Mr Serafeim Antonakis

I am an experienced Vitreoretinal Surgeon with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry. I specialise in the surgical treatment of vitreous and retinal diseases. I perform modern vitrectomy for retinal detachment, macular problems (macular hole, macular pucker/epiretinal membrane), vitreous floaters and diabetic eye disease together with laser treatment and cataract surgery.

I also specialise in medical treatments of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions and diabetic macula oedema including intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF therapies and steroid implants.

I have a special interest in vitreoretinal (eye problems involving the retina, macula, and vitreous fluid) and cataract surgery, and Medical and Continuous Adult Education. I am a strong research professional with an MSc focused in Healthcare Administration and Management.

In June 2018 I was appointed as Vitreoretinal Consultant (substantive post) in University Hospital of Southampton NHS Trust where I am serving with commitment my duties. I had the privilege to work in London's best known teaching hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, under the guidance of world leading Vitreoretinal consultants and gained extensive experience with the innovative 3D Visualization System for eye surgeries. I was also honoured to be a member of one of the world’s leading eye hospitals, Moorfields Eye Hospital (City Road) and the Institute of Ophthalmology of UCL expanding my horizons as retina specialist.

Along with my duties as a Vitreoretinal Consultant at the University Hospital of Southampton NHS Trust, I am also a certified clinical and educational supervisor of Wessex Deanery and Royal College of Ophthalmology for VR fellows, Trainees in Ophthalmology and CESR trainees. I am also an active member of the University of Southampton as supervisor of Research Projects for Medical Students and a regular lecturer for their Ophthalmology teaching.

I introduced the electronic diary for the patients of Vitreoretinal Theatre service in UHS NHS Trust, which is now used for the whole Eye Theatre Services, and I continue to develop the electronic patient record referral system within the Eye Unit and for the peripheral sites of UHS NHS Trust, improving patient safety and delivering care. As part of my managerial role I am the Complaints Lead for the Ophthalmology Care Group of UHS NHS Trust.

"Dedicated to his profession’ and ‘a pleasure to work with’ are just two of the phrases used to describe this individual, who received a number of nominations praising his caring, respectful approach to patients, calm and non-judgmental attitude, and his willingness to take the time to share his experience and knowledge with all of his colleagues. This individual is valued for his diligence and commitment, as well as the high standards of care he delivers to patients. One employee described this person as being ‘unfailingly enthusiastic about his specialty, while always finding the time to help."

These words were read out at the Staff Star Awards 2015 at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust before receiving my award as the runner up - Employee of the Year, as a recognition of my daily optimal performance as a colleague, a team member and a doctor with my patients at the heart of it. At the same event I was one of the five nominees for the "Patients First" Award.

Awards received:

• Staff Star Awards 2015 - MTW NHS Trust: Runner up for the "Employee of the Year" Award
• Staff Star Awards 2015 - MTW NHS Trust: one of the five nominees for the "Patients First" Award
• Future Internet Assembly, 2014: Best Project Award for Live City E-Health, Video-to-Video Project
• 43rd National Greek Congress of Ophthalmology: Best Ophthalmology Photo Award 2010
• 4th General Senior High School, Karditsa, Thessaly, Greece, 1994: Best Graduating Student