My comment on my eye surgery in Istanbul – report from Friday, May 15, 2009

It’s been two weeks since the surgery… Here’s my review of the trip/surgery/Istanbul:
I surf and love being near the water, and glasses are a nuisance. That’s why I’d been considering laser eye surgery for a long time. A colleague told me in January about her upcoming surgery in Istanbul. At first, I was shocked that she was having it done there. She was very happy with the results and the service. I then read through your website online… and that’s how I finally decided to go as well. I didn’t have a preliminary examination in Zurich. It was important to me to get everything over with in one day, as I hate doctor’s appointments and long waits. In Switzerland, I would have had to attend at least three appointments. Mr. Karaagacli always responded promptly to my emails, to my complete satisfaction. I could ask him anything. After all the clarifications and payment, he soon sent me the SwissLASIK Passport. It contained all the useful information I needed. The passport is really great, everything visible at a glance! The flight went perfectly, as did the pickup by Hakan Dikmen. The traffic was very heavy. I think that’s why we were a little late. In any case, the driver took us directly to the EyeSTAR clinic – with all our luggage. I would have appreciated going to the hotel first to unwind a bit from the journey – instead of going straight to the clinic. Fred then picked us up immediately, carried the suitcases, and accompanied me through the preliminary examinations and then the surgery, translating for me. Somehow, everything was a bit hectic. After the eye drops, my vision was blurry. We were then asked to eat something at short notice. After dinner, it started right away. I was the first in our group. I was terribly nervous when I sat down in the massage chair. Suddenly, it was happening! All I could think was: Jeannette, just concentrate on the orange light and nothing else. Then I switched off – I don’t remember much after that. Everything happened very quickly after that. The surgery was uncomfortable but not painful. I shivered for about half an hour afterward. Then I immediately went back to the hotel with my travel companion and went to bed. The next morning, I hardly dared to open my eyes… but everything went smoothly! Great. We then spent two days exploring Istanbul. It’s a truly beautiful, interesting, vibrant, and clean city! I’m very impressed. The first night in the hotel was terrible. We had a room without a window, and the air conditioning was broken. It was very stuffy and hot. We ended up having to keep the room door open to get some fresh air. My colleague went to reception at midnight, completely distraught, and asked for a new room. We were able to move in the morning… The view from the breakfast room was fantastic! I have my first follow-up check on May 29th. Now I’m sitting at my computer wearing sunglasses, writing this report… Best regards,
J. Grünenfelder