Netherlands patient guide · Istanbul

Eye surgery for Dutch patients

Short flight from Schiphol. JCI-accredited eye centre, transparent all-inclusive prices, Dutch-speaking coordination on request — typically 3–5 nights in Istanbul.

For Dutch patients

One hospital · your Dutch pathway

Clinical assessment first — then your International Patient Coordinator handles flights, hotel, and aftercare. Same ZEISS platforms and JCI standards for every country.

  • JCI eye centre
  • All-inclusive quote
  • IPC support
  • Video aftercare

Use the guide sections below — travel, stay length, cost comparison, and country-specific guides.

  1. Eligibility check

    60-second form · IPC replies within 2 hours with honest procedure fit and next steps.

  2. Travel & quote pack

    Surgeon CV, platform names, hotel nights, and all-inclusive quote in writing before you book flights.

  3. Surgery & fly home

    JCI hospital pathway · post-op checks · discharge pack · 3-month video aftercare at home.

Why Istanbul

Why Dutch patients choose our eye centre

Dutch private laser quotes often start at €3,500–€5,000 for both eyes, with cataract waits on the rise. Istanbul offers JCI-accredited hospital surgery, the same laser platforms, and all-inclusive packages — a short flight from Schiphol.

  • Up to 70% vs Netherlands private
  • Schiphol → IST in ~3h 15m
  • Dutch support on request

Up to 70% vs Netherlands private

Transparent pricing — surgery, hotel, transfers, and aftercare in one quote.

Schiphol → IST in ~3h 15m

Multiple daily direct flights. Typical trip 3–5 nights.

Dutch support on request

English throughout; Dutch-speaking IPC coordination available.

EU travel simplicity

Valid passport; no visa under 90 days tourist stay.

Premium IOL access

Multifocal and EDOF options in bilateral cataract packages.

ZEISS platform parity

Same diagnostic and laser platforms as leading NL private centres.

From the Netherlands

Travel from Amsterdam Schiphol & Eindhoven

Direct flights daily. Many Dutch patients fly Friday evening, assessment Saturday or Monday, surgery mid-week, home after post-op clearance.

Your route Netherlands ↔ Istanbul

Amsterdam Schiphol

Highest frequency of direct IST routes from the Netherlands. KLM, Turkish Airlines, and others — ~3h 15m flight time.

Eindhoven · Rotterdam

Alternative departure airports with connecting or seasonal direct options.

EU citizen travel

Valid passport. No visa under 90 days. EHIC does not cover elective surgery abroad — travel insurance recommended.

Flights & accommodation

Netherlands ↔ 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
  • SAW — transfers included

Booking

Booking tips

  • Flexible return until clearance
  • Arrive before assessment day
  • Travel insurance recommended
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Language

Language

Hospital pathway in English. Dutch-speaking IPC on request for consultation and travel coordination.

Planning your trip

How many days should Dutch 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 trip — Dutch cataract patient (both eyes)

A typical laser trip — your IPC confirms exact days once your surgeon approves the plan.

Day 1

Arrive

Airport transfer. Hotel check-in.

Day 2

Eye 1

First cataract surgery. Rest at hotel.

Day 3

Eye 2

Second eye surgery. Both eyes checked PM.

Day 4–5

Home

Final check. Fly home with premium IOL discharge summary.

Cost comparison

Netherlands vs Turkey — cost comparison

Personalised quotes — typical Dutch private market context.

Factor Netherlands private (typical) iSee Turkey all-inclusive
LASIK / SMILE (both eyes) Often €3,500–€5,000+ surgery only All-inclusive personalised quote
Cataract premium IOL €3,000–€4,500+ per eye common Bilateral packages with premium IOL
Hotel & transfers Not included Included in package
Aftercare Limited visits typical 3-month video follow-up included
Public system Long waits for cataract; no elective LASIK Self-pay — fast access
Technology Confirm platform with clinic Written confirmation before booking

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 Schiphol ↔ Istanbul
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal spending
  • Local Dutch optometrist follow-up if desired

Payment options guide →

Dutch guides

Deep-dive guides for Dutch patients

Country-specific guides linked from this page — tap any guide to read more. Universal logistics sit in the Guide centre.

FAQ

Common Dutch patient questions

Can my Dutch optician continue care?

Yes. English discharge documentation; Dutch summary on request. Video follow-ups included.

Is Istanbul safe for medical travel?

IPC meets you at the airport and supports you throughout. JCI-accredited eye centre.

How does pricing compare to Dutch clinics?

Like-for-like all-inclusive packages typically 60–70% below Dutch private surgery-only quotes.

Do I need a visa?

No — EU/NL passport, tourist stay under 90 days.

Is Dutch-speaking support available?

Dutch-speaking IPC coordination on request.

Can both eyes be done in one trip?

Yes — bilateral cataract and laser in one visit is common.

Dutch patient eligibility check

Free · 60 seconds · Our clinical team replies within 2 hours with a surgeon-led treatment plan and transparent all-inclusive quote.