Both eyes, one trip
Many Canadians combine bilateral cataract or lens surgery in a single 5–6 night Istanbul visit.
Canada patient guide · Istanbul
Eye surgery for Canadian patients
Provincial plans rarely cover elective laser. Istanbul offers JCI hospital surgery at 60–70% below Canadian private rates — both eyes often in one trip. English and French support.
For Canadian patients
One hospital · your Canadian pathway
Clinical assessment first — then your International Patient Coordinator handles flights, hotel, and aftercare. Same ZEISS platforms and JCI standards for every country.
Use the guide sections below — travel, stay length, cost comparison, and country-specific guides.
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Eligibility check
60-second form · IPC replies within 2 hours with honest procedure fit and next steps.
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Travel & quote pack
Surgeon CV, platform names, hotel nights, and all-inclusive quote in writing before you book flights.
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Surgery & fly home
JCI hospital pathway · post-op checks · discharge pack · 3-month video aftercare at home.
Why Istanbul
Why Canadian patients choose our eye centre
Canadian provincial plans rarely cover elective LASIK. Private laser can exceed CAD $6,000 for both eyes; cataract queues vary by province. Istanbul offers JCI hospital standards, fellowship-trained surgeons, and all-inclusive packages at 60–70% below typical Canadian private rates — with English and French IPC support.
- Both eyes, one trip
- English & French support
- Long-haul friendly
English & French support
International Patient Centre in English; French-speaking coordination available on request.
Long-haul friendly
Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver direct flights. Extra recovery day after long-haul travel.
Typically 60–70% savings
All-inclusive packages vs Canadian private surgery-only quotes.
Same global platforms
ZEISS, SCHWIND, Alcon — written confirmation before travel.
International Patient Coordinator
Dedicated IPC from eligibility check to video aftercare.
From Canada
Travel from Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver
Direct flights take 10–12 hours. Plan 5–6 nights: arrival, rest, assessment, surgery, post-op check, buffer day, then home.
Your route
Canada ↔ Istanbul
Toronto · Montreal
Direct IST routes from YYZ and YUL. Turkish Airlines and others operate regular services.
Vancouver
West-coast long-haul — recommend 6–7 nights for laser with extra buffer before return flight.
Travel tips
Arrive one day before assessment. Travel medical insurance strongly recommended. Passport valid 6+ months.
Companion travel
Flights & accommodation
Canada ↔ Istanbul — flight information
Partner 4★ hotels near the hospital campus — quiet rooms, easy access for post-op checks, and optional companion occupancy. Hotel nights are included in your all-inclusive quote based on procedure type.
Flight information
Airports
Airports
- IST — IPC meet at arrivals
- Allow time after long-haul before clinical appointments
Language
Booking
- Flexible return fare
- Buffer day before transatlantic return
- Keep drops in hand luggage
Planning your trip
How many days should Canadian patients stay?
Stay length depends on procedure — not marketing. Your quote confirms hotel nights; your surgeon confirms fly-home clearance.
LASIK / SMILE Pro
5–6 nights
Buffer day after long-haul — assess · operate · check · fly home
PRK / surface laser
6–7 nights
Extra recovery before transatlantic flight
ICL / lens implant
5–6 nights
Both eyes consecutive days; pressure check before flight
Cataract both eyes
5–6 nights
Eyes often day apart; premium IOL briefing included
Lens replacement (RLE)
6 nights
Bilateral RLE common in one trip
Treatment timeline
Sample trip — Canadian LASIK patient
A typical laser trip — your IPC confirms exact days once your surgeon approves the plan.
Day 1
Arrive
Long-haul arrival. Rest at hotel. No surgery same day.
Day 2
Assessment
Full eye exam at hospital. Surgeon confirms LASIK plan.
Day 3
Surgery
LASIK AM. Post-op check PM.
Day 5
Home
Morning clearance. Fly home with discharge letter for your optometrist.
Cataract guide · Lens replacement guide · Flying after surgery
Cost comparison
Canada vs Turkey — cost comparison
Personalised quotes only — typical Canadian private market context below.
| Factor | Canada private (typical) | iSee Turkey all-inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / SMILE (both eyes) | Often CAD $5,000–$7,000+ surgery only | All-inclusive personalised quote |
| Cataract premium IOL | CAD $4,000–$6,000+ per eye at many centres | Bilateral packages available |
| Provincial coverage | Elective laser not covered; cataract abroad out of province | Self-pay — fast access, premium IOL choice |
| Hotel & transfers | Not included | Included in package |
| Aftercare | Varies locally | 3-month video follow-up included |
| Technology | Confirm platform names with clinic | Written confirmation before booking |
Request your personalised Canadian quote → · No obligation until you approve the plan.
All-inclusive
What is included?
One written quote — surgery, hotel nights, transfers, medication, and aftercare. You only book flights and insurance separately.
Included in your package
- Surgery at our JCI-accredited eye centre
- Pre-op assessment and post-op checks
- Named surgeon and written platform / IOL plan
- 4★ partner hotel (nights matched to procedure)
- VIP airport and hospital transfers
- Post-operative medication and drop schedule
- International Patient Coordinator throughout
- 3-month video aftercare with your surgeon
- English discharge summary for your optometrist
You arrange separately
- International flights Canada ↔ Istanbul
- Travel medical insurance
- Personal spending
- Provincial documentation for your records if needed
Patient journey
From first message to aftercare at home
Clinical decisions first, travel second.
1
Eligibility check
60-second form · IPC replies within 2 hours with honest procedure fit.
2Technology & surgeon pack
Platform names, surgeon CV, and all-inclusive quote in writing.
3Book travel
Flights and insurance — IPC confirms hotel and transfer schedule.
4Surgery in Istanbul
JCI hospital pathway · assessment · procedure · post-op checks.
5Fly home
Discharge letter, medication, and optometrist handover pack.
6Aftercare
Video follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
Canadian guides
Deep-dive guides for Canadian patients
Country-specific guides linked from this page — tap any guide to read more. Universal logistics sit in the Guide centre.
Cost
Canada vs Turkey
Travel
Toronto flights to Istanbul
Planning
Stay length
Recovery
Returning home
Provincial
Health plan context
Checklist
Travel checklist
Also read: Provincial health context · Is LASIK cheaper in Turkey?
FAQ
Common Canadian patient questions
Will my provincial health card cover any of this?
Elective refractive surgery is not covered. Cataract surgery abroad is also out of province — many Canadians choose Istanbul for speed and premium IOL options.
Can my Canadian optometrist follow up?
Yes. Full English discharge summary; French summary on request. Video follow-ups included 3 months.
Is it safe to fly after LASIK?
Wait at least 48 hours after laser before long-haul; we build buffer days into Canadian itineraries.
Do Canadians need a visa?
No for tourist stays under 90 days with valid Canadian passport.
Can both eyes be done in one trip?
Yes — common for international patients.
Is Istanbul safe for medical travel?
IPC meets you at the airport and supports you throughout. JCI-accredited eye centre.
Full FAQ (54 questions) → · Our surgeons → · Clinic technology →
Canadian patient eligibility check
Free · 60 seconds · Our clinical team replies within 2 hours with a surgeon-led treatment plan and transparent all-inclusive quote.