Our Doctors
Albena Dardzhikova, MD
Ophthalmologist — Fellow
What
is a Fellow? A Fellow is an ophthalmologist who
is invited to obtain in-depth, specialized
training at Gimbel Eye Centre. The
opportunity to study a sub-specialty comes after
a doctor completes a three or four year
residency program in a specialty such as
ophthalmology. Fellowship programs provide more
in-depth study and experience than a residency
program can provide. Some physicians choose
fellowship training after years of experience
in
their specialty.
Dr. Dardzhikova says she chose Gimbel Eye Centre because she "wanted to experience the atmosphere of this unique centre of excellence and learn from Dr. Gimbel's vast experience and compassionate humanity."
Her
childhood dream of becoming a doctor was
inspired by a pediatric doctor. Dr. Dardzhikova
graduated from the Medical University of Sofia,
Bulgaria in 1989. In ophthalmology, she was
extremely impressed with young patients with
eyes full of tears of happiness as their vision
was restored after cataract or ablation surgery.
Experiencing this transformation was amazing.
Witnessing the immediate happy results affirmed
her decision to enter a residency program and
dedicate herself
to ophthalmology.
Working
in the University Eye Clinic in Sofia was a
great opportunity for Dr. Dardzhikova. Along
with the clinical duties and operations, she was
involved
in teaching and research work relating to
uveitis and intraoperative and early
post-operative complications with IOL
implantation in post-traumatic cataracts.
She also experienced early results in the use of
Cuprum Bromide laser for
diabetic maculopathy.
Kuwait then opened a new horizon for her. Working in the Armed Forces Hospital Eye Department, she saw a new level of equipment along with patients with diverse pathology and unique patient needs. Rare disorders expanded her experience. She participated in the development of a screening and follow-up program for patients with diabetic retinopathy using aggressive laser treatment to delay the progress and complications associated with the condition. When the war broke out in Iraq, Dr. Dardzhikova volunteered to serve on a minor trauma surgery team.
Throughout her international professional pursuits, Dr. Dardzhikova learned something essential that applies wherever one lives. Despite the differences in tradition, culture and religion, patients are the same everywhere. They all have pain, hopes, needs and gratifications.
Through all her achievements, she is grateful for her family's support, strong morals, principles, discipline and loyalty.
Dr. Dardzhikova loves to read, listen to music and play the piano. Her passion is alpine skiing and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Additionally, she likes to play tennis and ride her bicycle. Her husband is an anesthesiologist and internist physician with the same cultural experiences she describes. His moral and professional support of her is exceptional.
