I can 200% recommend Swisslasik in Istanbul!!! – Report from Monday, May 9, 2016

I decided at very short notice to have my eyes lasered in Turkey. Everything was planned within a week before my departure. The waiting times here at home were too long for me, which bothered me a lot as I was paying out of pocket. At Swisslasik, I received friendly and efficient service and advice. You can even book your hotel and flight yourself if you wish. The entire pre-departure organization went smoothly and, above all, quickly. All my questions were answered immediately, and I received a detailed, customized travel itinerary by mail.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, we had to wait a little longer for our driver. However, we received excellent service. The Acibadem counter is located just past the baggage claim area. A long but interesting drive took us first to the clinic with other passengers and then to the hotel. The initial impression of the Hotel Levent is misleading. The location seems shabby, and the hotel itself is rather gloomy, but it is very clean and the staff is very friendly. Just two streets away is modern Istanbul, with three ultra-modern shopping centers offering numerous restaurants and many fantastic brand-name stores.

The next morning, we were picked up promptly at 9 a.m. and driven to the clinic. As soon as I entered, I heard my name called; the interpreter was already waiting. He led us into the eye center where the preliminary examinations began immediately. The interpreter was always present, including during my conversation with the very friendly Professor Banu Cosar, who informed me that my eyes were suitable for laser surgery, despite a very high correction of -8.0. She also demonstrated the line spacing I would be able to read the following day using visual acuity tests.

The interpreter led us to the lovely cafeteria, where he picked us up again promptly at 2 p.m. Then everything happened very quickly. I had to sign a waiver, and the nurse was already there. I was taken into the laser room. The whole procedure was really unpleasant! But it only took 15 minutes at most, and then it was all over. I was led out again and immediately given dark protective goggles and eye drops to last for the next few months. After 15 minutes, there was another check-up with the friendly Professor Banu Cosar, and then it was back to the hotel. As other reviews have mentioned, the following 3-4 hours are very uncomfortable; your eyes burn and water, and I got a headache, probably more from the emotional stress. I took a painkiller, went to bed, and slept, using the eye drops every hour. Suddenly, I felt much better; the burning and watering stopped, and I could already see very well. I even went to a restaurant outside the hotel for dinner and did a little shopping. The night also passed without any problems.

The next morning, we were picked up again promptly for the final examination, along with our luggage, so we could go directly from the clinic to the airport. The test with Professor Banu Cosar confirmed that I already have 100% vision.

It’s been almost two weeks now and everything is going perfectly. Even the initial light sensitivity has subsided. I was able to go back to work and drive just two days after the laser procedure. Having someone with you is recommended, especially for administering the eye drops immediately after the laser treatment. Otherwise, everything is manageable on your own. There are many other patients from the Acibadem Clinic staying at the hotel.
I can 200% recommend Swisslasik in Istanbul!!!

Dario Ammann, Lucerne