9th BOW Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab
Welcome Note
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 9th Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course, to be held 26-29 June 2019 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
It is an exciting time for us as we continue to grow and adapt, motivated and open to new ideas. Through the years of experience we constantly improved the programme and we have dedicated world leaders in the field of ophthalmology to share their knowledge, helping the delegates to learn and master the surgical skills necessary to perform their surgery safely on patients.
The 9th Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course promises to deliver an excellent scientific programme which includes six wetlabs in the field of modern Cataract Surgery, Vitreoretinal Surgery, Laser Refractive Surgery, Keratoplasty Surgery, Glaucoma and Oculoplastic Surgery. Each course is unique and provides knowledge to young ophthalmologists even without existing background surgical skills. Advanced sessions are also included to cover the latest techniques and procedures.
During these four intensive days, the focus lays on practical hands-on surgery training with different modules in the wetlabs, where state-of-the-art machines, instruments are provided and accepted as the best way for surgeons to familiarize themselves with the equipment. The programme contains many hours of wetlab sessions, lectures plus free practice with hands-on training. By the end you will see the difference in your surgical skills and will have confidence as an ophthalmologist.
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.
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 Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course?
The Wetlab is a practical course with different modules using the most actual “state-of-the-art” wetlab technology as well as the MTS eye model with daily fresh porcine eyes. During this wetlab you will receive all necessary knowledge by your tutor. The wetlab stations will be fully equipped with machines, disposable and hand instruments.
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.
What is a workshop and what to expect from it?
The aim of the workshops is to enable you to build on the basic knowledge you have acquired in the wetlabs, in order to develop the surgical expertise you will require prior to performing these procedures on patients.
The workshop programs are shorter and less rigid then those in the wetlabs. This is to allow plenty of times 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?
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 8th Balkan Ophthalmic Wetlab Course promises to deliver an excellent programme which includes five wetlab courses, presented by the world leaders in the field of the ophthalmology. This represents a 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?
Hilton Sofia is situated in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. You’ll appreciate the stunning backdrop of the Vitosha Mountain and the central location offers quick access to a palace, churches and a cathedral. You’ll find all the first-class amenities you need for a successful stay.
Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course
Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Summary
Main Topics - Cataract surgery course
-
Lecture on Wound Construction
- The importance of the wound in Cataract Surgery
- Peroperative considerations and sealing
- Post op refractive consideration
- Clear Cornea 2.2mm
- Clear Cornea 1.7mm
- Scleral Tunnel 2.2mm
- Scleral Tunnel 1.7mm
- Knives and how to choose them
- The importance of the wound as an oarlock for the instruments
-
Capsulorhexis
- The importance of a flat capsule and the avoidance of AC shallowing leading to a convex anterior capsule
- Forceps
- Needle
- Radio frequency probe
- Femto and Xepto
- Capsule dyes
- Recapturing lost tears
- Enlarging small tears
- Capsulorhexis of the posterior capsule
-
Hydrodissection
- Cortical Cleavage
- Delineation
-
Nuclear Disassembly Techniques and strategies
- The importance of going deep in the centre
- How sculpt in different and needs different settings
- The concept of the safe zone
- Chop
- Crack
- Unlock
- Hard Lenses
- Soft Lenses
- Capsule rupture
-
Irrigation/Aspiration
- Coaxial
- Bimanual
- Polishing
- Capsule rupture
-
Lens Implantation
- Forceps
- Shooter
- Rigid lenses
- Toric
- Multifocal
- Lens explantation
- Piggy back
- Iris Claw
- Angle supported
- Lenses for little or no capsule support
- Removal of viscoelastic
-
Sealing the Wound
- Hydration
- Closure of conjunctiva
- Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF
-
Anterior vitrectomy
- Nuclear material present
- Cortical material present
- No lens remnants present
- Coaxial
- Bimanual
- Triamcinalone
-
Identifying complex cases and planning strategies
- Small pupils, IFIS
- Scared corneas
- Modifying machine settings for special cases
- Weak zonules
- Backup IOLs
-
Complications and their avoidance
- The philosophy of exquisite surgery
-
Surgical anatomy of the eye
- Where the surgical limbus is
- Where Tenons and the conjunctiva are inserted
- Anatomy of the iris
- Anatomy of the lens, zonule and ciliary body and how the are often not aligned
-
Intraocular pharmacology
- Drugs we put in the eye during surgery and why
-
The Psychology of learning surgery
- Complications
-
The Microscope
- How to set it up and use it properly
-
The Physics of Phaco
- Piezoelectric Crystals
- Pumps
- Poiseuille's law
- What settings for each part of the surgery
- Vacuum
- Aspiration rate
- What the test chambre is for
- The foot pedal and what it does
- Irrigate aspirate cut or irrigate cut aspirate
- How to decide what tip to use
-
The Reprocessing of Reusable Surgical instruments
- Washer Disinfector
- Autoclaves
- Testing and validation
-
Biometry
- What do we measure
- What do we do with the measurements
Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Faculty
- Mr. John Bolger FRCS DO FEBOS –CR My-iClinic United Kingdom
- Dr. Dušan Pušnik Pušnik-Novljan, okulistika, optika, zobozdravstvo d.o.o. Slovenia
-
Dr. Petra Schollmayer
University Medical Centre Ljubljana
Clinic of Ophthalmology Slovenia - OÄ Dr. Beatrix Neumaier-Ammerer Kepler Universitätsklinikum Austria
-
Dr. Nicola Vandemeulebroecke
Oberärztin Augenklinik
Marien Hospital Düsseldorf Germany - Prof. Dr. med. Norbert Körber Augencentrum Köln Germany
Cataract Surgery (Basic) Course - Prices
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 1050 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 1200 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course
Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Summary
Main Topics - Cataract surgery course
- Basic steps - pearls and pitfalls
- The physics of phaco/different pumps
-
Nuclear disassembly techniques and strategies
- Phaco techniques: Divide&conquer, Stop&chop, Phaco chop: horizontal/vertical
- The importance of going deep in the centre
- The concept of the save zone
- Sculpt - different settings
-
Understanding subtypes - key to removing cataracts
- Dense vs. soft
- White cataracts
- Hard cataracts
-
Identifying complex cases and planning strategies
- Small pupil, IFIS
- Weak zonules
- Vitrectomised eyes
- Compromised corneas (scared /Fuchs dystrophy)
- Modifying machine settings for special cases
-
Complications
- Capsulorhexis run out/tear
- Posterior capsule rupture
- Phaco burn
- Dropping and dropped nucleus
- How does the nucleus drop
- Management of events during phaco
- Management of events if the nucleus has dropped
- Should a lens be implanted as a primary procedure
-
Anterior vitrectomy
- Nuclear material present
- Cortical material present
- No lens remnants present
- Triamcinolone
- IOL exchange
-
Considerations in long and short eyes
- Key anatomic worries
- Intraoperative surgical considerations
- IOL calculation considerations
- IOL choice
-
Subluxated crystalline and intraocular lenses
- Clinical evaluation
- Surgical approach
- Intraoperative complication management
-
Postoperative cataract surgery complications
- Posterior capsule opacity (PCO)
- Intraocular lens dislocation/decentration
- Eye inflammation
- Keratopathy
- Light sensitivity
- Photopsia (perceived flashes of light)
- Macular edema
- Ptosis (droopy eyelid)
- Elevated intraocular pressure
Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Faculty
- Mr. John Bolger FRCS DO FEBOS –CR My-iClinic United Kingdom
- Dr. Dušan Pušnik Pušnik-Novljan, okulistika, optika, zobozdravstvo d.o.o. Slovenia
-
Dr. Petra Schollmayer
University Medical Centre Ljubljana
Clinic of Ophthalmology Slovenia - OÄ Dr. Beatrix Neumaier-Ammerer Kepler Universitätsklinikum Austria
-
Dr. Nicola Vandemeulebroecke
Oberärztin Augenklinik
Marien Hospital Düsseldorf Germany - Prof. Dr. med. Norbert Körber Augencentrum Köln Germany
Cataract Surgery (Advanced) Course - Prices
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 1200 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 1350 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Course is Fully Booked | |
Vitrectomy Course
Summary - Vitrectomy Course
Main Topics - Vitrectomy Course
-
How the wetlab works
- Understanding the wetlab
- Principles and functions of vitrectomy machines
-
Machine technology
- Pump system and fluids, machine settings
- Ultrasonic including continuous pulse and burst mode
- Auditory feedback, foot pedal control
-
Vitrectomy – indications
- Dropped lens material or IOL.
- Vitreo-macular surface diseases
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Eye trauma
-
Vitrectomy – basic principles
- Wound construction (20 vs. 23 and 25 G)
- Vitreous removal
- Stabilizing and flattening the retina
- Laser (endo, exo, cryo)
- Suturing or suturless technique
-
Micro Incision Vitrectomy Surgery (MIVS)
- Advantages & disadvantages
-
Vitrectomy – special challenges
- Membrane peeling and use of dyes
- PFCL, gas, fluid-exchange
- Posterior hyaloid removal
-
Vitrectomy surface diseases
- OCT (PVD, pre- & postop)
- VMA, VMT
- ERM, FTMH
-
Retinal detachment
- Types and management
- Surgical techniques
- Use of gas/silicone-oil
- Sil. oil removal, complications
-
Vitrectomy in children
- Indications, anatomy
- Placement of trocars, PVD
-
Management of complications
- Nucleus dropped in vitreous cavity
- IOL dropped in vitreous cavity
-
Indications and techniques for combined surgery
- Cataract surgery and vitrectomy
-
Vitreoretinal surgery in traumatized eyes
- Perforating and penetrating ocular trauma
-
Vitrectomy - controversial & discussion
- Induce PVD in all cases
- Shave the vitreous base in all cases
- Use of triamcinolone, toxicity of dyes
- 2nd staining – intraoperative OCT
- Area of peeling, type of forceps
- Always air at the end, laser or cryo
- Sutures or no sutures, postop positioning
Faculty - Vitrectomy Course
- Zlatko Slezak, MD County Hospital Cakovec Croatia
- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michael Georgopoulos, MBA Medical University of Vienna Austria
- Dr. med. Jan Köhler AugenZentrum Germany
Prices - Vitrectomy Course
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 1200 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 1350 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Laser Refractive Surgery Course
Summary - Laser Refractive Surgery Course
Main Topics - Laser Refractive Surgery Course
-
Introduction to Laser Refractive Surgery
- Pre-operative assessment in laser refractive surgery
- Patient selection and preoperative preparation
- Diagnostic algorithms
-
Diagnostic methods
- Theoretical background
- High profile diagnostics in laser refractive surgery
-
First, Second and Third Generation of Laser Refractive Surgery
- Machine technology
- PRK
- LASIK / Femto LASIK
- SMILE
- Sutureless Intrastromal Anteriol Lamellar Keratoplasty (sIALK)
-
Practical tips and sessions
- Patient diagnostics before live surgery
- Laser refractive surgery procedure selection
- Surgical guidelines for optimal performance in SMILE
- High profile diagnostics in laser refractive surgery
- Post laser refractive surgery examination
- Highlights in CXL in combination with Third Generation of Laser Refractive Surgery
- Examination of refractive patients
- Post-surgery follow up
- Live surgery
Faculty - Laser Refractive Surgery Course
- Dr. Alexander Angelov Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic Bulgaria
- Mr. Yavor Angelov Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic Bulgaria
Prices - Laser Refractive Surgery Course
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 1200 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 1350 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Keratoplasty Surgery Course
Summary - Keratoplasty Surgery Course
Main Topics - Keratoplasty Surgery Course
-
PKP
- Indication
- Surgical techniques
- Results
- Complications and aftercare
-
DALK
- Indication
- Surgical techniques
- Results
- Complications and aftercare
-
DSAEK / DSEK
- Indication
- Surgical techniques
- Results
- Complications and aftercare
-
DSEK to DMEK
- Why change?
- A smooth transition
-
DMEK Preparation
- Preparation and preservation of donor corneal tissue
- Tips and tricks
-
DMEK Insertion and manipulation
- Tips and tricks
- Results
- Complications and aftercare
Faculty - Keratoplasty Surgery Course
- Dr. Samer Hamada, MSc, DO(hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth Eye Clinic London United Kingdom
- Dr. Mohamed Elalfy, MBBCh, MSc, MD, DRCOphth, FICO, FRCSEd, FRCS Glas., FRCOphth Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust United Kingdom
Prices - Keratoplasty Surgery Course
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 1200 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 1250 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Glaucoma Course
Summary - Glaucoma Course
Main Topics - Glaucoma Course
- Viscocanalostomy
- Deep sclectomy
- CanalOplasty (ab interno and ab externo)
- Trabeculectomy
The programme uses a range of different teaching methods. Scientific and video presentations, workshops, practical, and self-directed learning will facilitate a more in depth understanding of the major concepts. This will allow you to have a pleasant learning experience. At the end of each module there will be a wetlab session which will help you to reinforce your knowledge into practice. Our faculty members will guide you through every step.
Faculty - Glaucoma Course
- Prof. Norbert Körber Germany
- Prof. Vytautas Jasinskas Lithuania
Prices - Glaucoma Course
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 700 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 700 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Oculoplastic Surgery Course
Summary - Oculoplastic Surgery Course
Main Topics - Oculoplastic Surgery Course
- Upper eyelid pathology and surgery
- Upper eyelid functional anatomy and evaluation
- Upper eyelid malpositions
- Upper eyelid ptosis
- Upper eyelid retraction
- The floppy eyelid
- Brow ptosis
- Principles of the upper eyelid reconstruction after tumor removal
Faculty - Oculoplastic Surgery Course
- Dr. Milena Sredkova, PhD Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic Bulgaria
- Dr. Tanya Koleva Resbiomed Sofia Eye Clinic Bulgaria
Prices - Oculoplastic Surgery Course
| Eearly Fee (until 31 March) | 500 € |
| Late Fee (after 1 April) | 700 € |
| Groups of 5 to 9 | 10% discount off the current fee |
| Groups of 10 or more | 15% 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 March 2019. | |
| * Please note – All prices are in Euro inclusive of 20% VAT | |
| Registration | |
Course Venue
Located just 25 minutes from the Sofia International Airport, the Hilton Sofia hotel runs a shuttle service to and from the hotel. Enjoy a central location in the heart of Bulgaria's capital city, next to the National Congress Center and a shopping mall. The stunning Vitosha Mountain provides a breathtaking backdrop to the hotel.
Hold your prestigious event in the Moussala Ballroom or host a meeting in one of seven WiFi-enabled meeting rooms. Keep in touch at our fully equipped Connectivity Station and Executive Lounge.
Work out in the 24-hour fitness suite or pamper yourself in the beauty salon with treatments such as the aromatherapy massage. Have fun with the children in the indoor relaxation pool or simply relax in the sauna.
Dine in the fashionable Seasons restaurant and enjoy local food or a Bulgarian merlot. Admire the view from the outdoor terrace. If you favor a lighter bite, try Artists Bar & Café. Locals love the mix of stylish art, along with specialty brandies and delicious snacks.
Relax in a modern guest room, decorated in calming neutral tones. With soundproofed windows, a work area, WiFi and an ergonomic desk, these rooms are perfect for staying connected with the office or home. Sink into the easy chair or curl up in front of the flat-screen TV. Upgrade to a suite and spoil yourself with a living area, chaise lounge and complimentary breakfast.
136A Positano str., 1309 Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: +359 2 80 81 888
Email: registration@bow.bg
