My experience with laser eye surgery at Acibadem Istanbul, Türkiye – Report from Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Decision:
“I had been thinking about the LASIK surgery for a long time, as my glasses were always in the way during various hobbies (swimming, hiking & mountaineering). The constant hassle with daily contact lenses was tedious and expensive. Since my myopia (-5 and -5.5) hadn’t changed for years, I was now determined to go for it. However, the surgery in Switzerland would have cost around CHF 8000, which was beyond my budget. Through the internet, I came across Swisslasik’s offer, and the costs were significantly lower than anything available in Switzerland. Also, I had long wanted to visit Istanbul to explore the city. Naturally, it was important to me that the offer and the consultation were professional and that I would have an ophthalmologist in Switzerland to turn to in case of any issues or questions. After I first reached out, I was immediately contacted, and quickly had an appointment at their Zurich office (which made a very good impression on me). After all the tests were fine with only minor reservations (steep cornea), I registered for Femto-LASIK. The organisation was handled very quickly and professionally. Even additional requests (longer stay in Istanbul & a companion) could be easily incorporated. I received a reference list upon request and was able to have a detailed conversation with a very friendly lady about her experience with Swisslasik. This was very helpful and gave me confidence that I was making the right decision. (Later, I found out that two colleagues also had their surgery with Swisslasik…)**
The Trip:
Finding the taxi driver at 12am at Istanbul airport took a while, but eventually worked out. The next morning, the examination and surgery were scheduled. Everything went very quickly (any questions are best addressed in Switzerland beforehand, or written down). After the pre-examination, I was advised to go for “standard” LASIK, as it could be done without Femto, which made me a bit uncertain, but I had to accept that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. After the examination, I had about 4 hours to kill before the surgery, which I spent in a very nice shopping centre. Then, it was back to the clinic and the surgery. The only minor issue was a communication misunderstanding, which caused the operation to take a little longer (the eye couldn’t be fixed initially). Once that was sorted, everything went very quickly. After the surgery, my eyes watered and itched. Taking an audiobook and preparing food (or ordering room service) in advance helps. The follow-up the next day was brief, and after that, I was able to enjoy the full sightseeing program. The transport and the interpreter’s assistance at the hospital were seamless and perfect! Even the transport to the airport three days later, as part of the usual “program,” was punctual. The hotel (Taksim City Park Hotel) was very well located, and on the 3rd night, thanks to Swisslasik’s intervention, we got a very nice, spacious room (the first room was very small for two people).**
General Feedback:
1.5 weeks later, after the first follow-up in Zurich, everything looks perfect, except that the “communication misunderstanding” left a small bruise in my eye, which is slowly fading. My eyes are still very dry (I work all day on the computer…), and the feeling of “dry, dirty lenses” especially in the evenings, hopefully, will completely disappear with time. It seems to require some patience. Otherwise, everything is great! The information in the Swisslasik Pass was very helpful and practical. Definitely take it with you! The only thing that could be integrated right away is the drops info, so you can read it before your eyes start watering. Istanbul is worth a trip, even without LASIK!
Vera Henggeler