Pre-requisite:   Basic knowledge of ocular anatomy
Accurate axial eye length measurements are essential in any practice where cataract surgery is performed.  Knowledge of the principles of both ultrasound and optical coherence biometry is vital in order to correctly interpret spike patterns to assure axial alignment and accuracy. Immersion ultrasound and optical coherence techniques will be presented, as well as a description of common errors and how they can be avoided. Also discussed will be IOL calculations and the various formulae considered most accurate today, as well as challenging situations such as high myopia and posterior staphylomata

Ultrasound and optical coherence biometry principles
Measurement techniques for both immersion ultrasound and optical coherence 
Axial aligment spike pattern recognition for both ultrasound and optical coherence
Error recognition with both sound and optical coherence
How to measure eyes with A-scan and B-scan ultrasound when the IOL Master cannot obtain readings 
Measuring challenging eyes such as high myopes and posterior staphylomata
Intraocular lenses and current IOL calculation formula selection for various eye lengths

The first intraocular lens was implanted by Harold Ridley more than 60 years ago, ever since this the improvement in this field has been dramatic.

Often theatre assistants hear the different reasons which determine which particular implant a surgeon will use.
This course will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the different IOL materials and designs, and participants will also be shown photographs of changes which ocurr to the intraocular lense once it has been implanted.

Optical Coherence Tomography is a technique of imaging the posterior pole. It is a method that uses interferometry, a process analogous to ultrasound, using optic instead of acoustic reflection. OCT allows a tomography of the retina and its different layers with an axial resolution of 10 microns in a few minutes. Its final image is a false colour image (depending on the degree of light backscattering from tissues at different depths) representing different layers, from RPE to the RNFL layer. This permits the exact localization of the pathology and an evaluation of its volume. OCT is an advantageous method because it is not invasive, and in many cases pupil dilatation is not necessary. Good results are obtained with only 3mm dilatation.

The purpose of this course is to show the basis of the technique, its advantages and applications, and some results in different cases of retina pathologies. It also aims to provide some tips to facilitate the use of OCT in practical clinic. In the practial component of the course, all participants can try the equipment and carry out some examples of examinations.

Participants will have the opportunity to look at current techniques used in Refractive Surgery through theory and practice, learning to do exams and discussing important details with the instructors. Critical points regarding patient selection, decision-making concerning a photorefractive candidate, and evaluating the quality of vision following refractive surgery will be covered. An overview of the most popular microkeratomes will be given, where participants can look at assembling tips for a safe procedure. More advanced issues including emergencies, postoperative complications and re-operations will also be covered.

Part 1 - Theory:

I. Pallikaris
Current techniques

S. Plainis
Evaluating visual performance following refractive surgery

V. Katsanevaki
Patient selection/Decision making

G. Kymionis
Emergencies/Postoperative complications

N.Tsiklis
Re-Operations

Part 2 - Practical:

N. Astyrakakis
Topography

S. Panagopoulou
Overview of microkeratomes

Please note: All those attending Part 2 must also participate in Part 1 of the course. However it is possible to attend Part 1 without attending Part 2 of the course.

This course provides the opportunity for hands-on learning as an introduction or as an update of your existing skills. Visual field testing provides extremely important information and is a vital skill to master. Detailed visual field analysis requires sophisticated machinery.