege of witnessing the growth of a new generation of researchers and scientists in ophthalmology.
Looking back, my academic journey has always been guided by the idea of advancing ocular surface research from bench to bedside. I am particularly committed to ensuring that tear analysis evolves into a practical and reliable resource for clinicians. This is more than a scientific objective: it is a vision of medicine where innovation in diagnostics can directly translate into improved quality of life for patients. I believe that science must remain close to the clinic, and that even a single tear can carry the potential to change the way we diagnose and treat ocular surface disease.
