118

health

seeing
clearly

trust,
compassion
and loyalty

Eye clinics in Bulgaria are at

world level in terms of quality
of work, staff and equipment
by Antoaneta Baeva

The standard of living depends on the health

and decreased vision causes serious difficulties
in social interaction, at work and in everyday
life. Happily, modern medicine provides a
solution for almost any problem, without pain
and stress.

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www.stockfreeimages.com

advertorial

119

What is the secret of Den Eye Clinic's

longevity?
Reputation and professionalism. Medicine
is a special discipline in it, trust, charity,
honesty and willingness to help are the most
important things. Modern equipment alone is
not enough the patient should know that he
Medical technology
can trust the physician.
is not enough,
Which procedures and treatments are the
believes
clinic's strongest features?
About 20 years ago, Eye Clinic Day
Assoc. Prof.
pioneered in Bulgaria the modern treatment
Dr Andrey
of cataracts phacoemulsification. Today,
Andreev from
with this operation we are able not only
to restore the patient's vision, but also to
Den Eye Clinic
improve significantly its quality. Surgery
treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, corneal
transplant, strabismus and vision correction
are also in the foundation of our success.
Den Eye Clinic is the only one in Bulgaria
where lamellar keratoplasty is done a new
method of corneal transplantation with many
advantages.
When surgery is urgent?
All emergency and chronic diseases in which
Established in 1996, Den Eye Clinic is one
of the first private medical centres in Bulgaria the doctor has made an accurate diagnosis and
has chosen surgery as a method of treatment,
specialising in diagnostics and high-end
treatment of wide range of medical conditions, are urgent. Urgency has different time
equivalent, depending on the diagnosis.
including cataract surgery and laser vision
What kind of methods do you apply on
correction. Situated in two buildings of the
Sofia centre, the clinic is equipped with state- children? Which children's conditions can be
of-art technology for diagnostics, surgery and corrected?
Surgical treatment of children is a big
treatment and is staffed by a dedicated team of
responsibility. The success depends not only
professionals.
on the excellently done surgery, but also on the
Ophthalmologist Assoc. Prof. Dr Andrey
efforts for the development of children's vision
Andreev has been the manager of Den Eye
afterwards. We have one of the best children's
Clinic since its foundation. One of the most
eye physicians and the results we are having are
competent and respected professionals in
of a very high level.
Bulgarian ophthalmology, Dr Andreev is
What requirements should the
a member of prestigious ophthalmological
professionals in Eye Clinic Day meet?
organisations in the EU and the USA,
They should be excellent professionals, and
and is the Vice President of the Bulgarian
hearty and compassionate as people.
Ophthalmologists Society.
Sofia, 21 Rositsa St | phone: + 359 (2) 983 2028 | mobile: + 359 885 747 325 |

www.eyeclinic-den.com

120

health

Ophthalmology is one of the fastest growing

medical specialties in Bulgarian healthcare.
"We can proudly say that many eye clinics
in Bulgaria are on an European level in
terms of quality of work, organisation and
equipment," says Assoc. Prof. Dr Andrey
Andreev, Vice President of the Bulgarian
Ophthalmologists Society and a member of
prestigious ophthalmological organisations in
the EU and the USA. Dr Andreev is also the
manager of Den Eye Clinic, one of the oldest
and most reputed eye clinics in Bulgaria, which
specialises in modern treatment of cataract,
glaucoma and vision correction. "The reason
is that ophthalmology is one of the medical
subjects with a great number of private hospitals
and medical centres and the competition is
very strong. I think that the development of
ophthalmology in Bulgaria goes several steps
ahead of health care reforms," Dr Andreev adds.
Good diagnostic equipment is crucial
for quality treatment and the Bulgarian
ophthalmological clinics are equipped with
the latest technologies for fast and precise
diagnostics. There are performed procedures
like early computer diagnosis; treatment of
glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy with modern
lasers; cataract surgery with implantation of
an ultrasound and soft intraocular lenses;
laser surgery of a detached retina; treatment
of vascular and inflammatory diseases of eyes;
operative treatment of squint and care for
children vision; trabeculectomy; keratoplasty.
Professional team of specialists, who are
constantly updating their knowledge and
skills in ophthalmology, is also important.
Bulgarian physicians regularly attend
international forums and develop their own
scientific researches, and clinics put an effort
on organising international experts exchange
programmes and visits from world renown
ophthalmologists.
Traditional methods of treatment have

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advertorial

121

Ophthalmology is developing with the speed

of technology, says Prof. Dr Iva Petkova
from "Zora" Eye Hospital
In 2001, Prof. Dr Iva Petkova created medical
centre "Zora", in Sofia, as a place striving to
achieve the highest quality of health care.
Later, the centre morphed into a hospital for
treatment of eye diseases. In 2010, at "Zora"
was created a sector for laser vision correction
equipped with an excimer laser Allegretto
WaveLight, a feast of technology. Prof. Dr
Petkova is a specialist in vitreoretinal surgery
and lectures in the Medical Academy in Sofia.
She has specialised in Cologne, London and
Brussels.
Are there procedures which are done only
in "Zora"? Tell us more about them.
For example, the removal of cataract with a
femtosecond laser is done only in our hospital,
as well as photodynamic therapy of macular
degeneration.
How do you keep your team in touch with
the rapid development of ophthalmological
technology?
Ophthalmology is indeed a rapidly
expanding medical subject. The physicians at
"Zora" are all very ambitious and continually
attend courses, seminars and congresses, they
also write scientific publications. Some of them
have a degree in the field in which they are
specialised.
How did the diagnostic in ophthalmology
change in recent years?
The diagnosic in our subject goes hand in
hand with the development of the engineering
technology and it noted a sharp development
in recent years. The constant improvement in
the physical parameters of the equipment and

the increased resolution of the image helps us

to diagnose conditions which until recently we
werent able to.
How did laser treatment improve the eye
care?
Laser treatment is extremely effective in the
treatment of eye diseases. The excimer laser
used in refractive surgery is continuously
improving. The new generations of lasers
allow the safe correction of higher diopters
and faster recovery. The femtosecond laser
entered refractive and cataract surgery,
allowing extremely precise execution of these
procedures.
Which conditions can be treated with laser?
Which are the most common surgeries?
The most common laser procedure is the
refractive surgery. In recent years, femtosecond
laser is getting more and more used in cataract
surgery and so the operations are safer, more
accurate and secure, avoiding the development
of post-operative astigmatism. In cases with
severe myopia, the correction is possible with
artificial lenses and here the femtosecond laser
is very efficient.
What is the risk in these operations?
With the sophistication of the procedure the
risk is now minimised. Of greatest importance,
however, is the examination of the patient in
advance. The decision depends on the
thickness and the individual characteristics of
the cornea. When it is thinner, the risk of
complications is higher, but we have a sound
diagnosis of the disease and we can find it out
in its very beginning.

Sofia, 191 Maria Louisa Blvd, floor 2 | phones: 02 931 2281, 087 999 8414 | svetlina_zora@abv.bg | ww.bolnica-zora.com

122

health

proven to be successful, but new ways with

better results have been rapidly introduced
into ophthalmology. The laser has completely
changed the standards allowing more
precision, faster and painless procedures and
faster recovery.
Diagnostics in ophthalmology has seen
a rapid development in recent years, and is
moving in line with development of new
technologies, explains Prof. Dr Iva Petkova,
who lectures in the Medical Academy and
is the founder of Zora Eye Hospital. "Laser
treatment is incredibly effective in treatment
of eye conditions," says Prof. Dr Petkova. 'The
excimer laser for laser correction of dioptres is
being constantly improved and new generations
of laser allow the safe removal of high dioptres
and the faster recovery." However, there are
cases when more radical treatment is needed. "In
severe cases of myopia, like 9-10 dioptres, when
common laser correction is helpless, there is an
opportunity for correction with replacing of
the natural lenses of the eye with artificial ones.
Femtosecond laser is very effective in achieving
the optimal result of the surgery. In our clinic
we have very good results with this type of
procedures."
There are specific eye conditions where laser
correction of dioptres is not recommended,
such like keratoconus the conical thinning
of the cornea. "We have an apparatus for
diagnosis of the condition when it is in its
early stages and yet has no symptoms," says
Prof. Dr Petkova. "That is why thorough
examination in advance with specialised
equipment is extremely important for avoiding
complications."
The best Bulgarian clinics apply brand new
procedures to ensure the highest standard of
treatment.
Resbiomed-Vissum Eye Clinic in Sofia applies
the revolutionary ReLEx Smile technology for
minimally invasive laser refractive

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if you want
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difference

advertorial

123

ReLEx is a trademark of Carl Zeiss Meditec

that stands for the so-called All-Femto-LASIK
procedure ReLEx Smile, which is only
performed using VisuMax a state-of-the-art
Zeiss femtosecond laser.

Resbiomed-Vissum
Sofia Eye Clinic applies
revolutionary technology
for minimally invasive
laser refractive surgery
Resbiomed-Vissum Sofia Eye Clinic is the
first clinic outside Spain from VISSUM
Ophthalmology Corporation. Vision
involves quality of life. Today, our societies
demand high quality of life and excellent
ophthalmic results, particularly from surgery.
Conventional techniques are adequate but
we are interested in raising the limits of
ophthalmology to the highest standards
possible. From this vision and perspective,
our cooperation is based on a longstanding
perspective of clinical application of the most
sophisticated, innovative and effective surgical
techniques and medical treatments for eye
diseases and optimising the clinical results for
our patients based on innovation and clinical
research.
Correction of ametropia, e.g. shortsightedness (myopia), far-sightedness
(hyperopia) and astigmatism by means of
the state-of-the-art femto LASIK is one of
our most important special fields. The new
technology ReLEx Smile provides a better
way to improve your short-sightedness and
the professionals in Resbiomed-Vissum Sofia
Eye Clinic know how to make the best of it for
your eye condition.

How does ReLEx Smile work?

Step 1: The VisuMax femtosecond laser
creates a refractive lenticule and a small
incision of less than 3 mm in the otherwise
intact cornea.
Step 2: The lenticule is manually removed
through a very small incision in the cornea.
There is no need for a flap cut and the
disruption to the biomechanics of the cornea
is minimal.
Step 3: The removal of the refractive lenticule
changes the shape of the cornea, permanently
correcting the refractive error.
The result? No pain, no flap,
biomechanically much more stable cornea
compared to LASIK, better sight with faster
recovery and less stress for your eyes.

Sofia, 144 Aldomirovska St | phone: +359 2 808 1888 | mobile: +359 879 600 290 | sofia@resbiomedeye.com | www.resbiomedeye.com

124

health

corrections of myopia with or without

astigmatism. The technology offers significant
advantages over conventional laser vision
correction mechanically intact cornea, no
pain, no flap and no need to apply moisturising
drops for months. During the procedure a very
small incision (less than 3 mm) is created in
the periphery of the cornea. A lenticule with
the thickness of 10-30 microns is dissected and
removed. The recovery is much faster compared
to the conventional laser vision correction.
After the correction the patients can practice
all kind of sports without any risk and without
any limitation unlike the other laser vision
corrections.
Only Resbiomed-Vissum Eye Clinic
provides to patients of over 45 years of age
the laser refractive correction Laser Blended
Vision (Micro monovision) that allows seeing
at all distances without glasses.
Cataract is one of the most common causes
of reduced vision in elderly people, says Dr
Anna Petkova, an ophthalmologist at Vision,
a renown clinic in Sofia which offers complete
care for adults and children and has a vibrant
social activity. The vision of cataract patient
becomes blurred, contrast sensitivity decreases,
the colours change their shades. When the
so-called clouding thickens, the vision is
seriously reduced. Treatment is 100 percent
surgical, with the golden standard being
phacoemulsification. "Under a microscope,
using very fine tools, we enter the eye through
a very small incision of about 2 mm," says Dr
Petkova. "With ultrasound we fragment the
"small pieces" clouding the natural intraocular
lens of the patient and replace it with new
artificial lens which has been custom made.
Our clinic applies lenses of incredible quality
which improve vision and contrast, correct
corneal astigmatism and provide excellent
vision without glasses. Most importantly the
cataract surgery is painless, quick and sparing."

ReLEx Smile
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seeing
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advertorial

125

Modern equipment and dedicated

professionals are equally important for
good eye care, says Elena Kumbieva,
manager of Eye Laser Centre Vision

For 11 years now, Eye Laser Center Vision has

earned a reputation as one of the top ophthalmology
clinics in Bulgaria. The clinic works following the
highest international standards in prophylaxis and
treatment in a wide range of conditions in children
and adults, and has an extensive social activity. Elena
Kumbieva, manager of Eye Laser Centre Vision, tells
more.
What makes Eye Laser Centre Vision special?
Vision is the prove that in Bulgaria it is possible
to have world-class modern medicine. We have
top-class equipment for precise diagnostics and
adequate treatment, but also an exceptional team of
professionals.
Tell us more about the people who work in
Vision.
We chose excellent specialists and then give them
the opportunity to continue studying and enhancing
their skills. They participate in international events
where they catch up with the latest developments
in ophthalmology. For 5 years now we have been
bringing to Bulgaria leading foreign specialists who

provide free medical examinations. A good clinic

means having nice and helpful customer service and
administrative staff, so every employee in Vision
knows that the patient's comfort is paramount.
What are the main treatments that Vision offers?
We conduct examinations and highly specialised
medical analysis, laser procedures and treatment
of all types of eye conditions: early prevention,
computer diagnostics and treatment of glaucoma
and diabetic retinopathy with modern lasers; cataract
surgery with ultrasound and implantation of soft
intraocular lenses; laser and surgical treatment of
detached retina; vascular and inflammatory eye
diseases; surgical treatment of strabismus and care for
children's eyesight; trabeculectomy, keratoplasty.
In which conditions does laser treatment help?
In all pathological conditions. We can predict and
diagnose all types of severe conditions and propose
appropriate treatment.
Can you treat myopia, hyperopia and
astigmatism and how?
We have the most modern laser for laser treatment,
yet it is important for the patient not to have serious
chronic diseases. Correction is not recommended
for pregnant and breast-feeding women, too, and the
cornea thickness is essential.
What kind of social activities has Vision
developed?
The centre is socially engaged. We visit nursing
homes and offer free examination, covering the whole
or a the bigger part of the price of the lenses after
cataract surgery. From 2013 on, our mobile teams have
been examining for free adults outside Sofia. So far we
have helped dozens of people.

Sofia, 8 C. Grigorovich St | phones: (+359 2) 951 5037; (+359 2) 951 5655 | lazervision@abv.bg | www.lazervision.eu

126

high beam XXX

health

Another very common laser application

is in bifocals correction. Many patients still
are reluctant to believe that a few minutes
procedure will restore their clear vision.
"While driving on the highway to Ljubljana
for the next European Society for Cataract &
Refractive Surgeons, I am testing my ability to
see far," recalls Dr Svetoslav Doychinov from
Vision Clinic. "Six years after I had a laser
correction done, I am still amazed with the
quality of my sight without the discomfort
of contact lenses. Once, I was sceptical on the
long term effect of this method, but this is the
normal reaction of a patient. Now I feel regret
that I have postponed the procedure, which
removed my 5 dioptres."
Dr Doychinov compares the methods for
vision correction with types of transportation.
"The glasses are like the team of horses and
contact lenses are the steam locomotive," says
he. "Radial keratotomy is the equivalent of
tram and laser correction is like a modern car. I
reached Ljubljana in 9 hours, without rubbing
my eyes and using moisturising drops, as
happened before while wearing contact lenses."
Whether you'll stay with the "steam
locomotive" or will prefer the "modern car" is
up to you. What's important is, that in Bulgaria
you have a number of options for vision
correction, top-end facilities and professionals
who will do the best for you.

the correct answers

to the questions on p10:
1. A; 2. C; 3. A; 4. B; 5. B; 6. A;
7. A; 8. C; 9. A.

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Vagabond Media is happy to announce its cooperation with

Penguin Travel, the travel agency based in Copenhagen and
Sofia, to provide a new service to our readers: experience
for yourself all the places, sites, events and everything else
you read about in Vagabond, Bulgaria's English Magazine.

City Breaks

Heritage Tours

127

Eccentric Bulgaria
Incentive Travel

We now offer highly customisable, tailor-made tours to

just about anywhere in Bulgaria (and of course through the
Balkans) that you have read about in this journal during
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Our new service includes anything from half-a-day tour of
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Some examples of what we have to offer:

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Once Bulgaria was a major Jewish centre in southeastern Europe, which did not
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Expect to discover some surprising gateways to a forgotten yet potent reminder of
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Ottoman Bulgaria

Did you know that until the late 19th century Bulgaria was a part of a powerful
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Communist Bulgaria

In 1990 Bulgaria was the only Warsaw Pact country to re-elect its former Communists in a multiparty election. In 2013 Bulgaria is the only country in Eastern Europe that has not demolished,
dismantled or at least put in context its hundreds if not thousands of Communist-era monuments,
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