Finally without glasses – laser eye treatment at Acibadem in Istanbul (26–30 April 2012) – report from Saturday, 9 June 2012

My motivation/decision I had only worn glasses since my apprenticeship and, unfortunately, I could never wear contact lenses for long, let alone often. During sports, I was mostly forced to train either with glasses or without. At first, this was manageable, but my vision impairment gradually worsened. About four years ago, a work colleague brought laser eye surgery to my attention. She had had it done in Switzerland, which was simply too expensive for me. For me, it remained largely a dream to have it done someday. However, a colleague couple then pointed me to a clinic in Germany. About a year ago, I went there for a preliminary examination and afterwards definitively decided to have my eyes lasered. After a year of saving, the time finally came, but as fate would have it, I became aware of Swisslasik. After various research and consultations with Mr Karaagacli, I ultimately decided to have my eyes lasered with Swisslasik in Istanbul. From the start, I had a good feeling and I am very satisfied.
The trip and hotel Swisslasik organized everything for me. I only had to open the envelope, check in, and board the plane. At the airport, I was picked up and taken to the hotel. The Levent Hotel was very clean and the room beautiful. For those who like it quiet and not right in the centre, I can recommend this hotel. Within ten minutes on foot, you can reach two large shopping centres. Around the hotel, there are many small shops to buy food and drinks. There are also various restaurants and Turkish fast food stands with very good, typical Turkish food. With the metro, you can reach Taksim, Istanbul’s main shopping street, in ten minutes without changing trains.
Operation On the day of the operation, I was picked up on time by the driver. At the clinic, I was received by a German-speaking assistant. First, the entire procedure was explained and then we immediately proceeded to the second preliminary examination. They even conducted tests that were not done during my first preliminary examination. The assistant was always available for questions and accompanied me throughout all examinations. During the preliminary examination, the treating doctor also checked the eyes again. The whole process was somewhat lengthy and required waiting repeatedly. I could hardly wait and was therefore a little impatient. Once it was confirmed that I was also suitable for Lasek and everything was okay, I decided on FEMTO-LASIK on site. I had already planned this procedure during my first preliminary examination in Germany and simply wanted to wait to hear the Turkish doctor’s opinion. After a few hours, I was picked up from the restaurant and my eyes were finally lasered. The operation was short and painless. After a short time in the waiting room, I was taken back to the hotel. About an hour later, my eyes started burning and tearing. Patience was required again, as it was very uncomfortable but not painful. I was very glad to have my partner with me to support me. After almost exactly four hours, everything settled, and I was able to sleep peacefully. The next morning, I could only see hazily because of the protective lenses. At the clinic, the ophthalmologist promptly removed them, and I could see the excellent result. It was an amazing feeling, and I was thrilled to finally be glasses-free. The ophthalmologist had told me several times before the operation not to expect miracles and to be patient. That advice stayed with me, as it takes time for everything to heal, and one must never forget these are your eyes. My partner and I then spent another two days in Istanbul, fully enjoying the remaining time and taking the chance to explore the city. I can recommend Swisslasik and the eye operation in Istanbul to anyone considering laser eye surgery. The complete package – service, advice, follow-up in Switzerland, etc. – I have not found with any other provider, and personally, I would go again at any time. Many thanks to Swisslasik L. Rohrbach