Dr.Visor
Laser eye surgery in Ankara: 2026 Guide, Costs and Verified Clinics
Laser eye surgery in Ankara: 2026 Guide, Costs and Verified Clinics
Laser eye surgery in Ankara costs £900-£1,800 for both eyes, compared to £3,500-£6,500 privately in the UK. Ankara's university hospitals and specialist clinics offer internationally trained surgeons using modern excimer technology, with patients typically spending 3-5 days in Turkey for assessment, surgery and initial follow-up.
Cost comparison: UK vs Ankara in 2026
| UK private | Ankara | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for both eyes | £3,500-£6,500 | £900-£1,800 |
| Surgeon qualification | UK-trained consultant | University-qualified or fellowship-trained refractive specialist |
| Technology | Excimer laser (brand varies) | Excimer laser (typically VISX, Alcon, Bausch+Lomb) |
| Aftercare follow-up | Included in private fee | Usually 1-2 weeks post-op; remote follow-up with UK optometrist recommended |
| Travel time from UK | Local clinic | 4.5 hours flight from London |
| Waiting time | 4-8 weeks typical | 1-2 weeks typical |
Prices are typical 2026 ranges from verified clinics and vary by case complexity. Request a personal quote for exact pricing.
What Turkey packages typically include
Why Ankara for laser eye surgery
Ankara, Turkey's capital, hosts several university hospitals with strong ophthalmology departments and research-driven private clinics specialising in refractive surgery. Many surgeons have trained in the US or Europe and maintain international standards. The city's healthcare infrastructure benefits from competition among high-volume centres, which typically translates to lower costs without compromising safety protocols or surgical outcomes.
A 4.5-hour flight from London makes Ankara accessible for a long weekend or short week away. Patients can combine assessment, surgery and initial healing within 5 days, returning to desk work within a week. University-affiliated clinics in Ankara often publish outcome data and welcome queries about surgeon credentials, infection rates and complication management, helping UK patients make informed choices.
How it works with Dr.Visor
What to check before choosing a clinic
Frequently asked questions
Why is laser eye surgery cheaper in Turkey than the UK?
Lower overhead costs, higher patient volumes, and reduced regulation complexity in Ankara allow clinics to price competitively while maintaining quality. Many Ankara clinics are university-affiliated, spreading research costs. UK private clinics' costs reflect higher property, staff and regulatory expenses, not necessarily superior outcomes.
How long is recovery after laser eye surgery?
Vision stabilises within 3-6 months, though most patients see usable vision within days. You can return to desk work within a week and driving after clearance (typically 1-2 weeks). Full healing takes 3-6 months; avoid swimming and contact sports for 2-4 weeks.
Do I need to stay in Ankara for the whole healing period?
No. You stay 3-5 days for pre-op tests, surgery and initial checks. Most healing happens at home. Arrange remote follow-up with your Ankara clinic via photos or video calls, and book a UK optometrist check at 4-6 weeks post-op for continuity of care.
Is laser eye surgery safe in Turkey?
Safety depends on the individual clinic and surgeon. Ankara's university hospitals and JCI-accredited private clinics maintain rigorous standards. Verify surgeon credentials, infection rates and complication protocols before booking. Read independent patient reviews and ask for outcome data.
What aftercare will I receive after surgery?
Turkish clinics typically provide post-op drops, medications and 1-2 weeks of in-person checks in Ankara. Arrange follow-up with a UK optometrist after you return home. Ask your Turkish clinic in advance whether they will share scans and reports with your UK eye care provider to ensure seamless ongoing support.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
LASIK creates a corneal flap, healing within days; PRK removes the outer layer, healing in 1-2 weeks but with less dry eye risk long-term. Your Ankara surgeon will recommend based on corneal thickness and lifestyle. Both are offered at established Turkish clinics and have similar long-term outcomes.
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