Turkey has become one of Europe’s top destinations for laser eye surgery. Istanbul clinics offer LASIK, SMILE PRO, and PRK at 50–65% below UK private prices — using the same Zeiss and Alcon laser platforms found in London’s top clinics. For patients paying £3,000–4,500 per eye in the UK, the maths is compelling.
LASIK Costs: Turkey vs UK
| Procedure | UK private (both eyes) | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LASIK | £3,000–4,500 | £800–1,400 |
| Femto LASIK (bladeless) | £3,500–5,000 | £1,000–1,800 |
| SMILE PRO | £4,000–5,500 | £1,400–2,200 |
| PRK / LASEK | £2,500–4,000 | £700–1,200 |
| Lens replacement (RLE) | £4,000–6,000 | £1,500–2,800 |
Prices typically include pre-op assessment, procedure, and follow-up on the day. Check whether post-op visits are included.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
LASIK
The most established laser eye surgery. A thin flap is created on the cornea, laser reshapes the tissue underneath, flap is replaced. Fast recovery (24–48 hours). Suitable for most prescriptions. Not ideal for very thin corneas.
Femto LASIK (Bladeless LASIK)
Same as LASIK but the corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser rather than a mechanical blade. More precise, marginally safer. Preferred option at most quality Turkish clinics.
SMILE PRO
The newest generation. No flap — a small lenticule of corneal tissue is extracted through a tiny incision. Preserves more corneal structural integrity. Better suited to patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles (contact sports, military). Higher cost.
PRK / LASEK
The original surface laser technique — no flap. Longer recovery (1–2 weeks) but suitable when corneas are too thin for LASIK. Often preferred for high prescriptions.
Lens Replacement (RLE)
For patients over 40 or with very high prescriptions where laser isn’t suitable. The eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one — similar to cataract surgery but elective. Permanent correction, also prevents future cataracts.
Am I a Candidate?
Laser eye surgery is not suitable for everyone. Standard criteria:
- Stable prescription for at least 2 years
- Cornea thickness above minimum threshold (determined by scan)
- No active corneal disease, severe dry eye, or autoimmune conditions
- Age typically 21+
Most Istanbul clinics will request your current prescription and ask you to complete a basic questionnaire. A formal pre-op assessment (corneal topography, pupil measurement, dry eye check) happens on arrival before any commitment to proceed.
Top Istanbul Clinics for Laser Eye Surgery
Dünyagöz Hospital
Turkey’s largest ophthalmology hospital group with 40+ clinics nationwide. Very high volume, latest technology, dedicated international patient office. English-speaking staff throughout.
Optimax Istanbul
Part of the UK-founded Optimax group. Same protocols and technology as their UK clinics. Familiar quality benchmark for British patients.
Lazer Göz Istanbul (Istanbul LASIK Centre)
Popular with European patients. Zeiss VisuMax and MEL 90 platforms. Transparent pricing, free online consultation.
Bayındır Hospital — Eye Unit
Part of a major Istanbul private hospital group. Full ophthalmology department. Good option for patients who want a hospital setting with wider medical backup.
What the Trip Looks Like
Most patients follow this schedule:
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul. Pre-op assessment (2–3 hours) — corneal scans, prescription check, dry eye test. If suitable, sign consent forms.
Day 2: Surgery (15–30 minutes per eye). Rest at hotel for 24 hours. Clinic provides dark glasses, eye drops, aftercare kit.
Day 3: Post-op check (30 minutes). Most patients can read, watch TV, use phone at this point. Some blurriness and light sensitivity normal for 24–48 hours.
Day 4–5: Fly home. Vision typically 80–90% of final result by this point.
SMILE PRO patients often feel comfortable flying a day earlier than LASIK patients due to no flap involved.
What to Bring and Prepare
- Stop contact lenses before assessment: soft lenses 2 weeks before, rigid/gas permeable 4+ weeks before
- Arrange a driver for the day of surgery — you won’t be able to drive
- Don’t wear eye makeup on assessment or surgery day
- Bring all glasses and contact lens prescriptions you have
- Budget for eye drops — most clinics provide initial supply; you’ll need preservative-free artificial tears for several weeks post-op
Safety and Accreditation
Look for:
- JCI or ISO accreditation for the facility
- Zeiss, Alcon, or Schwind laser platforms — these are the same machines used in top UK clinics
- Board-certified ophthalmologist performing (not just supervising) the procedure
- Corneal topography scan as part of pre-op — any clinic that doesn’t do this isn’t following standard protocol
Turkey has several well-documented cases of poor outcomes from budget laser surgery operations — this is a procedure where cheap and good rarely coincide. Stick to established clinics with verifiable track records.
UK vs Turkey: Is It Worth It?
For most patients, yes — the technology and clinical protocols are equivalent, and the savings (£2,000–4,000 for both eyes) are real. The main trade-off is convenience for follow-up care. Most complications, if they occur, present within the first 2 weeks. Arrange a follow-up with a UK optometrist or ophthalmologist before you travel so someone can check you on return.
Enhancement rates (needing a second procedure for minor residual prescription) are around 2–5% at reputable clinics worldwide. Turkish clinics typically include free enhancement within a specified period — confirm this in writing before booking.