The new feeling of life with “free” eyes is priceless! – report from Sunday, 6 May 2012

After years of considering having my eyes lasered, I decided to go through with the surgery this year following positive feedback from acquaintances. After extensive online research, I came across Swisslasik. I also learned that the company would be present at the St. Gallen holiday fair. So my boyfriend, who also accompanied me on the trip to Istanbul, and I went to the fair, where we met Mr Karaagacli in person. He provided us with detailed initial information about the surgery and the clinic, and we exchanged our contact details. This event, the information, and Mr Karaagacli’s friendliness only reinforced my decision to have the surgery.
Shortly afterward, I received detailed information via email from Mr Karaagacli about the surgery trip and was able to submit my preferred dates. In total, there were four of us—two patients and two accompanying persons. The dates were accepted, the trip was organised quickly, and confirmation was sent by email. Everything went smoothly and very quickly. I did not have a preliminary examination in Switzerland, as I did not have any complicated vision issues (no astigmatism or similar). After transferring the surgery travel costs, we received the tickets and a Swisslasik pass ten days before departure. The pass contained very useful information, including pre- and post-surgery instructions, as well as helpful tips for sightseeing in Istanbul and restaurant recommendations, which were very useful.
On 23 April 2012, we departed from Zurich Airport for Istanbul. Although I felt some apprehension about the eye surgery, I was very excited since I had never been to Istanbul. At the airport in Istanbul, we were warmly welcomed by the Acibadem Clinic pick-up service and transported to the hotel. The hotel staff also greeted us kindly and escorted us to our rooms, which were clean and very comfortably equipped.
The next morning at 8:00 a.m., we were picked up punctually from the hotel by Hotel Levent staff. Our accompanying persons had to take a taxi to the clinic independently because there was no room in the pick-up vehicle. Upon arrival at the clinic, we were immediately welcomed by German-speaking staff and guided to the appropriate rooms for examinations. The clinic personally impressed me very positively. Its cleanliness and modernity reassured me and helped reduce my nervousness. The examinations were conducted very professionally and thoroughly.
After approximately two hours, we were personally invited to the doctor’s consultation room. It was confirmed that our eyes were suitable for the standard LASIK methods. We were told that our surgery would take place around 2:00 p.m., and until then we could spend time in the cafeteria on the upper floor. At 2:00 p.m., we were picked up on time by the staff and escorted to the waiting room. Naturally, the nervousness increased. In the waiting room, information sheets about post-surgery eye drop care were distributed, and we had to sign a consent form for the procedure. Then it began. We were called into the operating area, where protective clothing (head cap, gown, and shoes) was put on, and eye drops were administered. About 10 minutes later, my brother-in-law was called into the operating room, and roughly 15 minutes after that, he came out smiling with his eyes already treated. Then it was my turn. The operating room was very clean and well-equipped. My surgery also went very quickly—about 15 minutes—and it was over.
Afterward, I was immediately taken to the waiting room and given protective glasses. We had to wait a short while until we were transported back to the hotel by the pick-up service. After about four hours, I was able to open my eyes slightly, and that same evening I could even walk around Istanbul wearing the protective glasses.
The best part was the next morning. Upon waking, I even had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming: absolutely no pain, I could open my eyes normally, and most importantly: I COULD SEE SHARPLY AGAIN WITHOUT GLASSES. After a brief follow-up at the clinic the next morning with the doctor personally, I received confirmation that the surgery had been a complete success and that my vision was back to 100%.
Nothing stood in the way of our short holiday and sightseeing tour of Istanbul for the next four days, and I was able to experience this beautiful city with my new eyes and a new sense of life. I would recommend Swisslasik to everyone. The organisation and care of the surgery trip are top-notch, and the new feeling of life with “free” eyes is priceless!
Lilli Deis