Greek and International Innovations
2016: Ultra-Widefield imaging via the OPTOS system, producing color widefield images without the need for mydriasis.
2015:OCT angiography via the OCT AngioVue system, without the need for a contrast agent or mydriasis.
2014: Achieved the Top 10 of the Most Influential People in Ophthalmology according to “The Ophthalmologist.
2014: Ahmed Valve Model M4 implantation.
2013: Photorefractive CXL. Correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism using collagen cross-linking alone: a refractive intervention without tissue removal.
2013: Cassini Multicolored-Spot Reflection Topography for detecting keratoconus.
2012: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract procedure: an innovative bladeless technology.
2012: Nanosecond laser in cataract procedures.
2011: Topography guided treatment of hyperopic correction combined with high-fluence CXL.
2010: Revolutionary technology: “WaveLight Refractive Suite” allows customized laser vision corrections.
2009: KeraKlear Keratoprosthesis.
2008: Prophylactic CXL in routine myopic and hyperopic LASIK.
2008: International Reference Center for Alcon Wavelight Refractive Surgery Systems and Technology.
2006: IntraLase “no-blade” technology in LASIK procedures.
2005: Introduction of the “Athens Protocol Procedure”. An innovative internationally recognized technique for the management of keratoconus and Post LASIK ectasia. This approach reduces significantly the need of RGP lenses and the possibility of corneal transplantation.
2002: The 2nd scientific team (following Dresden and Zurich) in Europe and the 1st in Greece to use corneal collagen cross-linking. The CXL technique was certified by the European Union in December 2016.
2001: Wavefront and Topography Guided Customized Corneal Ablations.
2001: Ex-PRESS Glaucoma Implant.
1999: “Break”of the 2mm incision size barrier in cataract procedures.
1999: Pioneer topographic classification system of corneal transplants.
1997: Dohlman Keratoprosthesis.
The Athens Protocol - An innovative, internationally recognized technique
This technique combines simultaneous topography-guided partial PRK with corneal CXL and is proven to be a safe and effective approach for normalizing the cornea and enhancing the visual function of eyes with ectatic conditions. Combined CXL with topography-guided, partial PRK can address high amounts of irregular astigmatism in these eyes. The goal of this treatment is to both stabilize the cornea, thus arrest keratoconus progression and to reduce the irregularity of the surface. This is a therapeutic and not a refractive procedure that allows visual improvement either unaided or aided with spectacles and/or contact lenses.
Our scientific team was the first to introduce the Athens Protocol Technique, which is now internationally recognized. We have contributed many of the evolutionary steps of the cornea cross-linking since 2001 (we are the 2nd scientific team engaged in collagen cross-linking globally) and our bibliography includes numerous publications, papers, as well as worldwide meeting presentations.
The Athens Protocol treatment is simple, the patient receives topical anesthesia and by the end of the procedure a bandage contact lens is fitted to reduce discomfort. There might be a slight burning sensation, pain and light sensitivity the first 2 days but these symptoms are totally normal and temporary. The bandage contact lens is removed three to four days after the initial treatment and the patient may return to his normal daily activities within a week.
