Eye Laser Surgery Experience Report Istanbul – Report from Wednesday, December 3, 2008

User review by P. Tarnutzer

That’s how it all began…

Since the 2nd grade, my eyesight deteriorated year by year until it finally stabilized at -7.50 diopters with astigmatism.

No matter what I did, I needed visual aids…

Sure, I’ve heard about eye surgery from time to time. But to just have my eyes operated on? What if something goes wrong? What are the risks? What are the costs, etc.?

I wanted these questions answered, so I did some research online and came across the Swisslasik website. Of course, I immediately ordered the documents, and they arrived in my mailbox just a few days later. That was over a year ago!

I studied the documents carefully and was blown away by the operation, the offer, and Türkiye. I raved about my enthusiasm to my family and friends.

However, this enthusiasm was rather limited, especially when I mentioned “laser surgery in Istanbul.” People started to have doubts again, until I finally put the documents away in a drawer.

About two months ago, I learned by chance that a colleague of my mother’s had undergone this eye surgery in Istanbul and was thrilled with the results. Naturally, I visited her the next day and asked her all about it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so the following day I contacted Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni. Soon after, I received an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a preliminary examination – to determine if the surgery was feasible.

Thankfully, I was able to have the operation. That same week, I contacted Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni again to arrange a possible surgery date, flight, and hotel. Everything had to happen quickly now; I could hardly wait.

Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni made it possible for me to fly to Istanbul within a week.

Arriving in Istanbul late that evening, Bisol was already waiting for me. A very pleasant and friendly person. On the way to the hotel, he gave me some helpful tips about what to watch out for in Istanbul and when he would pick me up the next morning for the preliminary examination. All in German, of course ;-).

The next morning arrived, and I glanced out of the hotel window – a fantastic view, simply amazing. I went down to reception, where Bisol was already waiting. After a walk of about 10 minutes, we arrived at the EyeSTAR clinic. Here, too, the welcome and friendliness of the EyeSTAR team were superb. We quickly felt at ease.

After the preliminary examination, there was about two hours before being prepared for the operation. Finally, the two hours were over, and my pulse did begin to rise a little.

After preparation for the operation, one was taken directly to the next room, where one had to lie under the laser.

The operation began, and before it had really begun, it was already over. You felt a brief moment, a slight pressure on your eyes, but nothing else, absolutely nothing.

You were then taken to a dark room, given eye drops, and asked to lie down for a while. Before you were allowed to leave, your eyes were checked again to make sure everything was alright.

You need to imagine this: You go into the clinic with corrective lenses and leave without them. The only thing you need to wear is sunglasses – to protect your eyes.

I went straight to the hotel and tried to sleep, or rather, to rest my eyes.

What she experienced the next day was simply indescribable… a dream came true. After more than 20 years, no more glasses.

After a brief follow-up examination at the EyeSTAR clinic, I was able to spend a full day exploring Istanbul before heading home.

There really is no criticism I can or want to offer. Everything was superbly organized, and the care was top-notch, all in German. Whether from Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni or the EyeSTAR team, you never felt alone, which is certainly a very important point during such an operation!

One more thing…I currently have almost 100% vision in one eye and the other is at about 85%, which will hopefully improve to 100%.

Thank you again so much!

P.Tarnutzer, 01.12.08