Testimonial from Dita Cecchin (eye surgery in Istanbul on September 11, 2012) – Report from Friday, October 26, 2012

Bottighofen, 24th October 2012

I have worn glasses for approximately thirty-five years. My nearsightedness worsened steadily in my younger years until, before the surgery, my prescription was between 5 and 5.5 diopters.

Of course, wearing glasses was annoying in many situations, as any long-time glasses wearer knows ;-). I wore contact lenses for special occasions, and also for skiing, motorcycling, in the sauna, and on the boat – luckily, I live on Lake Constance… Unfortunately, my eyes got dry very quickly, and I was always glad to take the lenses out. Without them, I was like a blind mole.

For many years I dreamed of having laser eye surgery, hoping that one day I would be able to afford it. Only the fear of potential complications lingered. The thought of jeopardizing my (already weakened) eyesight through surgery was terrifying.

Several years passed, medicine in this field developed and improved significantly, and I began to research online with firm resolve. I looked both in my home country, the Czech Republic, and in neighboring Germany. Then I came across SwissLASIK. I liked the honest and detailed approach on their website, and then I saw the invitation to an information evening in Zurich. At that moment, I knew: this is something I’m interested in!

Accompanied by my husband, who encouraged me, I experienced a very informative and sophisticated evening. The competent and very friendly demeanor of the company director, Mr. Karaagacli, and Dr. B. Cosar, who explained the eye surgery in detail, completely won me over. Another very positive aspect was that I never felt pressured for a single second; everything was very relaxed and informative. Yes, I thought, I feel right at home here! Speaking of which, soon afterward a friend told me how happy his colleague was with her newfound eyesight… thanks to Swisslasik in Istanbul ;-).

Since my husband and I were already planning to sail along the southern coast of Turkey in the autumn, I decided to combine everything practically: a week of great sailing and then flying to Istanbul to have my eyes lasered – and of course to finally get to know the famous city!

Communication with Swisslasik was incredibly straightforward and quick from the very beginning. My preferred appointment was soon confirmed. Shortly before my departure, I received – like all patients – the Swisslasik Passport with all my personal information, appointments, and lots of helpful tips for my stay in Istanbul. A small booklet containing everything important and necessary. How wonderful! I was ready to go.

After a truly fantastic sailing trip, I arrived in Istanbul and received a call on my very first day from my future companion and interpreter, Tolga. He welcomed me and inquired about my well-being – so close to my surgery. Very kind of him. We booked our hotel ourselves, as there were other crew members on board. It was the Hotel Nena, right in the old city. Highly recommended. (The magnificent view from the breakfast terrace is unforgettable.)

The next day, right on time at 7 a.m., I was picked up by the hospital shuttle. Upon arrival, I was completely surprised by the fantastic, modern, and impeccably clean and well-maintained hospital! I hadn’t expected such a high standard. It felt very good.

I didn’t have the extensive preliminary examination done in Switzerland, as my ophthalmologist had already stated some time ago that my eyes were suitable for laser surgery – and fortunately, this was confirmed during the preliminary examination directly at the Acibadem Clinic. From the moment my interpreter, Mr. Tolga, picked me up in the lobby, he was truly at my beck and call the entire time. A very kind person and efficient organizer, he made me feel very calm and secure in this unfamiliar environment.

I was lucky that all my test results were good, and I was even able to have surgery the same day, at midday. Since I was operated on by Dr. Banu Cosar, whom I already knew from the information evening in Zurich, I remained completely relaxed. I had already appreciated her positive and warm manner there. Everything was explained to me very thoroughly beforehand, and translated from English to German as needed. I even got to see the small, modern, and absolutely spotless operating room before the procedure began. My eyes were locally anesthetized with drops, without any injections.

The surgery went very quickly (a total of fifteen minutes), and the professional and precise work of the entire surgical team was evident. Even the application of the eyelid retractor wasn’t nearly as unpleasant as I had expected. The instructions from my companion, who stood next to the operating table, were invaluable. The laser treatment for each eye took an incredibly short time: about twenty seconds each, I’d estimate. It was very tolerable! No pain, just a slightly strange sensation. My eyes were kept pleasantly moist throughout. Immediately afterward, I was able to get up and go to the recovery room: I could already see clearly through the light fog! What a feeling! My eyes only burned and watered slightly (and not for very long). After half an hour, I went for a follow-up appointment: everything went well. I was able to take the pre-arranged taxi back to the hotel and relax. Equipped with protective goggles, I was amazed at how well I could already see during the ride. At the hotel, I put in my first eye drops and slept soundly…

After three hours of sleep I felt like a new person… No complaints, NEW EYES that can see!!! I never thought it would be so easy. In the evening, wearing protective goggles of course, I went out into the Istanbul night for a nice dinner.

I was driven back to the clinic by the transport service first thing tomorrow morning. My left eye was perfect, but my right eye had a slight allergic reaction (without pain), and I could see a little difference compared to my left. Dr. Cosar reassured me that this sometimes happens and I just need to be patient. My brain will also compensate. Otherwise, the results were really very good. I’m planning a follow-up appointment soon with my ophthalmologist here.

We were able to fully enjoy the beautiful city of Istanbul for the next two days. It’s incredible what you can see and experience. The mosques, parks, the Bosphorus with its bustling boat traffic, the hospitality of the people, fantastic restaurants and teahouses, bazaars… A unique combination of surgery and an unforgettable experience. Istanbul, I’ll be back!
I can honestly say to anyone who’s still afraid or lacks the courage: go for it, you won’t regret it! And all at a great price. I enjoy every day with my new eyesight and thank the Swisslasik team from the bottom of my heart for this new quality of life!!!