Concerns about safety in Turkey are unfounded! – Report from Friday, January 27, 2017

For some time now, my glasses had been bothering me during sports, when walking the dog, and in the rain. After much deliberation about undergoing eye surgery, I researched alternatives to Switzerland online. I quickly came across the Swisslasik website. After a brief phone call with Mr. Kara, the appointment for the initial consultation was scheduled. On the day of the consultation, Mr. Kara thoroughly explained the procedure in Istanbul, allaying all my concerns. A few days later, when I received my results and confirmation that I was a suitable candidate for surgery, I started planning my trip. I decided to fly to Istanbul during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Naturally, I had concerns about terrorism in Turkey, but these proved unfounded, as the security measures at Istanbul Airport were well-hidden, and our hotel was located somewhat outside the city center. The Acibadem clinic is also not located directly in the center.

My travel report: On Monday, December 26, 2016, my companion and I went to Zurich Airport. Half an hour before departure, we were informed that the plane had just arrived and we wouldn’t be able to take off for another hour. Nevertheless, I took out my cell phone to inform Mr. Kara from Swisslasik about the delay. He told me on the phone that he would immediately inform Acibadem Hospital in Istanbul and that we shouldn’t worry. After a short flight, we landed safely in Istanbul. As we were getting off the plane, I already had a call on my cell phone from the pick-up service. I called back and told them that we were already at passport control. At the Acibadem Hospital pick-up point, we received a warm welcome and were immediately escorted outside to the bus. After a somewhat long bus ride (yes, Istanbul really is a huge metropolis with a lot of traffic), we arrived at our hotel. After a short break, we headed into town for a quick bite to eat before going to bed early. After a restful night at the hotel, we were picked up at 9:00 AM. I felt absolutely no nervousness, even though I usually get incredibly anxious in unfamiliar situations. There were other patients on the bus who were being taken to Acibadem Hospital. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our interpreter. After a brief preliminary examination, I returned to the waiting room and waited for the next examination. The interpreter accompanied me throughout and explained everything. Dr. Banu Cosar was very friendly and took the time to answer all my questions. After lunch in the hospital cafeteria, our interpreter picked us up and led us to the operating room. Again, I felt no nervousness. At 2:30 PM, the procedure finally began. The interpreter led me into the operating room, and after 10 minutes I was already allowed to leave. Everything went perfectly. I was quite amazed that I could see so well so soon after the laser procedure. Sure, it was still a little blurry, but I could already tell the vision had improved. We were taken to the waiting room and waited for the follow-up appointment. After fifteen minutes, Dr. Banu Conar examined me, and the Femto LASIK surgery was a great success. I was allowed to ask a few more questions and was then discharged from the hospital with protective goggles. The bus was already waiting in front of the entrance and took us back to the hotel. Once there, I lay down immediately, as I was quite exhausted. For two hours, my eyes watered and burned. My companion had to administer two different types of eye drops to me every hour. I was glad to have someone with me, as I could barely keep my eyes open. After two and a half hours, I already felt better. We went to the hotel restaurant and had an excellent meal. I spent the night wearing my protective goggles, and when I woke up the next morning, my eyes felt as if nothing had ever happened. I was so happy to finally be able to see so clearly without glasses. At 9 a.m., we were picked up again for the final check-up. Everything was in perfect order, and I was even allowed to ask a few more questions. We asked the interpreter where we could go shopping, and he recommended two shopping centers. I asked if the driver could drop us off there, and he said yes, of course. So we did some more shopping, had dinner, and went to bed early that evening. On Thursday, January 30th, we were picked up promptly at noon by a very elegant bus and taken to the airport. After a short flight, we landed safely in Zurich.

One month after my Femto LASIK surgery: I’m doing great! I look forward to going outside without glasses every day. It’s an indescribable feeling. My eyes are still a little sensitive to light, so I sometimes find myself wearing sunglasses at my desk in the office. My right eye is still a bit blurry at times, but this should improve significantly in the next few weeks. Everything was incredibly well-organized, and you could easily do the trip on your own. I would recommend this trip to anyone who feels uncomfortable wearing glasses, and I haven’t regretted a single minute.

Manuela Schilt, Bern