Memorial Göztepe Hospital
Dr. Yasar Dag specializes in complex eye conditions, bringing extensive experience from multiple high-volume ophthalmology departments.
Op. Dr. Alasgar Asgarli, MD, is an ophthalmologist. He focuses on cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, medical retinal diseases, and pediatric eye care. He performs oculoplastic eyelid surgery and ocular trauma surgery. His skills include intravitreal injections, pterygium excision, and neuro-ophthalmology. He also has experience with advanced intraocular lens fixation, including scleral fixation and the Yamane technique.
Achievements and accreditations: Active member of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association (TOD). Presenter at the TOD 59th National Congress. Attended the TOD 58th National Congress. Completed the TOD Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Course (2024). Published “Comparison of the Effects of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses on Lenticular Astigmatism” (DOI: 10.37844/TJ-CEO.2025.20.37). Holds certification in Botox and dermal fillers.
Dr. Ali Riza Cenk Celebi is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Acibadem University (2023–2025). He practices at Acibadem Maslak Hospital (2024–2025). He completed a glaucoma fellowship at Harvard/Mass Eye and Ear in 2016. His clinical work covers glaucoma (MIGS, seton procedures), cornea (limbal stem cell surgery), lacrimal surgery (scarless endoscopic DCR), medical retina (intravitreal injections), myopia control in children, and orbital surgery.
He earned his MD from Hacettepe University and ranked 3rd in his class. He began his ophthalmology residency after placing 11th in Turkey’s TUS exam. Certifications include ICO Basic and Clinical (2010), FEBO (2015), Turkish Board (2016), Advanced ICO/FICO (2017), and USMLE Step 4. His awards include Acibadem Academic Achievement (2015–2023), Best Presentation (2022), and TOD awards (2022–2023). He has published 58 international articles and 15 books. He holds an MSc in Biological Data Science (GPA 3.94/4.00, top of term) and completed training in AI in Healthcare in 2020.
Prof. Osman Sevki Arslan pioneered two original surgical techniques for corneal procedures and leads the Eye Clinic at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a medical emergency in Turkey requiring intervention within 8 to 12 hours. Specialist hospitals in Istanbul provide 24/7 diagnostic access. Facilities use advanced 512-slice CT scans to confirm vascular blockages immediately. Rapid treatment is essential to preserve vision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Istanbul hospitals like Memorial Göztepe and Medipol Acibadem District Hospital prioritize emergency vascular cases due to their JCI accreditation requirements. These facilities operate nearly 40 specialized departments in a single building. This structure allows for immediate cross-departmental consultation between neurologists and ophthalmologists. Such integration is vital because eye strokes often signal broader cardiovascular risks.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that sudden painless vision loss requires a direct trip to an emergency room rather than waiting for a standard clinic appointment. They note that having a companion helps ensure immediate evaluation in busy urban medical centers.
Turkish ophthalmology centers provide emergency treatments for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Specialized clinics in Istanbul offer vitreoretinal surgery, laser photocoagulation, and medical retina protocols. JCI-accredited facilities manage these cases using multidisciplinary vascular emergency teams and advanced retinal imaging.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Retinal artery occlusion is treated as a vascular emergency in major Istanbul hospitals. Dr. Osman Murat Uyar at Liv Hospital Ulus specifically focuses on retinal vascular diseases. Choosing a facility with both an ophthalmology department and a hyperbaric center is crucial for survival of vision. University-affiliated hospitals often provide these integrated services in one location.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize finding a hospital with an immediate emergency protocol for vascular eye issues. Many note that having exact documentation of symptom timing determines which treatments are offered.
Turkish centers like Liv Hospital Ulus specialize in retinal artery occlusion through dedicated vitreoretinal departments. These facilities provide emergency interventions like intravitreal injections and laser photocoagulation. Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging including Spectral Domain OCT and Fluorescein Angiography to restore blood flow immediately.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many seek famous clinics, the best outcome for occlusion depends on specific imaging equipment like OCTA. Liv Hospital Ulus stands out because their specialists, like Dr. Osman Murat Uyar, specifically list retinal artery occlusion as a primary expertise. This is rare and superior to general ophthalmology clinics that focus mainly on cataract or laser eye surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that for this condition, you must prioritize hospitals with 24/7 emergency retina departments over smaller private clinics. Speed is more important than the clinic's brand or local popularity.
Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in Turkey carries manageable risks primarily related to time-sensitive interventions. Direct procedural risks include infection, bleeding, or intraocular pressure changes. Specialized Turkish centers utilize JCI-accredited protocols to minimize these complications while prioritizing urgent retinal perfusion.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many search for specific technologies, the surgeon’s academic background is the strongest quality signal in Turkey. Dr. Osman Sevki Arslan, for example, is a European Board of Ophthalmology examiner. Choosing a doctor with international board-testing experience ensures your treatment follows the most current safety protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that speed is everything with CRAO. Many worry about clear communication before emergency procedures and prioritize clinics with robust follow-up care for international visitors.
Patients should bring all previous ocular imaging including OCT scans and angiography. Clinical notes with the exact time of vision loss are vital for emergency evaluation. You need a valid passport, visa, and any current medications for systemic conditions like hypertension or atrial fibrillation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many focus on eye clinics, the high volume of cardiovascular and neurology departments at centers like Memorial Goztepe Hospital is a major advantage. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion often indicates underlying vascular issues. Choosing a multidisciplinary hospital ensures you get faster referrals for mandatory stroke screenings without leaving the facility.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing a companion because dilating drops make it difficult to navigate clinics alone. Many wish they had known that immediate treatment often focuses on preventing future strokes rather than fully restoring lost vision.