Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Anat Loewenstein
30 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
A corneal transplant in Israel typically costs from $6,500 to $9,500. The total price depends on the surgical technique, the clinic tier, and the type of graft used. Patients save around 40% compared to the US, where this procedure costs $13,300 on average. Most quotes include the donor tissue, surgical fees, and a short hospital stay in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing major hubs like Tel Aviv offers access to JCI-accredited facilities with massive patient volumes. Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) treats over 1.8 million patients annually and holds Newsweek Top 10 honors. Specialized consultations with world-class professors like Anat Loewenstein typically cost between $300 and $950. This premium often ensures access to advanced imaging and robotic-assisted surgical technologies.
Why choose Israel for corneal transplant?
Access advanced Corneal transplant solutions in trusted clinics from $6,500.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Corneal transplant | ≈ $6,500 | from $6,000 | ≈ $5,800 |
| Keratoplasty | from $14,300 | from $9,200 | ≈ $5,200 |
| Corneal ring implantation | ≈ $2,800 | from $1,900 | ≈ $2,300 |
| Corneal Cross Linking (CCL) (One eye) | from $4,500 | from $1,400 | ≈ $1,500 |
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Day 3 - Corneal Transplant
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Week 1-2 - Rehabilitation
Week 3-4 - Continued Rehabilitation
Month 2-3 - Return to Normal Activities
Please note that each patient"s recovery process is unique and may vary. Language assistance is not included in the package, so consider arranging a translator if needed.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
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Professor Anat Loewenstein specializes in ophthalmology at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), focusing on advanced eye care.
When considering Corneal transplant, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
This procedure strengthens the cornea by using ultraviolet light and riboflavin drops to halt the progression of keratoconus.
Keratoplasty involves replacing damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue to restore vision.
A minimally invasive procedure where small, crescent-shaped rings are inserted into the cornea to improve vision by reshaping it.
Patients choose Israel for corneal transplants to access specialized artificial cornea technologies like EndoArt and CorNeat KPro. These innovations serve as donor-free alternatives for complex cases. High success rates are supported by Ministry of Health regulations and JCI-accredited facilities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries face multi-year donor waitlists, Israel's focus on synthetic implants offers a faster path to surgery. Clinics like Sourasky and Rambam treat nearly 3,000,000 patients combined annually. This high volume allows surgeons to master artificial cornea integration, which is often unavailable elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Success depends on a strict year-long eye drop schedule and avoiding strenuous activity. Many report that managing initial light sensitivity and limiting screen time are the biggest challenges during early recovery.
Corneal transplants in Israel maintain high success rates, typically exceeding 90% for standard cases during the first 2 years. Primary grafts for keratoconus achieve up to 97% success. Specialized centers like Sourasky Medical Center utilize advanced DALK and DSAEK techniques to minimize rejection risks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Israel offers world-class 90% success rates, the local donor waiting list remains a challenge. Seeking clinics like Sourasky (Ichilov) is strategic. They treat 1.8 million patients annually and lead in breakthroughs. This high volume ensures surgeons maintain peak technical proficiency.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that surgery is a final step after non-surgical options fail. They highlight the necessity of lifelong anti-rejection drops to maintain results.
Israel utilizes both human donor corneas and breakthrough artificial or bio-engineered alternatives. Traditional human-to-human donor grafts remain the standard care. However, Israeli centers like Rambam Medical Center lead global innovation by successfully implanting the worlds first 3D-printed biological corneas for patients facing donor shortages.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While 3D-printed corneas grab headlines, they are still experimental. Data shows that large multidisciplinary centers like Sourasky, serving 1,800,000 patients annually, primarily focus on standard keratoplasty. Patients should seek JCI-accredited facilities in Haifa or Tel Aviv for these specialized, high-tech replacements.
Patient Consensus: Patients often feel relieved knowing that even if they reject human tissue, Israel offers rare last-resort synthetic options. Many find comfort in knowing that bio-printed versions still use human-derived cells for better integration.
Corneal transplant recovery in Israel typically requires 6 to 12 months for full vision stabilization, depending on the surgical technique. Patients focus on protecting the graft and managing topical medications. High-volume academic centers like Sourasky or Hadassah provide specialized post-operative protocols to ensure long-term graft survival.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many expect immediate results, Israel’s top surgeons prioritize slow suture removal for better outcomes. Centers like Rambam Medical Center utilize advanced mapping to monitor healing. This phased approach reduces astigmatism, though it means you may wait 3 months before driving.
Patient Consensus: Expect significant light sensitivity and extremely blurry vision for the first 6 weeks. Most find the process manageable and painless after the first day, provided they strictly follow the drop routine.
Patients typically need to stay in Israel for 3 to 4 weeks for a corneal transplant. This timeframe includes a 2 to 7 day hospital stay for full-thickness grafts and initial monitoring to ensure the wound seals properly before clear medical travel is safe.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many JCI-accredited clinics like Sourasky Medical Center offer free airport transfers, patients should prioritize staying in Israel for at least 21 days. This covers the critical window where surgeons monitor for graft rejection or intraocular pressure spikes, which are most common immediately post-op.
Patient Consensus: Expect a rigorous post-op routine involving up to 16 eye drops daily during the first week. Most patients emphasize arranging transport for at least 14 days, as light sensitivity and blurred vision make driving impossible.
Arranging a corneal transplant in Israel requires coordinating with international departments at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky or Hadassah. Patients must submit detailed ophthalmological reports for specialist review. The process typically involves a 10-14 day stay, with donor tissue often secured through local or American donor banks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers manage massive patient volumes, with Sourasky alone serving 1.8 million patients annually. Their high surgical frequency, roughly 34,000 operations per year, creates a highly efficient pipeline for international patients. This volume helps specialized surgeons maintain exceptional technical proficiency in complex keratoplasty techniques.
Patient Consensus: You should prioritize a surgeon's specific transplant expertise and use official hospital portals for all bookings. Be prepared to pay private rates upfront, as international visitors are not covered by local public insurance.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.