Typically 60–75% vs Moscow private
Surgery, hotel, VIP transfers, medication, and 3-month video aftercare in one quote.
Russia patient guide · Istanbul
Eye surgery for Russian patients
Direct flights from Moscow and St Petersburg. JCI-accredited eye centre, ZEISS platform parity, Russian-speaking IPC on request — typically 3–5 nights in Istanbul.
For Russian patients
One hospital · your Russian 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 Russian patients choose our eye centre
Private LASIK in Moscow and St Petersburg often costs ₽300,000–500,000+ for both eyes — without hotel or extended aftercare. Istanbul is among Russia's most popular medical destinations: ~3-hour direct flights, JCI-accredited eye surgery, ZEISS platform parity, and all-inclusive packages with Russian-speaking International Patient Centre support on request.
- Typically 60–75% vs Moscow private
- Short direct flight
- Russian support on request
Short direct flight
Moscow and St Petersburg to IST ~3 hours — typical laser trip 3–5 nights.
Russian support on request
English hospital pathway; Russian-speaking IPC for travel and consultation coordination.
ZEISS / SCHWIND parity
Same platforms as leading Moscow refractive centres — confirmed in writing.
Transparent payment
Clear invoicing and international payment options — quote confirmed before travel.
International Patient Coordinator
Dedicated IPC from eligibility check to video aftercare.
From Russia
Travel from Moscow & St Petersburg
Direct SVO–IST and LED–IST routes take approximately 3 hours. Typical pattern: fly Friday, assessment Monday, surgery Tuesday, home Thursday after post-op clearance.
Your route
Russia ↔ Istanbul
Moscow (SVO · VKO · DME)
Multiple daily direct services to Istanbul. Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and others. IPC meet at IST included.
St Petersburg (LED)
Direct LED–IST routes. Plan arrival day before hospital assessment.
Entry to Turkey
Russian passport holders — e-Visa required for tourist medical travel. Apply online before departure. See visa guide.
Companion travel
Companion guide — partners often travel together.
Flights & accommodation
Russia ↔ 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 — primary hub
- SAW — transfers included
Booking
Booking tips
- Flexible return fare until surgeon clearance
- Arrive before assessment day
- Travel insurance recommended
Language
Payment
International bank transfer and card options — full quote and invoice before you commit. IPC confirms payment steps clearly.
Planning your trip
How many days should Russian 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 — Russian LASIK patient
A typical laser trip — your IPC confirms exact days once your surgeon approves the plan.
Day 1
Arrive
Airport meet. Hotel check-in. Rest.
Day 2
Assessment
Full eye exam. Surgeon confirms LASIK plan and platform.
Day 3
Surgery
LASIK both eyes. Post-op check PM.
Day 4
Return
Morning clearance. Fly home with English/Russian discharge summary on request.
Cataract guide · Lens replacement guide · Flying after surgery
Cost comparison
Russia vs Turkey — cost comparison
Personalised quotes only — typical Moscow private market context.
| Factor | Russia private (typical) | iSee Turkey all-inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / SMILE (both eyes) | Often ₽300,000–500,000+ surgery only | All-inclusive personalised quote |
| Cataract premium IOL | ₽250,000–400,000+ per eye at premium centres | Bilateral packages available |
| OMS / insurance | Elective laser not covered by OMS | Self-pay — fast access, premium IOL choice |
| Hotel & transfers | Not included | Included in package |
| Aftercare | Limited visits typical | 3-month video follow-up included |
| Technology | Leading Moscow clinics use ZEISS tier | Written platform confirmation |
Request your personalised 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 Russia ↔ Istanbul
- Turkey e-Visa fee
- Travel medical insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending
- Any local Russian 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.
Russian guides
Deep-dive guides for Russian patients
Country-specific guides linked from this page — tap any guide to read more. Universal logistics sit in the Guide centre.
Cost
Russia vs Turkey
Travel
Moscow flights to Istanbul
Planning
Stay length
Recovery
Aftercare at home
Visa
Turkey e-Visa guide
Checklist
Travel checklist
Also read: Moscow → Istanbul flights · Turkey e-Visa for Russian citizens
FAQ
Common Russian patient questions
Is eye surgery in Turkey safe for Russian patients?
JCI-accredited eye centre, fellowship-trained surgeons, ZEISS platforms — Istanbul is one of Russia's largest medical tourism destinations.
Is LASIK cheaper in Turkey than Moscow?
Typically yes — all-inclusive packages often 60–75% below comparable Moscow private surgery-only quotes.
Do Russian citizens need a visa?
Yes — e-Visa required for tourist medical travel. Apply online before departure.
Is Russian-speaking support available?
Russian-speaking IPC coordination on request. Discharge summary in English; Russian translation on request.
How do I pay from Russia?
IPC confirms international transfer and card options with clear invoicing before travel.
Can both eyes be treated in one trip?
Yes — bilateral surgery in one Istanbul visit is standard.
Full FAQ (54 questions) → · Our surgeons → · Clinic technology →
Russian patient eligibility check
Free · 60 seconds · Our clinical team replies within 2 hours with a surgeon-led treatment plan and transparent all-inclusive quote.