My comment on my eye surgery in Istanbul – report from Friday, May 15, 2009

It has now been two weeks since the operation… Below is my comment on the trip, the operation and Istanbul:
I love surfing and spending time by the water, and glasses are a nuisance there. That is why I had been thinking for a long time about having my eyes laser-treated. In January, a colleague told me about her upcoming operation in Istanbul. At first, I was shocked that she was going to have it done in Istanbul. However, she was very satisfied with the result and the service. I then read your website from top to bottom on the internet… and so I actually made the decision to go as well.
I did not have a preliminary examination in Zurich. For me, it was important to get everything done in one day, as I hate medical appointments and long waiting times. In Switzerland, I would have had to attend at least three appointments. Mr Karaagacli always replied promptly to my emails, to my complete satisfaction. I could ask him anything. After all clarifications and payment, he soon sent me the Swisslasik pass. It contained all the useful information I needed. The pass is really great, everything visible at a glance.
The flight went perfectly, as did the pick-up by Hakan Dikmen. Traffic was very heavy, and I think we were therefore a little late. In any case, the driver took us directly to the EyeSTAR Clinic, luggage included. I would have appreciated going to the hotel first to calm down a little after the journey, instead of going straight to the clinic.
Fred then picked us up immediately, carried the suitcases, accompanied me through the preliminary examinations and the operation, and translated. Somehow everything then became a bit hectic. After the eye drops, I could only see blurred. We were then asked at short notice to eat something. After dinner, everything started straight away. I was the first in our group. I was terribly nervous when I sat down on the massage chair. Suddenly it was time. I only thought: Jeannette, just concentrate on the orange light and nothing else. Then I switched off and cannot remember much more. Everything happened very quickly. The operation was unpleasant but not painful.
After the operation, I trembled for about half an hour. I then went straight to the hotel with my travel companion and lay down in bed. The next morning, I hardly dared to open my eyes, but everything went smoothly. Great.
We then explored Istanbul for two days. A truly beautiful, interesting, vibrant and clean city. I am very positively impressed. The first night in the hotel was awful. We had a room without a window and the air conditioning was defective. It was very stuffy and hot. In the end, we had to leave the hotel room door open to get a little fresh air. My colleague went to the reception around midnight, completely upset, and asked for a new room. We were then able to change rooms in the morning. The view from the breakfast room was fantastic.
On 29 May, I have my first follow-up check-up. Now I am sitting at the computer wearing sunglasses and writing this report.
Kind regards
J. Grünenfelder