Experience report: Eye laser surgery in Istanbul – Report from Wednesday, December 3, 2008

User review by P. Tarnutzer

That’s how it all began…

Since second grade, my eyesight deteriorated year after year until it finally stabilized at -7.50 diopters with astigmatism.

No matter what I did, I was dependent on visual aids…

Sure, I had heard about eye surgery from time to time. But just have my eyes operated on? What if something happens? What are the risks? The cost, etc.?

I wanted answers to these questions, so I did some research online and came across the Swisslasik website. Of course, I ordered the information pack straight away, and it arrived in my mailbox just a few days later. That was over a year ago!

I studied the documents carefully and was overwhelmed by the operation, the offer, and Turkey. I enthusiastically shared my excitement with my family and friends.

But this enthusiasm was rather limited, especially when I mentioned “laser treatment in Istanbul.” People started worrying again, until I finally put the documents away in a drawer.

About two months ago, I happened to learn that a colleague of my mother’s had this eye surgery done in Istanbul and was thrilled with the results. Of course, I visited this colleague the next day and asked her all about it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so I contacted Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni the following day. Soon after, I got an appointment with an eye doctor for a preliminary examination to determine whether the surgery was feasible.

Fortunately, I was able to have this operation. That same week, I contacted Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni again to arrange a possible date for the operation, flight, and hotel. Now everything had to happen quickly; I could hardly wait.

Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni made it possible for me to fly to Istanbul within a week.

When I arrived in Istanbul late in the evening, Bisol was already waiting for me. He was a very pleasant and friendly person. On the way to the hotel, he gave me a few tips on what to look out for in Istanbul and told me when he would pick me up the next morning for the preliminary examination. All in German, of course ;-).

The next morning came, and I looked out of the hotel window—a great view, simply brilliant. I went down to reception, where Bisol was already waiting. After a 10-minute walk, we arrived at the EyeSTAR clinic. Here, too, the welcome and friendliness of the EyeSTAR team were fantastic. I quickly felt at ease.

After the preliminary examination, there was about two hours to wait before being prepared for surgery. Finally, the two hours were over and my pulse began to rise a little.

After preparing for the operation, you were taken directly to the room next door, where you had to lie under the laser.

The operation began, and before it had really started, it was already over. For a brief moment, there was a slight pressure on the eye, but otherwise nothing, absolutely nothing.

Now you were taken to a dark room, given eye drops, and had to lie down for a while. However, before you were allowed to leave, your eyes were checked again to make sure that everything was really okay.

You have to imagine or keep in mind that you go to the clinic with visual aids and leave the clinic without them. The only thing you have to wear on your nose is sunglasses—to protect your eyes.

I went straight to the hotel and tried to sleep, or rather just to rest my eyes.

What you experience the next day is simply indescribable… a dream come true. After more than 20 years, no more visual aids.

After another brief follow-up examination at the EyeSTAR clinic, I had a full day to explore Istanbul before heading back home.

There is really nothing I can or would like to criticize here. Everything was extremely well organized and the care was excellent, all in German. Whether it was Mr. Serdar Karaagadi-Leoni or the EyeSTAR team, I never felt alone, which is certainly a very important point with an operation like this!

One more thing… I can currently see almost 100% with one eye and about 85% with the other, which will hopefully improve to 100%.

Once again, thank you very much!

P. Tarnutzer, December 1, 2008