Swisslasik experience report – Report from Sunday, January 1, 2012

The wish for a life without glasses had been with both of us for quite some time, but it was only when a friend told us about her experiences with Swisslasik that we started to look into it more seriously. First, we gathered preliminary information on the Swisslasik website, then we met Mr Karaagaçli in person at the Fespo trade fair in Zurich and received detailed information from him. Our trust in Swisslasik was there from the very beginning, and so on Thursday, 15 December 2011, we set off on our journey to Istanbul. A few days before departure, we received our Swisslasik pass as well as the e-tickets, which meant that after online check-in we were able to fly to Istanbul without any stress. As promised, we were picked up at the airport by a driver who took us safely to the hotel.
The Park City Hotel provided us with a very small but clean room. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the breakfast buffet offered something for every taste. We felt well looked after and were able to explore the lively Taksim district comfortably on foot. On Friday morning, our driver took us punctually to Acibadem Hospital, where we experienced the full extent of Istanbul’s rush-hour traffic for the first time. At first glance, Acibadem Hospital made a very good impression. We were welcomed warmly and soon taken to the basement to the ophthalmology department.
Along with a third person from Switzerland, we were scheduled for laser eye surgery that morning. Over the course of the first two hours, various tests were carried out to determine whether we were even suitable for an operation. These tests were conducted in a very hectic manner and without good communication, so at times we were led from one room to another feeling rather confused. The assistant who carried out the tests appeared extremely stressed, and our German interpreter did not take the time or make the effort to explain the process to us properly. Fortunately, the third patient had already completed the tests in Switzerland and was therefore able to explain the individual steps to us. We were also grateful when she warned us before the assistant administered eye drops that caused an incredibly intense burning sensation in the eyes for a few seconds.
After these tests, we had our first conversation with our doctor. She made a very competent and calm impression and explained the operation to us in English. Fortunately, we were both suitable candidates for the LASIK procedure. After some further waiting, Daniel was finally taken into the operating theatre first. Unfortunately, there were significant complications with his right eye, which meant that a vacuum had to be applied twice and a lens had to be inserted after the operation because the eye had been under considerable strain. Karin’s operation went ahead without any complications.
The burning, scratching sensation in the eyes after the operation was severe, and we were also unable to open our eyes because they were constantly watering. However, we were told that these were normal symptoms and that they would soon pass. After a brief follow-up check around one hour after the operation, we waited for our transport back to the hotel. Unfortunately, it did not arrive until another half an hour later, which was very unpleasant given the pain we were in. On top of that, there was even a change of driver in the middle of a traffic jam on the motorway, which was quite unsettling for us, especially as we could both barely see.
Eventually, we arrived at the hotel and were finally able to lie down in our bed and recover from the strain. After an hour, we ordered a delicious meal to our room, and after that we already felt much better. The symptoms had subsided, and only mild pain remained. Even at this stage, we were able to see very well without glasses, and our joy was immense. In the evening, we went out among people and could only marvel at everything we saw.
On Saturday, we had a follow-up appointment at Acibadem Hospital and another final conversation with our doctor. She was then also able to explain to Daniel what had gone wrong during the operation on his right eye. The subsequent check-ups in Switzerland showed that the operation had been successful for both of us and that we will hopefully be able to do without visual aids for a long time.
In conclusion, we can say that we are very satisfied with the organisation of Swisslasik, with the care provided by Mr Karaagaçli, who was always available to us by phone, as well as with the hotel. Communication at Acibadem Hospital should be urgently improved so that patients feel well looked after there from the very beginning to the very end. We have already had several conversations with friends and acquaintances and have always recommended Swisslasik to them. This operation has given us a great deal of quality of life back, and we would like to thank Swisslasik for their support. 20.02.2012, Karin & Daniel N.