Patient review: Laser eye surgery Istanbul, Türkiye
My patient review – laser eye surgery in Istanbul
I decided to have my eyes lasered in Turkey after hearing positive experiences from people I knew. It was important to me to find a provider with a contact person in Switzerland, which is why, after extensive research and price comparisons, I chose SwissLasik. I selected Istanbul because many acquaintances told me it was a city worth visiting.
The preliminary examination in Bern was friendly and informative; follow-up questions were also answered promptly via WhatsApp. The information about the operation and the city of Istanbul was also helpful. I felt well-informed before my departure.
We spent four days in Istanbul, which was enough for a first impression of the city. We booked our own accommodation in the Beyoğlu district. This area offers a good selection of restaurants away from the tourist crowds, but it is somewhat hilly.
We enjoyed the diversity of the different neighborhoods and the many historical sights. However, we were rather disappointed by the effects of inflation, which manifested as exorbitant prices in tourist areas. It’s also advisable to inquire about typical taxi fares beforehand, as non-Turkish-speaking tourists can easily end up paying significantly more.
On the fifth day, we were picked up from our accommodation in the morning by a driver. Upon arrival at the First Eye Clinic, we were shown to our room. There was a rather narrow pull-out chair for the accompanying person, which was acceptable for two nights. Afterwards, I was taken for the preliminary examinations. A fair amount of patience is required. I sometimes had to wait 30-60 minutes between examinations.
Because my cornea is thinner than average, the PRK method was recommended to me. The doctor was friendly, spoke good English, explained the procedure to me, and answered all my questions.
In the afternoon, before my operation, I had to sign some documents. The caregiver translated the document for me on her phone, as it was in Turkish. It would be advisable to have an English version available for foreign patients. Also, not all the nursing staff spoke English. It would be helpful if someone who speaks English were available on both the day and night shifts so that communication is possible if needed. Nevertheless, all the staff were very helpful, and the English-speaking nurse in particular was very warm and friendly.
The operation itself was short (a few minutes) and painless. The only slightly unusual thing was the liquid that was put on my eye, as I couldn’t blink. I didn’t feel the laser at all. I had some pain for a few hours immediately after the operation, but I was given a painkiller and a sedative.
I appreciated having chosen the hospital as my accommodation, so I didn’t have to leave – especially since I had a follow-up examination on the second day. My eyes were still very sensitive to light until the third day. On the third day, I took my flight home. From the fifth day onward, I was able to work on a computer or watch TV again, for a limited time.
Unfortunately, the eye drops I was prescribed are not available in Switzerland, or only by special order and with a valid doctor’s prescription. But the SwissLasik team was very helpful in this regard as well. I recommend making sure you get a supply of the eye drops well in advance.
In summary, I can highly recommend SwissLasik, the First Clinic, and Dr. Faik Oruçoglu. I felt well cared for and am now enjoying my new, glasses-free life.
November 2024, Sarah Cristallo
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Below are some pictures of the sights in Istanbul.
