Department of ophthalmology

International cooperation

Person in charge – Associate Professor Tetiana Komarova, M.D., Ph.D.

One of the most important priorities of the Department of Ophthalmology is integration into international scientific processes, involvement in the latest medical achievements and discoveries in the field of ophthalmology. International cooperation of the department has been an important component of its traditional activity since its foundation. The first head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Professor Ivanov O.V. was a recognized scientist and known throughout Europe. During all historical stages of existence, leading scientists of the department took part in the main ophthalmological world and European forums – congresses, symposia, meetings, presenting the scientific achievements of the department and enriching the scientific treasury of the department and NMU with the latest world achievements, discoveries, diagnostic and treatment methods.

The head of the department, together with the employees, also takes an active part in international workshops and training programs. Employees of the department annually participate in international conferences and congresses, where they have repeatedly presented their reports.

The head of the department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dmytro Zhaboiedov, in April 2025, underwent a two-week internship at a leading ophthalmology clinic in Paradiso (Switzerland). The internship was organized at the invitation of Swiss colleagues as part of the exchange of professional experience. The main goal is to deepen knowledge in the field of retinology, treatment of diseases of the anterior segment of the eye, cataract, ophthalmic endocrinology and oncology. Professor D. Zhaboiedov got acquainted with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods, participated in clinical rounds, discussions of complex cases. He also shared his experience in organizing clinical work, teaching and scientific activities in Ukraine. Several scientific discussions were held, during which the participants exchanged practices in the use of the latest technologies. Partnerships were established for further cooperation. The gained knowledge is planned to be implemented in the educational process and clinical practice of the NMU.

From March 10 to 12, 2025, the head of the department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dmytro Zhaboiedov presented an oral report at the “3rd Edition of the International Ophthalmology Conference” (IOC 2025) in Rome (Italy). The topic of the speech was “Optimization of the ocular surface using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy before cataract surgery”. The report aroused keen interest among specialists and became the basis for a scientific discussion. Within the framework of the conference, the Professor took part in thematic symposia, discussions of the latest therapeutic approaches and technologies in ophthalmology. Contacts were also established with scientists from other countries for further international cooperation. The experience gained and new knowledge will be used to improve the educational process and introduce innovations into practical ophthalmology in Ukraine.

From March 6 to 8, 2025, the head of the department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dmytro Zhaboiedov and Assistant Professor Iryna Gavrylyak took part in the 17th International Symposium “Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Corneal Diseases” in Katowice, Poland. Scientists presented the results of their own research on modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases. The main purpose of participation in the symposium was to get acquainted with advanced technologies in the field of keratology and establish international scientific cooperation. Discussions included new methods of corneal transplantation, the use of antibacterial implants, and the management of patients with degenerative changes. Participation in the event allowed representatives of the department to adopt the best European practices for further implementation in domestic ophthalmological practice.

From February 21 to 23, 2025, employees of the department of Ophthalmology of the Bogomolets National Medical University took part in the VII International Conference “Practical Ophthalmology. Medical and Environmental Problems of Modernity. Latest Achievements in Ophthalmic Surgery . IV Chevalovsky’s Readings”. The event was held in the format of a teleconference between Kyiv, Riga, Oxford, Lublin and Chisinau. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including environmental risk factors, the latest surgical techniques, diagnostics of pathologies of the retina, optic nerve and anterior segment of the eye. The following spoke from the department: Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, International Relations, and European Integration, Professor Rimma Skrypnyk (told about the pathogenetic mechanisms of optic nerve damage in diabetes mellitus), Associate Professor Inna Skrypnychenko (covered the issue of upper eyelid ptosis in the aspect of differential diagnosis of diseases of the central nervous system), Associate Professor Nataliia Tykhonchuk (visual impairment as a marker of systemic problems). Colleagues also attended master classes on examination of the optic nerve disc, problems of myopia in outpatient settings, binocular vision disorders and prism therapy as a treatment method, deepened their knowledge of the diagnostics, complications, treatment and prevention of uveitis. Participation in discussions contributed to the exchange of experience and the introduction of new methods into teaching and clinical practice.

From October 10 to 13, 2024, the Congress of the German Ophthalmological Association DOG 2024 was held in Berlin (Germany). The department of Ophthalmology of the NMU was attended by Associate Professor Iryna Ryzhova and Assistant Tetiana Komarova. Iryna Ryzhova gave an oral report on the pathology of the optic nerve, and Tetiana Komarova presented a poster report with the results of her own scientific research on retinal pathology. The topics of the congress covered innovations in implantology, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, new surgical methods, in particular transplantation. The main topic of the congress was international cooperation, which brings together doctors from different countries. Participation in the event allowed Ukrainian specialists to exchange experience with leading European colleagues, which is extremely important in the context of the development of ophthalmological science in Ukraine.

From September 19 to 22, 2024, the 24th EURETINA 2024 Congress was held in Barcelona ( Spain). The following delegates from the department of Ophthalmology of the National Medical University were: Professor Rimma Skrypnyk, Associate Professor Natalia Tykhonchuk, and PhD student Olga Krasnozhan. The EURETINA Congress is a leading scientific event in the field of vitreoretinal surgery and retinal diseases. The program covered innovations in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, orphan pathologies, including gene therapy, AI diagnostics, and new surgical approaches. Participants were able to deepen their knowledge, participate in practical workshops and round tables. Ukrainian specialists joined scientific discussions and established new international connections. The experience gained will be integrated into the educational and clinical process of the University.

From September 6 to 9, 2024, the 42nd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), one of the most prestigious annual events in the field of ophthalmic surgery, was held in Barcelona (Spain). Representatives of the department of Ophthalmology of the Bogomolets National Medical University participated in the event. Professor Oksana Vitovska gave an oral report in which she presented her own experience in using a medical chatbot. Associate Professor Nataliia Hreben presented a poster report on corneal pathology. The congress brought together leading specialists from around the world to discuss innovations in cataract treatment, intraocular vision correction, and the latest laser techniques. Participation in the event provided an opportunity to get acquainted with advanced developments in the field of ophthalmic technology and improve professional knowledge. Our colleagues participated in master classes and round tables, where experience was exchanged between clinicians and scientists. The acquired knowledge and skills will be integrated into the educational process and daily clinical practice of the department. Participation in such a large-scale international event contributes to improving the image of the department on the world stage and developing international cooperation.

In June 2024, the head of the department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dmytro Zhaboiedov took part in a prestigious international event – Oftacafé Espresso Retina Symposium, which was held in Lugano, Switzerland. The symposium was dedicated to modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. Professor Dmytro Zhaboiedov had the opportunity to exchange experience with leading European ophthalmologists, took part in discussions of clinical cases. Participation in the symposium allowed the Professor not only to expand his own expertise, but also to establish new scientific contacts. The knowledge gained will be useful for improving the educational process at the department. It was also important to discuss the prospects for joint international research. Participation in such events is key to the integration of Ukrainian ophthalmology into the European space.

From May 19 to 25, 2024, a delegation of scientific and pedagogical workers of the Bogomolets National Medical University took part in an international internship at the Medical University of Warsaw (Poland) within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program. The event included participation in the conference “Quality Assurance Day”, familiarization with internal procedures for ensuring academic integrity, as well as with the latest educational methods. The delegation from the department of Ophthalmology of our university included the Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, International Relations, and European Integration, Professor Rimma Skrypnyk, associate professors of the department of Ophthalmology Nataliia Hreben and Natalia Tykhonchuk. Our colleagues got acquainted with the organization of the work of the departments of the Medical University of Warsaw, in particular, the Center for the Development of Competencies, Quality of Education and Innovations, the Center for Didactic and Scientific Projects, the Center for Medical Simulations, the Linguistic Center, the Department of International Relations, the Department of Ophthalmology, and other structures. Of particular value was the opportunity to observe the implementation of modern ophthalmological interventions and get acquainted with the methods of teaching students. An important part of the internship was the discussion of possible joint scientific projects and the continuation of academic exchange. This format of cooperation contributes to the introduction of the best European practices into the educational process of our university.

In the spring of 2024, Associate Professor of the department of Ophthalmology Nataliia Tykhonchuk participated in the 26th Staff Training Week “International Relations: Looking Towards the Future”, which was held in Granada (Spain). The event was organized within the framework of the ERASMUS+ academic mobility program. The associate professor passed a competitive selection and received a grant to participate in this prestigious forum. The internship participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with modern approaches to managing international mobility, in particular the KA171 project. The program included lectures, panel discussions, seminars and workshops dedicated to the topics of effective interaction between universities, protocols for actions in emergency situations, and prospects for expanding academic cooperation. Nataliia Tykhonchuk took an active part in round tables and established contacts with colleagues from universities in other countries. Participation in the Staff Training Week became a source of new ideas for the teacher to implement in her own professional activities. The knowledge gained contributes to improving the organization of international activities at the department level.

From February 15 to 18, 2024 in Frankfurt (Germany) the 28th Winter Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS Winter Meeting 2024) was held. The event was attended by employees of the department of Ophthalmology of the Bogomolets National Medical University, in particular, the Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, International Relations, and European Integration, Professor Rimma Skrypnyk. The congress brought together leading specialists in the field of cataract and refractive surgery from all over the world. The participants discussed the latest technologies in microsurgery, artificial lens implantation techniques, approaches to the treatment of astigmatism and presbyopia. Professor Rimma Skrypnyk joined the sectional meetings and participated in the discussion of clinical cases. She also established new international contacts for the purpose of scientific cooperation. The event contributed to obtaining up-to-date information on the trends in the development of ophthalmology. Participation in the congress allowed the representatives of the department to integrate advanced world practices into teaching and medical work. The experience gained will be used to improve educational programs and plan joint research.

From October 5 to 8, 2023, the 23rd Euroretinal Congress (EURETINA 2023) was held in Amsterdam (Netherlands), dedicated to modern advances in the field of vitreoretinal surgery and retinal pathology. Employees of the department of ophthalmology of NMU participated in this Congress. Assistant of the department of Ophthalmology Komarova Tetiana presented a poster report on the results of her own research, dedicated to the problems of degenerative changes in the retina. The Congress brought together leading specialists from all over the world, who discussed the latest achievements in the diagnosis, treatment and research of retinal pathologies. The main goal of the event was to promote direct communication between researchers, doctors and representatives of the biomedical industry. Tetiana Komarova got acquainted with new methods of retinal visualization and integration of artificial intelligence into clinical practice. Professional contacts were established with colleagues from Europe for future scientific cooperation. Participation in the Congress provided an opportunity to compare approaches to the management of patients with macular pathology in different countries. The knowledge and clinical insights gained will be used in the educational process and scientific work of the department. Presentation of the results of Ukrainian research at the international level contributes to the integration of domestic ophthalmology into the global scientific space.

The annual Congress of the German Ophthalmological Association (DOG 2023) was held in Berlin (Germany) from September 28 to October 1, 2023. The event was attended by Associate Professor of the department of Ophthalmology Iryna Ryzhova and Assistant Professor Tetiana Komarova, who presented poster presentations on the results of research in the field of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The congress was held under the slogan “Leadership in ophthalmology through humanity and competence” and brought together specialists from different countries. The focus was on the latest technologies, clinical research and discussions of a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. For the first time, the Leadership Academy was organized within the framework of the congress to support the professional development of young ophthalmologists. Participation in the event allowed Ukrainian colleagues to share the results of their own research, receive feedback from the international community and get acquainted with new approaches in the treatment of complex ophthalmopathology. Iryna Ryzhova and Tetiana Komarova took part in discussion sessions, during which the prospects of ophthalmological education and the introduction of modern technologies were discussed. The knowledge gained will be useful for updating educational programs and planning joint scientific projects. The event became a platform for strengthening academic and professional ties between NMU and foreign partners.

The annual Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS 2023) was held from September 8 to 12, 2023 in Vienna (Austria). The event was attended by representatives of the department of Ophthalmology of the Bogomolets National Medical University: Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, International Relations, and European Integration, Professor Rimma Skrypnyk, Assistant Tetiana Komarova and PhD Student Iryna Gavrylyak. Tetiana Komarova and Iryna Gavrylyak made poster presentations in which they presented the results of their own research on corneal pathology. The Congress brought together leading surgeons and researchers who discussed innovations in the field of intraocular lens implantation, femtosecond surgery and combined interventions. Participants attended lectures, symposia and demonstration operations dedicated to optimizing postoperative outcomes. Professor Rimma Skrypnyk participated in strategic discussions on the future of ophthalmological education in Europe. The experience gained will be used to improve educational programs and develop international research projects at the department. Participation in the congress contributes to the international integration of the university and confirms the high level of training of Ukrainian ophthalmologists.

1-4 June, 2023 in Olsztyn (Poland) The XI Congress of the Polish Medical Community and the IV World Congress of Polish Doctors took place. Representatives of the Bogomolets National Medical University took part in the events, Associate Professor of the department of Ophthalmology Nataliia Hreben and Nataliia Tykhonchuk. The forum brought together doctors and scientists in order to strengthen professional and intercultural ties. The event was dedicated to the challenges of modern medicine and was held as part of the celebration of the 550th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. The participants actively discussed topics, including innovations in surgery, regenerative medicine, disaster medicine, combat medicine, minimally invasive interventions, and immuno-oncology. The meeting became an important platform for establishing international cooperation between medical institutions. Representatives of the NMU shared their experience of teaching ophthalmology in Ukraine in war times. They also presented approaches to providing assistance to the wounded and the civilian population. An important result of the participation was the possibility of future participation of Ukrainian specialists in joint projects with the Polish medical community. Participation in the congress strengthened scientific and pedagogical cooperation and contributed to the integration of Ukrainian doctors into the European scientific space.

In January – February 2023 Assistant Professor of the department of Ophthalmology Tetiana Komarova passed 4-week internship at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, United Kingdom. The internship took place in the Vitreoretinal Department – one of the leading departments of the clinic. The purpose of participation was to improve practical skills and familiarize herself with the latest technologies for treating retinal pathology. During her stay, Tetiana Komarova participated in clinical rounds, surgical interventions and scientific discussions of cases. Special attention was paid to the multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with retinal diseases. An important part of the internship was participation in scientific discussions and discussions of clinical protocols with leading British specialists. In addition to practical skills, new knowledge was obtained regarding the use of modern retinal imaging. Tetiana Komarova shared the Ukrainian experience of treating patients during the war. She presented data on changes in treatment approaches in conditions of limited resources. The acquired knowledge is planned to be implemented in the educational process of the department and in clinical work. The internship became an important stage of professional growth and deepening of international cooperation in ophthalmology.

In November-December 2022 Assistant Professor of the department of Ophthalmology Tetiana Komarova passed 4-week internship at the Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, United Kingdom. This is one of the most prestigious ophthalmology centers in the world, specializing in highly specialized care for complex eye diseases. The purpose of the internship was to deepen professional knowledge, improve clinical and teaching skills. Tetiana Komarova participated in the daily work of the clinic, clinical conferences, interdisciplinary meetings. Special attention was paid to modern approaches to the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic maculopathy, glaucoma. During the internship, she had the opportunity to get acquainted with the model of medical education in the UK and simulation training methods. The quality management system and continuous professional development of doctors were also studied. Tetiana Komarova presented the experience of Ukrainian ophthalmology in war times, in particular the organization of care for patients with injuries. The knowledge gained was presented at a department meeting upon return and taken into account when developing clinical cases for students. The internship became an example of effective international cooperation and knowledge exchange between countries.

During 2021–2022, assistant professor and Ph.D. student of the Department of Ophthalmology Dmytro Pavlenko held a postdoctoral research fellow position at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, USA. He also attended the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which was held from November 12 to 15, 2021.

During his internship in the glaucoma department, he got acquainted with modern approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of this insidious disease and took part in clinical studies aimed at improving the methods of assessing the condition of the retina and optic nerve in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Similar to established approaches in Ukraine, using international protocols for establishing the diagnosis and methods of treatment of the disease “Glaucoma”, the ophthalmological examination includes: stereophotography of the retina and optic nerve, computerized static perimetry and optical coherence tomography of the optic disc, peripapillary area and macular area.

The main methods of treatment are pharmacotherapy, laser treatment (selective laser trabeculoplasty , argon laser trabeculoplasty, cyclophotocoagulation , laser peripheral iridotomy, etc.) and surgical interventions ( ab internal / ab external trabeculectomy , drainage systems of Ahmed and Berveldt, etc.).

Mini-invasive glaucoma surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation are widespread, and some drugs that are not registered in Ukraine are used.