Eye Surgery in Turkey
Cataract, glaucoma and retinal procedures, explained honestly.
Turkey treats a large number of international patients for cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, retinal surgery and corneal transplant, using the same intraocular lens and surgical platform brands used across the UK and Germany. Cataract surgery in particular is one of the most standardised operations in modern medicine worldwide, so the outcome depends far more on the surgeon and the lens chosen than on the country. A typical trip for cataract or glaucoma surgery is short, often 4 to 6 days including recovery checks; retina surgery and corneal transplant usually need a longer stay and closer follow-up. Navivera matches you with a licensed ophthalmology team, gets your eye exam results reviewed before you travel, and one Care Navigator coordinates the trip and follow-up.
Procedures covered
- Cataract Surgery
- The clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens; a short, highly standardised procedure done under local anaesthesia.
- Glaucoma Surgery
- A range of procedures that lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve, chosen according to the type and severity of glaucoma.
- Retina Surgery
- Surgery to repair a detached retina, macular hole or other retinal condition, often time-sensitive depending on the diagnosis.
- Corneal Transplant
- Replacement of damaged corneal tissue with donor tissue to restore vision or treat certain corneal diseases.
Why patients travel to Turkey for eye surgery
Turkey’s licensed eye hospitals perform cataract and retinal surgery at very high volume using the same lens brands (Alcon, Zeiss, Johnson & Johnson Vision and others) used in Western Europe, at a fraction of the price and often with much shorter waiting times than a public system at home. For cataract surgery specifically, the procedure itself is a well-established, low-variability operation, which is why cost and access are usually the deciding factors rather than technique.
Who is a good candidate
Cataract candidacy is usually straightforward once vision is affected enough to interfere with daily life. Glaucoma surgery and retina surgery depend heavily on the specific diagnosis, stage and how urgent treatment is — a genuinely urgent retinal detachment is not something to plan around a long-distance trip, and a responsible clinic will tell you if your case needs treatment sooner, locally, rather than after travel.
How pricing works, and why you will not find a price list here
Pricing depends mainly on the lens type for cataract surgery (standard monofocal versus premium multifocal or toric lenses), the specific procedure and technology used for glaucoma or retina cases, and whether one or both eyes are treated. We ask an ophthalmologist to review your eye exam results and send a written, itemised quote naming the lens or technique within 24 hours.
What to check before you book anywhere
Before booking, it is worth asking:
- Is the clinic authorised by the Ministry of Health to treat international patients?
- Which lens brand is quoted for cataract surgery, and why was it recommended for your eyes specifically?
- For retina or glaucoma cases: is your condition urgent, and if so, should it be treated locally first?
- What follow-up examinations are scheduled, and how are results shared with your optometrist or ophthalmologist at home?
You can check the first question yourself: the Ministry of Health publishes its list of certified healthcare providers and facilitators on HealthTürkiye. Navivera is happy to be checked there too.
How Navivera approaches it
We only work with clinics holding Ministry of Health authorisation for international patients. Your Care Navigator collects your eye exam results, arranges a written plan naming the lens or technique, coordinates the trip, and helps arrange follow-up with your home optometrist or ophthalmologist.
A typical trip: 4 to 6 days for cataract, longer for retina
- Before you flyYour existing eye exam results are reviewed; if needed, further tests are scheduled on arrival.
- Day 1Arrival, full eye examination and final consultation on the surgical plan.
- Day 2Surgery, usually under local anaesthesia and often same-day discharge for cataract cases.
- Days 3 to 4Follow-up examination and check for healing before flying, with instructions for eye drops and activity restrictions.
Recovery: what to expect
- First weekEye drops several times a day, avoiding rubbing the eye, water and strenuous activity; vision typically improves within days for cataract surgery.
- Weeks 2 to 4Full visual stabilisation for cataract surgery; retina and glaucoma cases follow a longer, procedure-specific timeline set by your surgeon.
Eye surgery in Turkey: frequently asked questions
Is cataract surgery in Turkey safe?
Yes, at clinics authorised by the Ministry of Health for international patients. Cataract surgery is one of the most standardised procedures in medicine worldwide.
How long do I need to stay?
Cataract surgery usually needs 4 to 6 days including a follow-up check; retina surgery or corneal transplant may need longer depending on your case.
Which lens should I choose?
This depends on your lifestyle and eye health; your ophthalmologist will explain the options (standard versus premium lenses) based on your exam, not a fixed recommendation.
What if my retinal condition is urgent?
A responsible clinic will tell you if your case needs treatment sooner than travel allows; some retinal conditions should not wait for an international trip.
Why does Navivera not show prices?
Because pricing depends on the lens type, the specific procedure and whether one or both eyes are treated. We send an itemised quote within 24 hours of reviewing your exam results.
This page is general information prepared by Navivera to help you plan; it is not medical advice. Your suitability for surgery and the specific procedure are decided by the treating ophthalmologist after examining you. Last reviewed: .