iGLEAMS addresses the need of a dedicated conference in the recently developed field of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MiGS). This event is host to a lively exchange of ideas, information, innovation and simulation, on cutting-edge new technologies and state-of-the-art advancements in the ever-evolving armamentarium of MiGS, MiBS, MiTS, MiMS and MiNT, with the latter coming soon to an Eye Theatre near you!

The idea for iGLEAMS was conceived by its founder, Chrys Dimitriou, over three years ago. Since then, he has been the chair and organiser of two successful symposia with participation from over 200 delegates each year, including consultants, fellows, trainee doctors, nurses, optometrists and representatives of the pharmaceutical eye industry.

 

Ike Ahmed at iGLEAMS-2.

The second day of the event is hosted by the world-renowned ICENI Centre, an exceptional two-storey surgical simulation centre with outstanding facilities comprising seven latest model Leica surgical simulation microscopes, TriTeQ3 DRV 3D and NGENUITY 3D visualisation systems, EyeSi Virtual Reality stereo-simulation system, a large variety of model eyes for artificial Glaucoma Simulation Surgery on MiGS, MiBS, MiTS, MiMS, EyeWatch, Trabeculectomy, Aqueous Shunts and many more.

The first day of last year’s iGLEAMS-2 was action-packed and full of hands-on surgical simulation, featuring 12 MiGS in three different rooms with three STEMI and one DRV 3D each, all at the dedicated ICENI Simulation Centre with skills taught and delivered by national and international experts, augmented by the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Glaukos iStent inject.

The second day comprised a stellar cast of eminent speakers, all of whom are key opinion leaders in the field of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery. NGENUITY 3D videos were projected during the day, accompanied by Slido interactive sessions with audience voting, and, finally, three prestigious awards were won for best presentations. And guest star Lukan Mishev, the pan-European NGENUITY master, taught us some tips and tricks for optimising 3D visualisation systems with polychromatic filters during anterior segment surgery.

iGLEAMS-3 is scheduled for Monday 30 September 2024 and Tuesday 1 October 2024, highlighting the use of 3D technology in ophthalmic simulation via the NGENUITY and OCULUS gonio-imaging facilities for MiGS surgery. It will also host MINIject, MiMS and MiNT surgery for the first time in the history of English ophthalmology – the largest UK series of MINIject and MiMS deriving from Colchester UK – results of which will be presented by Chrys Dimitriou. Additionally, there will be a new session by the name ‘MiGS FEAST’ (Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery for East Anglia Specialty Trainees), generously supported by the Head of School of Ophthalmology at the ICENI Centre and ESNEFT.

 

Leon Au, Keynote Speaker.

2024’s keynote speaker will be the famous MiGS-master, Leon Au, whereas online introductions will be given by Prof Ike Ahmed from Toronto, Canada, and Prof Keith Martin from Melbourne, Australia. The main topics of this year’s symposium are ‘The Battle of Schlemm’s Canal’ and ‘Do you believe in MiGS after MiGS?’

Highlights, in addition to the 3D MiGS videos, will be ‘Trabecular Imaging Techniques post-MiGS’ presented by Neeru Vallabh, ‘Pioneering a Simulation Lab for Eye Surgery’ with David Lockington, ‘MiGS for Kids’ with Velota Sung, and a fascinating lecture by Professor Crawford Downs from Alabama, USA, on optic nerve biomechanics. Last but not least, the world-renowned Dan Lindfield will be co-chairing iGLEAMS-3, while talking on the ‘Past, Present and Future of Lasers for Glaucoma’.

 

FirstSite Venvue.

iGLEAMS-3 will take place in one of the most central locations in the historic city of Colchester, right opposite the emblematic Colchester Castle, which serves as the city’s main landmark. FirstSite exhibition centre will be home to the symposium on its first day – these remarkable, artistic premises, include a real-life cinema, in which the 3D MiGS operating video recordings will be presented. 3D glasses will be provided to all delegates at the start of the event. Book your place early to avoid disappointment on the day.

 

Dan Lindfield, co-Chair of iGLEAMS-3.

Full accreditation has been awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (10 CDP points) and pending additional accreditation by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, as well as Association of Optometrists. For more information, please visit: https://icenicentre.org/courses/ophthalmology/