Pelagia and Chrysostomos opened the doors of their clinics in Xanthi and Komotini respectively and shared with us the story of building their businesses from scratch, with the support of the program “Support for the Establishment of Enterprises, with priority in sectors of the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (Action 3a.4.2).
Together in prevention, together in diagnosis, together in treatment… this is stated on Pelagia’s website, reflecting how the doctor stands beside each patient with understanding and compassion, emphasizing proper patient information and the development of trustful relationships.
However, as you will realize reading their story, the word “together” takes on even broader meaning for this couple.
Pelagia was born in Xanthi. She graduated from the 2nd Unified High School of Xanthi in 2003, achieving the highest entrance grade for tertiary education in the Xanthi prefecture. For this achievement, she was awarded by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Stefanopoulos. She then entered the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Παράλληλα ο Χρυσόστομος, γεννημένος στη Κομοτηνή, αποφοιτούσε με άριστα την ίδια χρονιά από το 3ο Ενιαίο Λύκειο Κομοτηνής και ξεκινούσε τις σπουδές του και αυτός στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
Their two close friends from the first year of Medical School chose the same specialty, Ophthalmology, and specialized “together” at the Ophthalmology Clinic of the General Hospital of Thessaloniki “Ippokratio.”
“I don’t think we influenced each other’s choice of specialty,” Pelagia tells us with a smile.
I remember that Chrysostomos had already decided on his specialty when he called me to ask which hospitals I had applied to. Besides, I was in Crete and he was in Thessaloniki at that time.
We became a couple towards the end of our specialization, but Chrysostomos was someone who had been in my life from the very beginning, Pelagia confides to us.
Completing their studies, they return to Xanthi with the goal to start a business “together” and open their own clinics.
At that time, we had already decided to open our own clinics. We had heard that from time to time there are programs that help young people establish their own businesses, but at that moment, nothing was available, so we decided to wait a bit, Chrysostomos tells us.
Shortly thereafter, the Regional Operational Program “Eastern Macedonia & Thrace 2014-2020” began, in which they managed to participate, while simultaneously finding suitable locations for their clinics.
How did you learn about this specific program?
The truth is, we were searching on the ESPA website and at some point, we were informed through the newsletter of ena Development Consultants, Chrysostomos tells us, adding, “I don’t remember exactly how we first came into contact with the company, but I do remember hearing good things about them and deciding to trust them for our start.”
The specialized consultant from the SME Competitiveness Sector at ena Development Consultants, Valia Resta, who has extensive experience in business funding programs, took on the task of implementing the program “Support for the establishment of enterprises, with priority in sectors of the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy” in collaboration with Pelagia and Chrysostomos.
When asked about their collaboration with ena Development Consultants, Chrysostomos gave us the best answer we’ve received so far!
“Impeccable, they actually annoyed me quite a bit! That means they really cared about me and my needs. Thanks to their experience and organization, they managed to implement the program more easily and quickly because we had gathered everything we needed from the start.”
Pelagia added from her side, “Everything went very smoothly, the people at ena are very polite, very helpful, and extremely organized. They guide you with their experience at every step. I only have positive things to say.”
What does “opening a medical practice” mean in your specialty, and how easy is it for a young professional, relying on their own resources, to take this step?
“You cannot see the eye any other way. It’s a structure that, at a glance, you can hardly describe much about. The examination depends on lenses, focusing, tomography. To observe it, you need machines. Without the proper equipment, you can do very little. All the machines in our specialty are expensive, and this is where the program helped us. Without the support of the program, it is quite difficult for young people to make their first business steps in Ophthalmology,” Chrysostomos explains.
It is essential to acquire this equipment. You can start an ophthalmology practice with some very basic tools, but without the program, we would not have been able, at least in the beginning, to obtain machines like the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), which is a device that takes images of the retina, somewhat like an MRI. With this machine, we have the ability to monitor patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic patients, and patients with retinal holes and lesions. Additionally, with the visual field machine, we can monitor glaucoma, neurological disorders, and more, adds Pelagia.
Their clinics opened "together" in 2021, with a slight difference since Chrysostomos is from Komotini, so they chose to split between Xanthi and Komotini. "If we had different specialties, we might have chosen to be together in the same clinic," Pelagia tells us.
They express great satisfaction with the response from the public, and things are going better than they expected. If a new program that meets their needs becomes available, they are ready to collaborate again with ena Development Consultants and participate in it, as the support provided by such initiatives is especially important.
Pelagia Kalouda and Chrysostomos Kampos are experienced ophthalmic surgeons. They have conducted numerous voluntary preventive eye examinations in Thessaloniki and other regions of Greece, and as speakers, they have participated in numerous conferences both in Greece and abroad.
With respect for the individual and the precious gift of sight, and drawing on many years of clinical training and extensive experience, Pelagia and Chrysostomos employ the most modern and scientifically proven methods to address any eye-related issues.
Their mission is to provide the best possible care for the eye health of those who trust them! Guided by prompt and personalized treatment of eye diseases, they offer high-quality services to patients of all ages.
Their clinics are equipped with examination devices and are accessible for patients with mobility challenges. Additionally, they are able to provide care for cases outside the clinic for those who cannot travel.
If you’re wondering about the “together,” this term has taken on new meaning for the couple, as since 2020, a new member has joined their family “together” with them.
We wish them to be “together” forever!
Pelagia Kalouda
D. Tsimiski 22, 2nd Floor, Xanthi
Τ. 2541083771, 6987943509
Email: [email protected]
Chrysostomos Kampos
D. Souzou Apostolou 14 (above Hondos Center)
1st Floor, Komotini
Τ. 2531302780, 6948544764
Email: [email protected]
