Patients should plan to stay in Turkey for 5 to 7 days for bilateral cataract surgery. Most surgeons space procedures 2 to 3 days apart. This allows the first eye to stabilise before operating on the second. This timeframe includes pre-operative biometry, surgery, and essential post-operative clearances.
- Staged surgery: Surgeons typically operate on eyes separately with a 48–72 hour gap.
- Hospital stay: Most procedures are outpatient, though some focus on 1-day hospital observation.
- Travel clearance: A final follow-up around day 7 confirms the eyes are safe for flying.
- Initial recovery: Vision often stabilises within 3 weeks, while final results take 3 months.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic packages start from $1,300, choosing a provider with high surgical volume is vital. Dr Muhammet Derda Ozer has performed 25,000+ procedures, and Dr Ahmet Satici over 20,000. These high-volume specialists often use Trifocal or EDOF lenses, which provide a broader range of vision than standard monofocal implants.
Patient Consensus: Travellers from Australia should avoid booking tight return flights to allow flexibility for extra reviews. The hospital staff are welcoming, and professional interpreters help with instructions in Turkey.