Patient Profile:
Name: Denys
Origin: Netherlands
Age: 20
Treatment destination: Istanbul, Turkey
Treatment: Laser eye surgery (Relex Smile laser eye surgery)
Laser vision correction has helped millions leave behind glasses and contact lensesâand Denys is one of them. Like many others searching for freedom from nearsightedness, he turned to modern eye surgery techniques and trusted support to make it happen abroad. His story now joins the growing number of real laser eye surgery experiences from patients who chose to take that step.
"Imagine waking up and seeing everything crystal clear without reaching for glasses or fumbling with contacts... It's not just about seeing better; it's about living better."
Table of Contents:
Life Behind Lenses
Exploring Options with Bookimed
Choosing DĂźnyagĂśz and ReLEx SMILE
A Smooth SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Experience
Denys's ReLEx SMILE Review: A Personal Reflection
Why Bookimed?
Life Behind Lenses
For nearly a decade, Denys managed everyday life with nearsightedness. Glasses and contact lenses were part of his routineâhelpful but never ideal. Foggy lenses, dry eyes, and the constant need for replacements added small but steady frustrations.
His vision hadn't worsened significantly, but he felt ready for a change. The idea of waking up with clear visionânot searching for glasses or dealing with contactsâwasn't just appealing. It felt like freedom.
Exploring Options with Bookimed
Denys began his search with one goal in mind: to find a reliable, effective solution for his vision that didn't cost a fortune. But like many first-time patients, he had questions. Which method is safest? What's the difference between LASIK, PRK, and IntraLase? And how do you even choose a clinic in another country?
That's when he turned to Bookimedâa medical platform that helps patients worldwide navigate treatments abroad.Â
đ˘Within minutes, he was chatting with a medical assistant, who explained the different types of laser eye surgery and confirmed that Denys was a candidate for a free online consultation.
Denys was introduced to his personal coordinator, who helped with everything from reviewing his lens prescription to selecting treatment dates.
Even though he didn't have a recent eye exam, his coordinator reassured him that a full diagnostic check-up would be done at the clinic before surgery, and it was already included in the treatment package.
Choosing DĂźnyagĂśz and ReLEx SMILE
After considering several options, Denys chose DĂźnyagĂśz Eye Hospital Istanbul Etiler for one apparent reason: experience and trust.Â
DĂźnyagĂśz Eye Hospital Istanbul Etiler performs around 2,500 eye surgeries per month, welcomes over 40,000 international patients each year, and holds both JCI and ISO 9001 accreditations.
ReLEx SMILE eye surgery at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey may cost around âŹ2,190 for both eyes. The procedure uses advanced laser technology with minimal corneal impact. Dr. Anil Kubaloglu performs the surgery with 26 years of experience and over 30,000 eye procedures completed.
About the procedure
ReLEx SMILE is a minimally invasive vision correction surgery. It uses the ReLEx SMILE Pro high-end laser device. This technology reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days after surgery.
What's included
- ReLEx SMILE surgery for both eyes
- Pre-operative examination (âŹ125 value)
- 2-3 nights hospital stay
- Accommodation for 1 companion
- Airport transfers and meals
- Follow-up examinations
- Translator services (English/Russian/German/Arabic)
About the surgeon
Dr. Anil Kubaloglu is a leading ophthalmologist with 26 years of practice. He has performed over 30,000 eye surgeries and published 100+ scientific articles. He holds memberships in the European Society of Cataract Surgeons and American Academy of Ophthalmology.
About the hospital
Dunyagoz Eye Hospital is triple-accredited and handles 40,000+ international patients yearly. It maintains a 4.6/5 rating from patient reviews. The facility uses the latest laser technology for vision correction.
Patients interested in vision correction may contact the clinic for more details about this procedure.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| ReLEx SMILE eye surgery | $1390 - $2190 |
đ˘When it came to the procedure, Denys opted for ReLEx SMILEâa minimally invasive laser eye surgery technique that offers faster recovery, no corneal flap, and fewer side effects compared to traditional LASIK. While he had initially looked into IntraLase, further research and discussion with the clinic's specialists led him to the more advanced SMILE method, which felt like the best fit for his active lifestyle.
The package included full diagnostics, laser correction with the SMILE technique for both eyes, accommodation, airport transfers, pre- and post-op exams, and translator supportâall for a fixed price.
A Smooth Smile Laser Eye Surgery Experience
Denys flew to Istanbul with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was his first medical trip abroad, but with Bookimed's help, everything was arranged in advanceâairport transfer, hotel stay, and his appointment at DĂźnyagĂśz Eye Hospital.Â
At the clinic, Denys underwent a full diagnostic eye exam to confirm his eligibility for ReLEx SMILE. The procedure itself was quickâjust a few minutes per eye. There were no blades, no flaps, and minimal discomfort, thanks to the laser's precision.
Denys's procedure was performed by Dr. Anil Kubaloglu, one of Turkey's leading ophthalmologists.Â
With over 26 years of experience and 30,000+ eye surgeries to his name, Dr. Kubaloglu is trusted by both local and international patients. He specializes in complex procedures, including laser eye correction, cataract surgery, and corneal diseases like keratoconus.Â
In the first days after the procedure, Denys wore protective glasses to shield his eyes from bright light and dust. He was prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and infection, which he would need to continue for several weeks. There were also oral medications to support healing. And while the physical healing was fast, it took a little longer for his brain to fully adjust to the changes in visionâsomething doctors had explained as completely normal.
He returned home a few days later with no bandages, no painâjust clearer vision that continued improving each day.
"Now, I'm still healing, but wow. The difference is night and day."
Denys's ReLEx SMILE Review: A Personal Reflection
For Denys, undergoing SMILE laser eye surgery abroad wasn't just a medical decisionâit was a turning point. The smooth recovery and precise results exceeded his expectations. As someone who once felt unsure about surgery in another country, he now feels confident sharing his experience with others considering the same step.
His Smile laser eye surgery review highlights the clarity and comfort he now enjoys, and his story contributes to the growing pool of laser eye surgery experiences that help other patients make informed choices.Â
â Denys especially appreciated the fact that the method involved no corneal flap, faster healing, and minimal discomfortâreasons why many patients today are choosing ReLEx SMILE.
"No more foggy glasses or dry contacts. Just me and my improving eyesight."
His words speak for thousands who've searched for honest laser eye treatment reviews before deciding to trust their vision to modern technologyâand a team that guided him every step of the way.
Why Bookimed?
Bookimed helped Denys every step of the wayâfrom choosing a trusted clinic to arranging his travel and treatment. For anyone scrolling through laser eye surgery reviews or looking for ReLEx SMILE patient reviews in particular, Denys's story is proof that expert support matters.
Denys' experience with laser eye surgery shows what Bookimed offers to every patient:
- đAccess to trusted, top-rated eye clinics worldwide.
- đ 24/7 support from Bookimed medical coordinators.
- đ Personalized treatment options tailored to vision goals and lifestyle.
Ready to see the world with crystal-clear vision? Contact Bookimed today and take the first step.
All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Fahad Mawlood, Medical Editor & Data Scientist.
Last updated: October 1, 2025.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimedâs internal database December 2025, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 1 accredited clinics in Turkey.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimedâs partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2025 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimedâs verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023â2025).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.