Travel report by Samuel Müller to Istanbul, to the Acibadem Maslak Clinic, for laser eye treatment – report from Thursday, 18 July 2013

After much consideration and comparing prices, I decided to have my eyes lasered in Istanbul. Despite concerns from my family and friends, I took the step to have the procedure done abroad – and I have no regrets. Booking through SwissLasik went smoothly, and informational materials and travel documents arrived in my mailbox just a few days after booking. Departure was on 10 July. My parents took the opportunity to travel with me to Istanbul and explore the city. We arrived in Istanbul at 2 a.m. and were already met by the driver, who safely took us to Hotel Levent. By 3 a.m., we were already heading to Taksim Square. A delicious Turkish dinner rounded off the first day.
On the morning of 11 July, I was a little nervous, as the operation was scheduled for today, provided everything went well during the pre-examination. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, the driver took me to Acibadem Hospital. The pre-examination took some time, but I realized that they really took the time to clarify everything. Throughout the entire process, I was assisted by a German-speaking staff member at the hospital. She stayed by my side and translated everything the doctors said. By just before 12 p.m., the pre-examination was complete, and there was nothing preventing the operation. Unfortunately, it was scheduled for 4 p.m., so I had to wait until then.
The operation itself involved some discomfort. My problem was the narrow and deep eye sockets, which made attaching the clamps difficult. The actual laser procedure was painless, though it felt slightly uncomfortable. Already 40 minutes later, the driver took me back to the hotel, where I immediately lay down. My eyes were very watery, and I could barely see. However, during the night, this improved significantly.
By 12 July, I could see well and enjoyed breakfast at the hotel without any problems. A driver picked me up again for the follow-up examination. The follow-up showed that everything went well, the eyes had no infections or inflammations, and I was already seeing 100%! I was thus able to happily spend the afternoon sightseeing with my parents. On 13 July, we used the morning for another sightseeing tour. At midday, a driver took us to the airport, where we boarded our flight back to Switzerland.
The entire trip was very well organized; transfers between the airport, hotel, and hospital always went smoothly. At the hospital, I was always expected and assisted in German. The doctor and staff were competent and professional; I always felt in good hands. I would book the trip with SwissLasik again in a heartbeat and have my eyes lasered in Istanbul, and I can recommend it to everyone! I already had my follow-up in Switzerland at the doctor in Zurich, where I got an appointment on the very same day I called. I can encourage anyone considering laser eye surgery to go for it. In addition to saving costs, you also get the opportunity to explore the city of Istanbul.
Näfels, 17 July 2013