13thBalkan
Ophthalmic
Wetlab
28 – 31 May 2025

One of the Steps of Becoming an Ophthalmic Surgeon
REGISTER HERE

Welcome Note

Welcome to Sofia!

13th Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Coursewill be held 28 – 31 May 2025 in Hotel Hilton Sofia, Bulgaria.

Thinking Differently about Teaching and Learning

Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course’s educational programme is based on a modular system that covers the whole field of ophthalmology. This unique, comprehensive workshop will cover the theory and practice of cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, laser refractive surgery, glaucoma surgery, keratoplasty surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. The different modules combine didactics, videos, and wetlabs under the direction and tutoring given by distinguished international faculty members and specialists input from renowned practitioners in the field.

BOW aims to fill the gap existing in the post-graduate training of ophthalmologists in the Balkan region and to improve the clinical and surgical practice of specialists in ophthalmology by helping them develop and enhance their professional skills. Both residents and practicing ophthalmologists who wish to focus on certain topics in ophthalmology are welcome to register.

The world of ophthalmology is an exciting area in which to work, and we will continue to meet and bring inspired people together in wetlabs like this, to ensure our Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course remains at the cutting edge of knowledge. We are convinced that interaction with colleagues from many different countries will stimulate a creative exchange of ideas and will be personally rewarding.

We look forward to having you join our 13th edition!

About Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab

Why Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course

Why Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course

The general concept of the Annual Balkan Simulated Surgical Laboratories (Wetlab) is to bring together experienced ophthalmic surgeons from the Balkan countries as well as colleagues from other European countries in the teaching process in assisting young ophthalmologists to improve their surgical skills.

The course is organized by Educational Center in Ophthalmology Resbiomed, Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic, together with MTS The Wetlab Company. We are also happy to have the support of the ophthalmic industry.

What is Wetlab and what to expect from the Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course?

For some of the courses the theoretical part will be held as a separate module remotely prior to the beginning of the wetlab sessions. The participants will have access to the lectures two weeks prior to the practical part. The biggest advantage is that you will have the convenience to get acquainted in detail with the theory from the comfort of your home and come to the wetlab with at least basic knowledge. During the wetlab itself, there will be a discussion and introduction to each session and you will have the chance to discuss with the faculty the questions for each topic face to face.

There will be 2 participants at each station. When you are “assisting“ you should help and assist your colleague to perform surgery and you will learn a lot by watching the monitors and listening to the instructor. When you are the surgeon, your colleague will assist you. The assistant can also practice changing the various settings of the phaco or vitrectomy machine.

We note improvements in the teaching process as evidenced by increased participation and retention, excellent student evaluations, and very rewarding peer observation comments.

What is a workshop and what to expect from it?

Тhe workshop programmes are shorter and less rigid than those in the wetlabs. This is to allow plenty of time for questions and supervised practice by the participants. Please remember that in addition to these workshops the free practice sessions offer a unique opportunity to perfect your technique.

Who

Who?

Medicine moves forward constantly. With the assistance of quality Simulated Surgical Laboratories known as Wetlabs young ophthalmologists as well as experienced colleagues have the opportunity to improve their surgical skills with hands-on training enabling them to be better surgeons.

The 13th Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course promises to deliver an excellent programme which includes several wetlab courses, presented by the world leaders in the field of ophthalmology. This represents unique opportunities to share experience with colleagues in other ophthalmic sub-specialties.

We are convinced that by the end of the course you will see the difference in your surgical skills and will have greater confidence in your abilities as ophthalmology surgeon.

Where?

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. Situated in the very heart of the Balkan Peninsula, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities.

For the past 6000 years this city has seen it all. Once called Serdica – an important trade center in the Roman Empire. Then conquered by the Bulgarians in the 9th century, then conquered by the Byzantine Empire, then re-claimed by the Bulgarians and then a stronghold of the Ottoman Empire. After Bulgaria gained its independence in the late 19th century, Sofia was chosen as the country’s new capital. It’s now been capital for 140 years.

The city’s appearance today has been widely shaped by the twists and turmoils of the 20th century. Up until WW2 Bulgaria was a parliamentary monarchy and Sofia’s architecture was influenced by the examples of Austrian, French and German architecture. The second half of the 20th century saw Bulgaria firmly locked behind the Iron Curtain. Therefore, architecture and urban planning was reconceptualized to fit with the new communist ideas. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 Bulgaria started its transition to democracy and is now a member of NATO and the European Union. All of this creates the unique blend that is Sofia today.

Where

Ophthalmic Wetlab Courses

Cataract Surgery (Basic)
28 – 31 May 2025
Cataract Surgery (Advanced)
28 – 31 May 2025
Vitrectomy
28 – 31 May 2025
Laser Refractive Surgery
28 – 30 May 2025
Keratoplasty Surgery (DMEK)
30 – 31 May 2025

Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course
28 – 31 May 2025

4 Days
17 Main Topics

Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Summary

4 Days Course Duration
28 – 31 May 2025

Programme Time Table - Cataract surgery course

  • Day 1
    09:00 - 09:30 Welcome, opening remarks and introduction of the Faculty
    09:30 - 11:00 The Incision
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Capsulorhexis
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Machine set up and parameters
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 2
    09:00 - 11:00 Dismantling the Lens
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 IOLs
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Managing capsule rupture
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 3
    09:00 - 11:00 Microscopes, instruments
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Surgical anatomy of the eye
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Small pupil, hooks, rings and devices
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
    20:00 - 24:00 Gala Dinner
  • Day 4
    09:00 - 11:00 IOL complications
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Strategizing complex cases
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Review of learning objectives
    Lecture, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice

Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Faculty

  • Mr. John Bolger, M.B, B.Ch., B.A.O., D.O., F.R.C.S., FEBOS-CR United Kingdom
  • Dr. Andrea Janeková, FEBO, FEBOS-CR Czech Republic
  • Dr. Fabian Wozar, FEBO Switzerland

Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Prices

Eearly Fee (until 31 March)2 300 €
Late Fee (after 31 March)2 500 €
Groups of 5 to 910% discount off the current fee
Groups of 10 or more15% discount off the current fee
* Fees are payable in 1 (one) or in 2 (two) installments. The first installment of 50% is payable at the time of registration. The second installment of 50% is payable by the end of April 2025.
* Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT
Registration

Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course
28 – 31 May 2025

4 Days
17 Main Topics

Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Summary

4 Days Course Duration
28 – 31 May 2025

Programme Time Table - Cataract surgery course

  • Day 1
    09:00 - 09:30 Welcome, opening remarks and introduction of the Faculty
    09:30 - 11:00 Basic steps - pearls and pitfalls
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 The physics of phaco/different pumps
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 14:00 Nuclear disassembly techniques and strategies
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    14:00 - 15:30 Understanding subtypes - key to removing cataracts
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 2
    09:00 - 11:00 Identifying complex cases and planning strategies – weak zonules
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Biometry / IOL calculation
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 IOL exchange
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 3
    09:00 - 11:00 Complications
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Anterior vitrectomy
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Subluxated crystalline and intraocular lenses
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
    20:00 - 24:00 Galla Dinner
  • Day 4
    09:00 - 11:00 Complication cases
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Postoperative cataract surgery complications
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Free practice
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice

Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Faculty

  • TBC

Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Prices

Eearly Fee (until 31 March)2 500 €
Late Fee (after 31 March)2 700 €
Groups of 5 to 910% discount off the current fee
Groups of 10 or more15% discount off the current fee
* Fees are payable in 1 (one) or in 2 (two) installments. The first installment of 50% is payable at the time of registration. The second installment of 50% is payable by the end of April 2025.
* Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT
Registration

Vitrectomy Course
28 – 31 May 2025

4 Days
13 Main Topics

Summary - Vitrectomy Course

4 Days Course Duration
28 – 31 May 2025

Programme Time Table - Vitrectomy Course

  • Day 1
    09:00 - 09:30 Welcome, opening remarks and introduction of the faculty
    09:30 - 10:00 How the wetlab works
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    10:00 - 11:00 Indications and surpises in V-R surgery
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Basic principles
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 14:00 Insertion and removal of 23G Instruments, dyes and tamponade
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    14:00 - 15:30 Vitreo-retinal interface
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 2
    09:00 - 11:00 Diabetes
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    11:00 - 12:00 Retinal detachment
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 14:00 Endophthalmitis
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    14:00 - 15:30 Combined surgery
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
  • Day 3
    09:00 - 10:30 Combined - traumatic cataract or subluxated
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    10:30 - 12:00 Dropped nucleus
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Dropped IOL
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice
    20:00 - 24:00 Gala Dinner
  • Day 4
    09:00 - 12:00 Trauma
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Children
    Lectures, Demo & Wetlab (LDW)
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 Free practice

Course Director - Vitrectomy Course

  • Zlatko Slezak, MD Croatia
  • Yvonne Luo MB, Bchir, MA(Cantab), FRCOphth, PHD United Kingdom

Prices - Vitrectomy Course

Eearly Fee (until 31 March)2 500 €
Late Fee (after 31 March)2 700 €
Groups of 5 to 910% discount off the current fee
Groups of 10 or more15% discount off the current fee
* Fees are payable in 1 (one) or in 2 (two) installments. The first installment of 50% is payable at the time of registration. The second installment of 50% is payable by the end of April 2025.
* Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT
Registration

Laser Refractive Surgery Course
28 – 30 May 2025

3 Days
9 Main Topics

Summary - Laser Refractive Surgery Course

3 Days Course Duration
28 – 30 May 2025

Programme Time Table - Laser Refractive Surgery Course

  • Day 1
    09:00 - 09:30 Welcome, opening remarks and introduction of the Faculty
    09:30 - 10:30 Introduction to Laser Refractive Surgery
    Lecture
    10:30 - 12:00 Diagnostic methods
    Lecture
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Lasers in the ophthalmology
    Lecture
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 17:00 First, Second and Third Generation of Laser Refractive Surgery
    Lecture
    17:00 - 18:00 Practical tips and sessions
    Lecture
  • Day 2
    09:00 - 10:30 Examination of refractive patients
    Practice
    10:30 - 12:00 Live Surgery
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 Live Surgery
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
  • Day 3
    09:00 - 10:30 Post-surgery follow up
    Practice
    10:30 - 12:00 PRK
    Wetlab
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:30 LASIK / Femto LASIK
    15:30 - 16:00 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    16:00 - 18:00 SMILE
    Wetlab
    20:00 - 24:00 Galla Dinner

Faculty - Laser Refractive Surgery Course

  • Mrs. Linda Pertiwi Germany
  • Dr. Alexander Angelov Bulgaria
  • Mr. Yavor Angelov Bulgaria

Prices - Laser Refractive Surgery Course

Eearly Fee (until 31 March)1 800 €
Late Fee (after 31 March)2 000 €
Groups of 5 to 910% discount off the current fee
Groups of 10 or more15% discount off the current fee
* Fees are payable in 1 (one) or in 2 (two) installments. The first installment of 50% is payable at the time of registration. The second installment of 50% is payable by the end of April 2025.
* Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT
Registration

Keratoplasty Surgery (DMEK)
Micro Suturing
30 – 31 May 2025

2 Days
9 Main Topics

Summary - Keratoplasty Surgery Course

30 – 31 May 2025
2 Days Course Duration

Programme Time Table - Keratoplasty Surgery Course

  • Day 1
    09:00 - 09:30 Welcome, opening remarks and introduction of the Faculty
    09:30 - 10:00 Core microsurgical skills - corneal suturing techniques & wider considerations
    Lecture
    10:00 - 11:00 Corneal suturing wet lab
    Demo & Wet lab
    11:00 - 12:00 PKP basics- indications, surgical techniques, results and aftercare
    Lecture
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 14:00 DALK basics - indications, surgical techniques, results and aftercare
    Lecture
    14:00 - 14:30 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    14:30 - 16:30 PKP & DALK wet lab
    Demo & Wet lab
    16:30 - 17:00 PKP & DALK in difficult clinical scenarios
    Lecture
    17:00 - 17:30 Conclusion
    20:00 - 24:00 Gala Dinner
  • Day 2
    09:00 - 09:30 DMEK introduction - indications & results
    Live Surgery
    09:30 - 10:30 DMEK basics - preparation of donor cornea and descemetorrhexis Lecture
    10:30 - 12:00 DMEK basics - donor insertion, unfolding & tamponade Lecture
    12:00 - 13:00 Lunch and Networking
    13:00 - 15:00 DMEK wet lab
    Demo & Wetlab
    15:00 - 15:30 Coffee / Tea Break (Networking)
    15:30 - 17:00 DMEK wet lab
    Demo & Wetlab
    17:00 - 17:30 DMEK in difficult clinical scenarios
    Lecture
    17:30 - 18:00 Conclusion

Faculty - Keratoplasty Surgery Course

  • Dr. Samer Hamada, MSc, DO(hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth Eye Clinic London United Kingdom
  • Dr Johnson Yan Ning Neo, MBChB, PGCert, FRCOphth, FEBO, FHEA, CertLRS United Kingdom

Prices - Keratoplasty Surgery Course

Eearly Fee (until 31 March)2 300 €
Late Fee (after 31 March)2 500 €
Groups of 5 to 910% discount off the current fee
Groups of 10 or more15% discount off the current fee
* Fees are payable in 1 (one) or in 2 (two) installments. The first installment of 50% is payable at the time of registration. The second installment of 50% is payable by the end of April 2025.
* Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT
Registration

Course Venue

Hilton Sofia is in the heart of the vibrant Bulgarian capital city. With a legacy spanning over two decades, our hotel is a true emblem.

Located on a private area, in the beautiful and green South Park where you can indulge in various recreational activities, and with views to the magnificent Vitosha Mountain, our hotel is the perfect balance between the lively moods of the city center and the serenity of nature.

Encompassing 11 renovated meeting rooms with day light your meeting will be nested in nature, with sevrive and technical equipment aimed to surpass your expectations. Our hotel boasts 259 newly transformed rooms and interior giving you a true Hilton experience from the moment you step in.

Organized by

Educational Center in Ophthalmology RESBIOMED< Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic MTS – the wetlab company

Sponsors

zeiss bausch+lomb geuder oertli imd imd
13th BOW 2025
  • About
  • Courses
  • Venue
  • Sponsors
Contacts
Educational Center in Ophthalmology RESBIOMED
136A Positano str., 1309 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: +359 2 80 81 888
Email: registration@bow.bg
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