From his busy practices at The Colchester Eye Centre and Oaks Ramsay Hospital, Dr Dimitriou specialises in performing minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MiGS) procedures. These involve the implantation of highly specialised devices to improve the drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to lower intraocular pressure, a hallmark of glaucoma therapy. By combining the benefits of MiGS procedures with the advanced digital imaging enabled by a slit lamp examination, a cornerstone tool of ophthalmology, Dr Dimitriou is committed to optimising treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for each and every one of his valued patients.

He explains “As a dedicated specialist eye surgeon, my approach to managing this intricate co-existence of cataracts and glaucoma involves the skillful integration of two technologies.

Firstly, I meticulously assess the placement and functionality of MiGS micro-implants using the slit lamp’s precise magnification and illumination capabilities. This confirms optimal positioning and efficient drainage. Clinical images are captured using the Keeler Symphony KSL H5 digital imaging system, which is extremely important in any clinical assessment but especially following on from MiGS angle surgery. This has proven invaluable in everyday practice, providing me with precise surgical peri-operative evaluation and interventionwith vigilant post-operative care. I am then able to view the anterior chamber and angle configuration with unparalleled clarity. This vigilance helps me monitor drainage pathways and any post-operative anatomical variations.”

Patient education and personalised treatment adjustments

The strategic combination of innovative surgical intervention with cutting-edge imaging technology offers numerous advantages to his patients’ care. According to Dr Dimitriou, “Through capturing these amazing and eye-opening slit-lamp images using Keeler Kapture software, I am able to educate my patients by providing visual evidence of their surgical procedure.”

Following on from glaucoma drainage surgery, diligent post-operative monitoring is paramount. This step ensures the surgery’s success and allows for early detection of any potential complications. This is where the integration of digital imaging through slit lamp examination becomes pivotal. Dr Dimitriou continues “I can then schedule follow-up appointments to capture images over time, enabling a continuous assessment of my patients’ care and recovery progress, to guide personalised treatment adjustments, as necessary. This approach also brings a deeper patient understanding and compliance with their post-operative care instructions.”

A better future in eye care, together

Combining many years of experience using the Symphony Digital Imaging System with the support he receives from Clinical Training Manager, Nicola Bennett, Dr Dimitriou is confident he gains the best possible view for evaluating the treatment outcomes for his patients.

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About our guest contributor:

Our guest contributor, Mr. Dimitriou, has been an integral part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) since 2015, where he serves as the Lead Clinician for Glaucoma. In addition to his role at ESNEFT, he has made significant contributions to Oaks Hospital. Over the years, Mr. Dimitriou has conducted an impressive number of more than 3,000 MiGS procedures, establishing himself as a pioneering eye surgeon.

His expertise extends to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and procedures, including SLT Laser, Micro-Pulse Laser, XEN45, iStent G2W, KDB, PRESERFLO, HYDRUS, OMNI, iTRACK, TrabEx+, MINIject, MiMS, and, most recently, Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy (ELiOS). Notably, he stands out as one of the first surgeons in the country to embrace these innovative technologies.

Mr. Dimitriou’s influence extends beyond surgery, as he also plays a pivotal role in education and training. As a Senior Full-Time Consultant Ophthalmologist, he serves as the Surgical Tutor and MiGS Simulation Lead for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in Colchester and ESNEFT. His commitment to advancing medical practices has earned him the Level 2 Clinical Excellence Award in 2019, recognising his dedication to bringing cutting-edge treatments into everyday clinical practice for the benefit of his cataract and glaucoma patients.

Furthermore, Mr. Dimitriou’s tireless efforts in educating the next generation of Ophthalmologists have been honoured with the 2023 Rob Brierly Educational Award. He continues to inspire and teach aspiring Ophthalmologists in the East of England and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the field.