The new feeling of life with “unobstructed” eyes is priceless!
After years of considering laser eye surgery, I decided to go ahead this year after receiving positive feedback from friends. After doing a lot of research online, I came across Swisslasik. I also found out that this company was represented at the St. Gallen Holiday Fair. So, my friend (who was also my companion for the trip to Istanbul) and I went to the fair, where we met Mr. Karaagacli in person. He gave us detailed information about the surgery and the clinic, and we exchanged contact details. The event, the information provided, and the friendliness of Mr. Karaagacli only strengthened my decision to undergo the surgery.
After a short time, I received detailed information about the surgical trip from Mr. Karaagacli via email, and I was able to send my preferred dates (in total, we were four people—two patients and two companions). These details were received, and the trip was organized very quickly, with confirmation sent via email. Everything went smoothly and incredibly fast. I didn’t have a preliminary examination in Switzerland, as I didn’t believe I had any complicated vision issues (no astigmatism or anything similar).
After transferring the surgery trip costs, we received our tickets and a Swisslasik pass with useful information 10 days before departure. The pass included details about what to consider before and after the surgery, as well as helpful tips on Istanbul’s attractions and restaurant suggestions, which were very helpful.
On April 23, 2012, we flew from Zurich to Istanbul. Although I felt a bit nervous about the eye surgery, I was very excited because I had never been to Istanbul before. At Istanbul airport, we were warmly greeted by the Acibadem Clinic’s pick-up service with a sign and taken to the hotel. We were also warmly welcomed at the hotel and escorted to our rooms, which were clean and very comfortably furnished.
The next morning at 8 AM, we were picked up on time from the Levent Hotel. However, our companions had to take a taxi to the clinic on their own since there was no more room in the pick-up taxi. Upon arrival at the clinic, we were immediately greeted by the German-speaking staff and escorted to the appropriate rooms for our examinations. The clinic personally impressed me very positively. The cleanliness and modernity made me feel more at ease, and my nervousness began to subside. The examinations were very professional and thorough.
After about 2 hours, we were personally invited to the doctor’s office, and it was confirmed that our eyes were suitable for the common LASIK method. We were told that our surgery would take place around 2 PM, and we could spend time in the canteen on the upper floor until then. At 2 PM, we were promptly picked up by the staff and escorted to the waiting room. Of course, my nervousness increased. In the waiting room, information sheets about post-surgery eye drops were distributed, and we were asked to sign a consent form for the surgery. Then it was time for the surgery. We were called into the operating area, protective clothing (head cap, gown, and shoes) was put on, and eye drops were administered. After about 10 minutes, my brother-in-law was called into the operating room, and about 15 minutes later, he came out smiling with his eyes successfully operated on. Then it was my turn. The operating room was very clean and well-equipped. My surgery also went very quickly, about 15 minutes, and it was done.
Afterwards, I was immediately taken to the waiting room and had a protective eye shield put on. We had to wait briefly before being transported back to the hotel room by the pick-up service. After about 4 hours, I was able to open my eyes a little, and that same evening I could even take a walk in Istanbul with the protective glasses on.
The best part was the next morning. I had to pinch myself after waking up to make sure I wasn’t dreaming: absolutely no pain, I could open my eyes normally, and most importantly, I COULD SEE SHARPLY AGAIN WITHOUT GLASSES. After a short follow-up check at the clinic the next morning, conducted personally by the doctor, I was reassured that the surgery was a complete success and that my vision had returned to 100%.
There was nothing standing in the way of our short vacation and sightseeing – the Istanbul tour for the next 4 days – and I could experience this beautiful city with my new eyes and new sense of life. I would highly recommend Swisslasik to anyone. The organization and care of the surgery trip are top-notch, and the new sense of freedom with “free” eyes is priceless!
Lilli Deis