YOU IN THE FOCUS WITH ST PETKA EYE CLINIC

Ever since, St Petka has been known for its striving to offer the best of modern eye care. The clinic now has six locations in Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Dobrich and Plovdiv. Assoc. Prof. Daniela Mitova elaborates.

St Petka is famed as a pioneer in implementation of new medical treatment technologies in Bulgaria. What are the latest novelties at the clinic?

St Petka Eye Clinic has the biggest experience in refractive surgery in Bulgaria. It was the first to start doing laser vision corrections in the 2000s with the latest generation of excimer lasers. With over 40,000 procedures performed in almost 25 years, we have the confidence of experts in the field. Today, we work with the latest international platform for refractive correction – Schwind Amaris 750 Hz. SCHWIND is a German company proved to be the leader in the field. It is the fastest laser applying an innovative software programme. Its tracking system follows the pupil for possible diversion in 6 dimensions. It compensates the rotation of the eye-ball in prone and supine position, and also detects all micro-movements.

In its practice, St Petka Eye Clinic stands out with detailed preliminary selection and diagnosis of concomitant eye diseases. We perform over 6,000 procedures (phaco and laser) per year. We have a team of outstanding specialists and we track the patients' health for decades on end. This is how we earn the trust of our patients.

What other innovative approaches in eye treatment do you offer at St Petka?

Laser vision correction is first a medical procedure, and then a cosmetic one. Phaco surgery with implantation of monofocal or multifocal intraocular lense (IOL) is another approach towards refractive eye correction. It is suitable for patients over 50 years of age and those with significant diversions in refraction. The tailored approach that considers the patient's medical preconditions and individual needs is crucial.

Our approach towards treatment of retina diseases is also innovative. We offer tissue rejuvenation with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and nanosecond laser (2RT) to treat macular degeneration, retinal dystrophy and others. In the treatment of diabetic retinopathy we use a holistic approach – AntiVEGF injection therapy, laser (we have the latest retinal laser with multispot), subliminal for treatment of macular edema, subtenon application of long lasting steroids and surgical treatment in case of intraocular haemorrhage and retinal detachment.

We also offer oculoplastic surgery – blepharoplasty, ptosis, ectropion, and entropion and also microinvasive procedures such as botox, mesotherapy (including plasma therapy), fillers.

St Petka now has six clinics. What is the secret of your success?

We rely on new technologies, but the human factor always comes first. St Petka is a training center for residents in ophthalmology and medical students. Assoc. Prof. T. Mitov is the creator of his own school in ophthalmology. We follow the new global trends, develop experimental therapies, and build rules for good clinical practice. Our team is the core of our success. Every doctor in the clinic is specialised in different field of ophthalmology giving the patients the opportunity for detailed consultation and a second opinion. The personal approach and trust are fundamental in our philosophy.

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