My experience with LASIK surgery – Report from Saturday, January 5, 2008

Dear Mr. Karaagacli-Leoni

Almost eleven months after the successful LASIK operation on both of my eyes at the EyeSTAR Clinic in Istanbul, I am finally sending you my experience report.

First of all, I would like to let you know that I am extremely satisfied with the result of the operation. The visual defect in one eye was corrected 100 per cent, and in the other eye around 99 per cent. The fact that the second eye did not achieve a full 100 per cent correction was due to the nature of the visual impairment in that eye. The result of the operation far exceeded my expectations, and today I see perfectly without glasses, whether at distance or close up.

The healing process after the operation progressed approximately as described by swisslasik and the EyeSTAR Clinic. My vision was strikingly better immediately after the operation, and I was able to do without glasses. Afterwards, I followed the instructions of the EyeSTAR Clinic meticulously, treated my eyes with the prescribed medication and drops, and made sure that my eyes were exposed to as little strain as possible, such as no rubbing, no water, no dust, and so on. After returning to Switzerland, I attended the four recommended follow-up examinations with the swisslasik trusted doctor at regular intervals, during which no complications occurred. At present, I occasionally still need drops for dry eyes, but that is not a problem. In summary, everything went to my utmost satisfaction. Many thanks to swisslasik and the team at the EyeSTAR Clinic in Istanbul.

At the end of 2007, I considered having my eyes undergo laser surgery in order to do without glasses in the future. I first asked my ophthalmologist whether laser surgery would be an option, and then researched the available laser treatments on the internet. After obtaining several quotes, I decided to have my eyes operated on with swisslasik at the EyeSTAR Clinic in Istanbul. The decisive factors for me were the competent information provided by swisslasik, the references, the professional impression made by the EyeSTAR Clinic in Istanbul, the well-organised all-in-one arrangement of the operation and the trip including accompaniment by my partner, and finally the price.

Only after a preliminary examination requested by swisslasik and carried out by my ophthalmologist, who confirmed that the laser procedure was feasible, was the contract concluded by swisslasik. Following flawless organisation by Mr Karaagacli-Leoni, my husband and I set off from Zurich to Istanbul on a Thursday morning. After landing in Istanbul in the afternoon, we were collected at the airport by a German-speaking member of the clinic staff and driven directly to the EyeStar Clinic. During the drive, we already gained our first interesting impression of Istanbul. Upon arrival at the EyeStar Clinic, we were given a very warm welcome by the team on site and were served delicious tea. It was noteworthy that the clinic places great importance on being able to communicate optimally with patients. In our case, one member of staff even spoke Swiss German – my compliments. After completing the registration formalities, the further procedure was explained to us in detail. Following the successful preliminary examinations, I was immediately prepared for the operation in the surgical area and continuously informed about the next steps. Once fully prepared, I entered the aseptic operating theatre through an airlock door, where the procedure was carried out professionally and painlessly by the surgical team under the leadership of Dr med. Cezmi KAHVECIOGLU. My husband was able to follow the operation through a window and on a screen. Immediately after the procedure, an initial follow-up examination was performed, which confirmed a positive result.

Well informed and provided with the necessary medication, we were taken to the nearby hotel at 7:00 p.m. After a full night’s sleep and a good breakfast, the first follow-up examination took place the next morning at 9:30 a.m. The examination confirmed that the operation had been successful. With the instruction to return immediately should any complications arise, we were discharged and were able to explore the fascinating city of Istanbul on foot and by tram. After another day in Istanbul, we flew back to Switzerland on Sunday morning, happy and satisfied.

The impression we gained of the EyeStar Clinic in Istanbul was highly professional and extremely competent. As far as can be assessed, the facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and cleanliness and hygiene meet the standards required of an ophthalmic clinic. All doctors and staff are very competent, courteous and friendly, and we had complete confidence in the team. We can highly recommend the EyeStar Clinic.

At this point, we would like to once again express our sincere thanks to the entire EyeStar Clinic team for the excellent, very friendly and extremely attentive treatment and care.

Sehr gerne.

Geovanna and Hanspeter Gsell-Arenas