Eye laser surgery experience report in Istanbul – Report from Sunday, October 19, 2008
I’m sitting in the postal bus on my way home… The landscape is passing by… It’s wonderful to see so clearly!
Our daughter is now a year old, and for me it’s the perfect time to travel to Istanbul so I can finally have a clear view and a good overview day and night. Stealing Mommy’s glasses off her face is no longer an option either!
At first, I considered traveling with my partner and daughter. However, I decided against it, as I want to fully concentrate on the operation and the first somewhat difficult days afterwards.
A good friend had told me about her procedure over a year ago. The former operating room nurse immediately convinced me with her arguments. From a medical standpoint, surgery isn’t necessary for me (both eyes are about -5.5 diopters farsighted), but it would be a sensational improvement in my quality of life, something I wanted and could afford. I didn’t need to be told twice. To be independent of corrective lenses, having worn glasses since I was seven? I decided to have the surgery very quickly.
Is medical care in Switzerland better than elsewhere in the world? Having lived abroad for extended periods twice, I know that good care is available anywhere in the world, provided one has the necessary means. The situation is often different for the local population, as they cannot afford treatment.
In my opinion, the clinic in Istanbul offers outstanding service, from airport pickup and pre-operative care to the surgery itself and aftercare. The doctors and staff are professional yet warm, friendly, and empathetic. I also appreciate the pre- and post-operative care (ophthalmologist and SwissLASIK) provided in Switzerland. This fosters trust in the clinic and provides a sense of security. I recently had my first follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist in Switzerland. Although the surgeon in Istanbul gave a positive assessment of the result the following day, I’m glad to have my eyes checked again after about two weeks. I’m very relieved that everything is still perfectly fine.
I find it ideal to have a few days off to fully concentrate on my eyes (my stay, including travel, was 6 days). Had I had the surgery in Switzerland, I would have been expected to quickly return to caring for my daughter and managing the household. It would have been much more difficult to take a break. Istanbul is a fascinating, modern city with magnificent historical buildings, charming street cafes, and excellent shopping. I will return to Istanbul and look forward to stopping by the clinic for a coffee next time.
Annette Lüthi, October 3, 2008