My notes about my laser eye surgery journey – report from Sunday, October 19, 2008

Motives or reasons

For some time, I had been thinking about having my eyes operated on. Going through life without visual aids (I mainly wore contact lenses) would be much more convenient for me personally. I do a lot of sports, sit at the computer for several hours a day, and often ride a motorcycle. In all these activities (and many more), my lenses and glasses were sometimes an obstacle. In addition, with an operation, I can save on the annual fixed costs for lenses and glasses. After careful consideration and discussions with various people, I decided, after some comparisons, to have my eyes lasered at the EYE Star Clinic in Istanbul.

My contact in Switzerland

Serdar Karaagacli-Leoni from Swisslasik was my main point of contact throughout. He is a very patient person and answered even my most detailed questions (and there were quite a few). He was also the one who, through his coordination, organised the entire operation with Swisslasik for me.

Off to Istanbul

Time passed quickly, and soon on Friday, 3 October 2008, I was on the plane to Istanbul with my mother, my boyfriend, and their daughter on Turkish Airlines. The only annoying moments on the whole trip were standing in line at passport control in Turkey. But my contact person in Istanbul was already waiting for me at the airport exit, and we were chauffeured in a Mercedes van to our four-day accommodation. Over the next two days, we enjoyed the highlights of the Turkish metropolis, ate various delicious treats, admired the impressive buildings, and completed a six-hour Grand Bazaar shopping spree.

The Operation

On Monday around 11 a.m., we were picked up from our apartment and taken to the clinic. The reception and care were impeccable. The friendly, stress-free, and luxurious atmosphere made me completely relaxed for the operation. After some preliminary examinations, a conversation with the doctor, and lunch, I underwent the procedure. I felt nothing at all and simply followed the doctor’s calm instructions. After the operation, I could already see without visual aids. My eyes burned a little, but this was quite bearable. The eye drops soothe this unpleasant sensation.

Back in Switzerland

After a painless night, I was picked up the next morning for the first follow-up examination. We then flew back home on Tuesday afternoon. One week after returning to Switzerland, I had my second follow-up in Zurich. The independent doctor told me that everything was perfect.

I can see 100% with both eyes – and that is simply wonderful. I definitely left my glasses ready in Istanbul.

V. Rohrer, 15 October 2008