A wonderful experience when I had my eyes lasered in Istanbul in August 2012 – report from Monday, October 1, 2012

Yes, it was a fantastic experience when I had my eyes lasered in Istanbul in August 2012. But let me start from the beginning: I’m a mother, already a grandmother of three, soon to be four, and I also work part-time as a playgroup leader. So I have lots of children with me every day, and besides the work, we always have a lot of fun together. The only problem is that glasses are a real nuisance, constantly needing to be taken to the optician because they no longer sit properly on my nose. Honestly, that annoyed me. So a few years ago, I switched to contact lenses, which have already given me many advantages. But for almost 20 years, I’d dreamed of one day being completely free of corrective lenses in my daily life. A friend of mine had her eyes lasered in Istanbul a few years ago with great success. She often raved about this newfound quality of life. And so the idea of ​​having my eyes surgically corrected also took root in my mind more and more. Every month I put some money aside, so I suddenly realized it was enough for eye surgery. I asked my friend again where she had been. “Yes, I found it online,” she replied. So I went home and started researching online myself. I came across Swisslasik, read all the testimonials from people who had also had their eye surgery through Swisslasik, and contacted their office in Thun by email, without any obligation. From then on, everything went quickly and smoothly. I was able to specify my preferences with Swisslasik, and they arranged everything for me: the round-trip flights, hotel accommodation, transfers, and even the surgery itself, including an interpreter throughout my stay at the clinic. Everything was put together for me. As luck would have it, my daughter had an unused week of vacation time, which we decided to spend together in Istanbul. Swisslasik also booked and arranged her trip for me. We were incredibly excited about our time together and also very curious about what we would experience. Everything went like clockwork, and more than ten days before our departure, I held the SwissLASIK passport in my hands. It contained all the essential information we needed. So, at 5:30 a.m., we were already at the airport checking in, as our flight was scheduled for 7:40 a.m. It was wonderful to be ready so early, and we lingered over a leisurely coffee. Later, we browsed the free shop and indulged in some wonderful perfumes. We almost missed the flight because we were so caught up in the holiday atmosphere. And then we were off… The flight was smooth, and we were able to truly relax. Of course, we enjoyed our first Turkish meal during the flight. Mmm, so delicious and highly recommended. All too quickly, the flight was over, and we landed in Istanbul. What an experience! Unfortunately, the transfer missed us, so we were stuck at the airport for a while. When Swisslasik learned of our mishap by phone, they contacted us immediately. We were able to order a taxi to the hotel (smoothly Swiss with very friendly staff), and the full cost was reimbursed to us the next day at the clinic. Thank you so much, Swisslasik, that was very kind of you. And then came the eventful day of the surgery. Because of the early departure for the clinic, we skipped breakfast at the hotel (even though it was ready), as we absolutely didn’t want to miss our transfer. At the clinic, we felt like we were in Switzerland, and it was wonderful to have a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. My eyes were thoroughly examined that morning, and the surgery was scheduled for the afternoon. At one point, our interpreter suggested we go and explore a state-of-the-art shopping center. Wow, we loved it! Luckily, we were back at the clinic and ready for the operation. It was a rather unsettling feeling, lying so ‘at the mercy’ of God on the table. But deep down, despite all the uncertainty that lay ahead, I felt safe in God, and I felt His presence and His hand over me. Of course, I was given surgical gowns beforehand to ensure everything remained hygienic and germ-free. During the operation, I had to keep my eyes fixed on the red center point, which was a bit difficult at first, as I’m a very energetic woman. They told me to be completely still and look towards the center. They started with my right eye, and suddenly everything went pitch black. Wow, I was startled and thought, is this it? But after just a few moments…
A few moments later, I saw the lights on the machine above me again, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It was almost like being in a carpenter’s workshop (I remember that from my father) when they started grinding down the cornea. It sounded just like a sander and produced little sparks. And just like that, the first eye was finished. The operation continued on the left eye, just as it had on the right. Twenty minutes after the entire operation began, my daughter was amazed when I came running out of the operating room. Hard to believe, but true. My interpreter asked me if I could see him, and when I answered “yes,” he was very pleased and happy. My two eyes were immediately checked again, and everything was perfect. I was given sunglasses for protection, and soon we were able to go to the hotel by transfer. Once there, all I wanted to do was rest and sleep. That’s why my daughter set the alarm so we could put the drops in my eyes at the right time, even late into the night. The next morning, I was amazed at how clearly I could suddenly see the light on the ceiling. Just like that, without glasses. Even today, it’s a miracle to me every single day. And we were taken back to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. It was wonderful, just wearing sunglasses (completely uncorrected) because of the high light sensitivity, which lasted for quite some time. Our interpreter guided us through the appointments that day as well and accompanied us very kindly right up to and including checking out of the clinic. Thank you so much for everything!! I enjoy being without glasses every single day and I advise everyone: get your eyes checked to see if they can also be treated with laser surgery. Ideally, before you become a grandmother or grandfather. Istanbul is also highly recommended, and a few days’ vacation there are wonderful for exploring the city. I sincerely wish you the courage to undergo the operation, a successful outcome, and wonderful vision. Kind regards, E. Keller-Schellenberg.