Typically 70–80% vs UK private
All-inclusive packages — surgery, hotel, VIP transfers, medication, and 3-month video aftercare in one personalised quote.
UK patient guide · Istanbul
Eye surgery for UK patients
Skip NHS waiting lists. JCI-accredited eye centre, International Patient Centre support, direct flights from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh — typically 3–5 nights in Istanbul.
For UK patients
One hospital · your UK 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 UK patients choose our eye centre
NHS cataract queues often exceed 12 months in many trusts. Private LASIK in London typically runs £4,000–£6,000+ for both eyes — before hotel, transfers, or extended aftercare. Istanbul offers the same ZEISS and SCHWIND platforms and fellowship-trained surgeons at our JCI-accredited hospital, with International Patient Centre support from first message to flight home.
- Typically 70–80% vs UK private
- Skip NHS waits
- GDPR-aware process
Skip NHS waits
Cataract and lens surgery often within 3–4 weeks of eligibility confirmation — premium IOL options when clinically appropriate.
GDPR-aware process
Medical data handled under UK GDPR standards. English consent forms and discharge documentation for your GP or optometrist.
Same platforms as UK private
ZEISS VISUMAX, MEL 90, Pentacam, and WaveLight — confirmed in your written plan, not discovered on surgery day.
International Patient Coordinator
Dedicated IPC support in English — flights, hotel, and hospital logistics separate from clinical decisions.
Short flight, long savings
Direct routes from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh — typically 3–5 nights total stay for laser.
From the UK
Travel from London, Manchester & Birmingham
Most UK patients fly Friday or Saturday evening, rest Sunday, attend hospital assessment Monday, surgery Tuesday or Wednesday, and fly home after the morning post-op check — usually Wednesday or Thursday for LASIK.
Your route
UK ↔ Istanbul
London (Heathrow · Gatwick · Stansted)
The highest frequency of direct IST routes. Flight time approximately 3h 30m–4h. Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Pegasus operate daily services.
Manchester & Birmingham
Direct Manchester–Istanbul and seasonal Birmingham routes. Same 3–5 night LASIK pattern. IPC meets you at IST regardless of UK departure airport.
Edinburgh & regional UK
Edinburgh has direct IST flights; other UK cities often connect via London or Manchester with one stop.
Companion travel
Partners and family members are welcome. See our companion guide.
Flights & accommodation
UK ↔ Istanbul — what to book
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 in Istanbul
- IST — primary hub; IPC meet at arrivals
- SAW — some UK low-cost routes; transfers included
Booking
Booking tips
- Flexible fare until surgery date confirmed
- Arrive at least one full day before assessment
- Return after surgeon morning clearance
- Travel insurance for elective surgery abroad recommended
Language
Passport & entry
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates.
Planning your trip
How many days should UK 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 — UK LASIK patient
A typical laser trip — your IPC confirms exact days once your surgeon approves the plan.
Day 0
Fly to Istanbul
Evening arrival. IPC airport meet and hotel transfer. Rest — no clinical appointments same day.
Day 1
Pre-op assessment
Pentacam, refraction, and surgeon consultation. Written consent with confirmed platform.
Day 2
Surgery
LASIK or SMILE Pro AM. Post-op check PM. Return to hotel with drops schedule.
Day 3
Morning check & fly home
Surgeon clearance and English discharge letter. Flight to the UK when clinically cleared.
Cataract guide · Lens replacement guide · Flying after surgery
Cost comparison
UK private vs Turkey — what UK patients ask
We do not publish fixed package prices — every quote is personalised after clinical review. The table below shows typical market context, not a price list.
| Factor | UK private (typical) | iSee Turkey all-inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK / SMILE (both eyes) | Often £4,000–£6,000+ surgery only | Personalised quote — surgery, hotel, transfers, drops, 3-month video aftercare |
| Cataract with premium IOL | £3,500–£5,500+ per eye common | Bilateral packages — premium IOL options in written plan |
| Hotel & transfers | Not included — patient arranges | Included — partner hotel nights matched to procedure |
| Aftercare | Often 1–2 post-op checks; extended care extra | 3-month video follow-up with Istanbul surgeon included |
| NHS route | No cost for eligible cataract — long waits; no elective LASIK | Self-pay — fast access, premium IOL choice, bilateral one trip |
| Technology transparency | Varies by clinic — ask for platform names | ZEISS / SCHWIND / Alcon confirmed in writing before booking |
Request your personalised UK 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 UK ↔ Istanbul
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal spending and optional sightseeing
- Any NHS or private UK follow-up you choose locally
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.
UK guides
Deep-dive guides for UK patients
Country-specific guides linked from this page — tap any guide to read more. Universal logistics sit in the Guide centre.
Travel
Traveling from London for LASIK
Flights
London → Istanbul flights
Cost
LASIK cost UK vs Turkey
NHS
Can NHS cover LASIK?
Planning
How long should UK patients stay?
Checklist
UK travel checklist
Also read: Is LASIK cheaper in Turkey? · Aftercare when returning to the UK · Hotels near our clinic
FAQ
Common UK patient questions
Can the NHS pay for my eye surgery in Turkey?
No — elective LASIK, SMILE, and ICL are never NHS-funded. NHS cataract surgery is free but waiting lists are long and premium multifocal IOLs are not routinely offered.
Is LASIK cheaper in Turkey than the UK?
Typically yes — often 70–80% below UK private surgery-only prices when you compare all-inclusive Istanbul packages to London clinic quotes.
Can my UK optician continue aftercare?
Yes. We provide an English discharge summary and drop schedule. Video reviews with your Istanbul surgeon are included for 3 months.
Is it safe to fly home after LASIK?
Most patients are cleared 24–48 hours after laser surgery following the morning post-op check.
How does Istanbul technology compare to UK private clinics?
Same tier — ZEISS VISUMAX, MEL 90, Pentacam, and WaveLight platforms used in leading UK refractive centres.
Do I need a visa from the UK?
No visa required for UK passport holders on tourist stays under 90 days. See our visa guide.
What about GDPR and my medical records?
We process data under UK GDPR-aligned standards. Consent and discharge documents are in English.
Can both eyes be treated in one trip?
Yes — bilateral LASIK, SMILE, cataract, and lens surgery in one Istanbul visit is common for international patients.
Full FAQ (54 questions) → · Our surgeons → · Clinic technology →
UK patient eligibility check
Free · 60 seconds · Our clinical team replies within 2 hours with a surgeon-led treatment plan and transparent all-inclusive quote.