Typically 65–75% vs Irish private
Surgery, hotel, transfers, medication, and 3-month video aftercare in one quote.
Ireland patient guide · Istanbul
Eye surgery for Irish patients
Direct flights from Dublin. Skip long public waits. JCI-accredited eye centre, all-inclusive packages, and English-speaking International Patient Centre support — typically 3–5 nights.
For Irish patients
One hospital · your Irish 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 Irish patients choose our eye centre
Irish public cataract queues can run many months; private LASIK in Dublin often costs €4,500–€6,500+ for both eyes without hotel or extended aftercare. Istanbul is a short flight from Dublin — same ZEISS platforms, JCI-accredited surgery, and all-inclusive packages with English-speaking IPC support.
- Typically 65–75% vs Irish private
- Short EU flight
- English throughout
Short EU flight
Dublin–Istanbul direct routes ~4h 30m. Typical laser trip 3–5 nights.
English throughout
Consent, discharge, and IPC support in English — no language barrier.
EU travel simplicity
Valid Irish passport; no visa for tourist stays under 90 days.
Skip long public waits
Cataract and lens surgery often within weeks of eligibility confirmation.
Technology parity
ZEISS VISUMAX, MEL 90, Pentacam — confirmed in writing before booking.
From Ireland
Travel from Dublin & Cork
Dublin Airport has direct Istanbul flights. Many Irish patients fly Friday, assessment Monday, surgery Tuesday, home Thursday after post-op clearance.
Your route
Ireland ↔ Istanbul
Dublin (DUB)
Direct flights to IST with Turkish Airlines and others. Highest frequency from Ireland. Flight time approximately 4h 15m–4h 30m.
Cork & regional Ireland
Cork and regional airports typically connect via Dublin. Plan arrival at least one day before assessment.
EU entry
Irish passport holders — no visa for Turkey under 90 days. EHIC does not cover elective surgery abroad; travel insurance recommended.
Companion travel
Partners welcome. Companion guide.
Flights & accommodation
Ireland ↔ 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
- SAW — transfers included if you fly via Sabiha Gökçen
Booking
Booking tips
- Flexible return until surgeon clearance
- Arrive day before assessment
- Travel insurance recommended
Language
Post-Brexit note
Irish citizens travel on Irish passport. Same EU-style entry rules as other EU nationals for Turkey tourist stays.
Planning your trip
How many days should Irish patients stay?
Stay length depends on procedure — not marketing. Your quote confirms hotel nights; your surgeon confirms fly-home clearance.
LASIK / SMILE Pro
3 nights
Arrive · assess · operate · check · fly home
PRK / surface laser
4–5 nights
Extra day before flying — bandage lens and comfort check
ICL / lens implant
4 nights
Both eyes often consecutive days; pressure check before flight
Cataract both eyes
4–5 nights
Eyes often day apart; premium IOL briefing included
Lens replacement (RLE)
5 nights
Bilateral RLE common in one trip for international patients
Treatment timeline
Sample week — Irish LASIK patient
A typical laser trip — your IPC confirms exact days once your surgeon approves the plan.
Day 0
Fly to Istanbul
Evening arrival from Dublin. IPC meet. Hotel check-in.
Day 1
Assessment
Full eye exam and surgeon consultation at JCI eye centre.
Day 2
Surgery
LASIK or SMILE AM. Post-op check PM.
Day 3
Fly home
Morning clearance. Return to Ireland with discharge letter.
Cataract guide · Lens replacement guide · Flying after surgery
Cost comparison
Ireland vs Turkey — cost comparison
Personalised quotes only — table shows typical Irish private market context.
| Factor | Ireland private (typical) | iSee Turkey all-inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / SMILE (both eyes) | Often €4,500–€6,500+ surgery only | All-inclusive personalised quote |
| Cataract premium IOL | €3,500–€5,000+ per eye common | Bilateral packages with premium IOL options |
| Hotel & transfers | Not included | Included in package |
| Public system | Long waits for cataract; no elective LASIK on public | Self-pay — fast access |
| Aftercare | Limited post-op visits typical | 3-month video follow-up included |
| Technology | Varies — confirm platform names | Written confirmation before booking |
Request your personalised Irish 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
- Return flights Ireland ↔ Istanbul
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending
- Any local Irish optometrist follow-up
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.
Irish guides
Deep-dive guides for Irish patients
Country-specific guides linked from this page — tap any guide to read more. Universal logistics sit in the Guide centre.
Cost
Ireland vs Turkey
Travel
Dublin flights to Istanbul
Planning
Stay length for Irish patients
Recovery
Aftercare at home
Public system
HSE context
Checklist
Travel checklist
Also read: HSE & public waits · Aftercare when returning to Ireland
FAQ
Common Irish patient questions
Can the HSE pay for surgery in Turkey?
No for elective laser. Public cataract is free but waits are long. Most Irish patients choosing Istanbul do so for speed, IOL choice, or laser savings.
Is it cheaper than Dublin private clinics?
Typically yes — all-inclusive packages often 65–75% below Irish private surgery-only quotes.
Can my Irish optometrist follow up?
Yes — English discharge summary and included video follow-ups.
Do I need a visa?
No — Irish passport holders, tourist stay under 90 days. See visa guide.
Is the technology the same as in Ireland?
Same tier ZEISS and diagnostic platforms — confirmed in your plan.
Can both eyes be treated in one trip?
Yes — bilateral surgery in one visit is common.
Full FAQ (54 questions) → · Our surgeons → · Clinic technology →
Irish patient eligibility check
Free · 60 seconds · Our clinical team replies within 2 hours with a surgeon-led treatment plan and transparent all-inclusive quote.