Dr Alberto Recchioni PhD, FBCLA, FHEA

• 2025 Medici Enterprise Training Programme , University of Birmingham, UK
• 2022 Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) Developing and Enhancing Your Professional Practice, University of Birmingham, UK
• 2020 Higher Education Futures institute Horizon Award, University of Birmingham, UK
• 2020 Doctor of Optometry (PhD), Aston University UK and University of Valencia, Spain
• 2018 Certificate in Management of Dry Eye & Contact Lens Retention British Contact Lens Association (BCLA)
• 2015 Master of Science (MSc) Advanced Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Valencia, Spain
• 2013 Master of Science (MSc) Optometry and Vision, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain
• 2012 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Optics and Optometry, University of Padua, Italy

Alberto Recchioni PhD is a multifaceted clinical research optometrist and Programme Manager (Ophthalmology) at the University of Birmingham. With a strong academic and clinical background, he plays a key leadership role in the Ophthalmology Research, where he supports principal investigators in advancing translational research focused on ocular inflammation, immunologically mediated ocular surface disease (OSD), intraocular inflammation (uveitis), and the impact of biomaterial devices on ocular wound healing and scarring.

Alberto earned his PhD in 2020 from Aston University, where his research explored dry eye disease in the context of ophthalmic surgery. This laid the foundation for a specialised interest in ocular surface and irregular cornea conditions. He has since built a dynamic career at the intersection of research, clinical practice, and academic strategy. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on understanding and managing complex anterior segment conditions, particularly in patients with autoimmune syndromes and rare ocular diseases.

His research portfolio includes the development and clinical validation of non-invasive, objective assessments to monitor changes in the ocular surface environment before and after innovative treatments. He has contributed to national and international conferences and has published and lectured on a broad range of topics, including dry eye disease, keratoconus, and the application of semiotics in the study of accommodation and presbyopia.

In his current role, Alberto leads the strategic and operational management of ophthalmology research projects. He is responsible for fostering collaborative links across academic, NHS, and industry partners, promoting public and patient involvement (PPI), and ensuring the alignment of research activities with emerging clinical priorities. His experience spans the full lifecycle of clinical trials, from design and regulatory oversight to delivery and impact evaluation, particularly in the fields of ocular surface disease, dry eye, and surgical outcomes.

With a reputation for clinical excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership, Alberto is committed to supporting the next generation of clinician researchers and strengthening the translational research environment in ophthalmology. His contributions reflect a rare blend of academic rigour, patient-centred research, and strategic vision, making him a key figure in the advancement of ophthalmic science and care.

As Programme Manager (Ophthalmology) at the University of Birmingham, Alberto supports and coordinates the strategic development and delivery of translational research across several core areas within the Ophthalmology Research. His role encompasses clinical research infrastructure management, stakeholder engagement, trial oversight, and the facilitation of public and patient involvement (PPI). Alberto works closely with principal investigators to ensure research is clinically impactful, aligned with national priorities, and positioned for real-world application. The following are the principal research themes currently being progressed in collaboration with Professor Saaeha Rauz and the broader academic team.

Persistence of Inflammation and Progressive Conjunctival Fibrosis

This theme investigates rare immune-mediated scarring conditions of the ocular surface, which often progress without obvious signs of inflammation. These diseases present significant diagnostic and monitoring challenges and are associated with sight-threatening complications. The programme aims to identify innovative therapeutic targets while redefining outcome measures through laboratory data, clinical assessments, and patient-reported outcomes. Collaborative work is ongoing with scientific partners and patients to support early-phase trials focused on controlling inflammation and preventing fibrosis.

Corneal Scarring

Corneal scarring remains a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. The Unit is involved in collaborative projects that explore therapeutic technologies designed to interrupt the biological pathways responsible for fibrotic healing. Working with immunologists, chemical engineers, pharmacologists, and tissue regeneration specialists, the research team aims to create optimal conditions for corneal healing without opacity. Preparations are in progress for early-phase clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these new interventions. 

Ocular Surface Disease and Patient Morbidity

This area of research addresses chronic ocular surface diseases such as dry eye and corneal neuropathic pain, which affect a significant proportion of the population. These conditions can have a profound impact on quality of life and functional vision. Patient partnerships, including with the Eye Drops Patient Focus Group and the British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association, are central to defining research priorities. In collaboration with the Healthcare Technologies Institute, the team is advancing patented technologies that aim to protect the ocular surface, promote tissue recovery, and enhance patient comfort.

Translational Innovation and Research Strategy

In addition to supporting clinical trial delivery, Alberto leads on strategic development and the integration of translational research principles across ophthalmology projects. His responsibilities include strengthening academic and NHS partnerships, supporting regulatory and governance processes, and enabling early-stage innovation. Alberto also works to ensure that patient perspectives are embedded throughout the research process, from initial concept to clinical application, contributing to more effective and meaningful outcomes.

International

• Research partner at the COMIB Optics and Optometry Research Centre at the University of Milano Bicocca (Italy).
• Research partner at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience of the Karolinska Institute (Stockholm, Sweden).

National

• Research Imaging Optometrist for the Optimising Assessment in Sjögren’s Syndrome (OASIS) clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).
• Research Imaging Optometrist for advanced anterior segment imaging (in-vivo confocal microscopy, swept-source anterior segment OCT) at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH).
•Specialist Optometrist with core services in complex refraction and specialty medical contact lens at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

Patient Groups and Charities

• Eye Drops Patient Focus Group – Clinical partner
• Roper-Hall Eye Foundation - Managerial Role (Grants Manager)