Corneal transplant in Turkey: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025
Why do patients choose Turkey for corneal transplant?
Accredited clinics: Turkey is home to JCI-certified hospitals and centers accredited by Turkey's Ministry of Health. These institutions ensure high standards in healthcare services.
Latest technologies: Procedures such as DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) are commonly used. Premium brands like Alcon and Bausch + Lomb provide surgical instruments and materials.
High success rates: Corneal transplants in Turkey have an efficacy rate of 85-90%. They deliver excellent outcomes for conditions such as keratoconus and corneal scarring.
Expert surgeons: Leading ophthalmologists, certified by the European Board of Ophthalmology, have performed thousands of successful corneal transplants. This expertise contributes to Turkey's reputation as a top destination for eye surgeries.
Access advanced Corneal transplant solutions in trusted clinics from
$6,500.
85%
patient recommendation
15K+
patients
820К+ patients have got assistance since 2014
50 countries
1,500 clinics
6K+ reviews
3K+ qualified doctors
Your Benefits and Guarantees with Bookimed
Direct Prices
Bookimed does not add extra charges for Corneal transplant prices. The rates come from the clinics' official price lists. You pay directly at the clinic for your Corneal transplant upon your arrival.
Verified Clinics & Doctors Only
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Corneal transplant and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Free 24/7 Assistance
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Corneal transplant journey.
Why we?
Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator
Supports you at every stage
Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
Ensures quick and convenient access to information
How Much Does Corneal transplant Cost in Turkey?
The average cost of Corneal transplant in Turkey ranges from $6,500 to $8,000. The offers include a consultation with an ophthalmologist, biochemistry blood test, complete blood count (CBC), language assistance, blood tests, general anesthesia, follow-up examination, transfer airport-clinic-airport, 4* Hotel, and a corneal transplant. Transfer and accommodation are not included.
Holding a prestigious Certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 by TÜV NORD CERT, the hospital demonstrates adherence to high-quality standards in healthcare services, including corneal transplants.
With over 50,000 international patients annually, the hospital has a broad experience in treating a diverse patient population, ensuring a wealth of expertise in corneal transplant procedures.
As a multi-specialized medical center, the hospital provides integrated care, which is crucial for patients requiring comprehensive treatment that might involve multiple specialties alongside corneal transplantation.
Accredited as a Center of Excellence in several disciplines, the hospital's commitment to excellence extends to its ophthalmology department, offering patients confidence in their corneal transplant services.
With patient testimonials highlighting the exceptional level of care, including the successful outcome of ophthalmology procedures, future patients can anticipate a high standard of service for their corneal transplants.
Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul is a leading multidisciplinary medical center, accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) for its high quality of treatment. It offers various specialties, including oncology, bone marrow transplant, in vitro fertilization (IVF), neurosurgery, and organ transplant. The success rate of organ transplant at Memorial is 90%.
Patients from 92 countries come to Memorial Şişli for treatment annually and are provided with excellent care and attention. The reviews of the clinic confirm that Bookimed, the booking service, has been highly professional and helpful in arranging airport transfers and other necessary services.
The clinic offers a Corneal transplant procedure with the help of Dr. Abdullah Özkaya, an ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience. The offer includes consumable materials, follow-up examination, preoperative tests, consultation with the doctor, transfer airport-clinic-airport, individual chamber, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport, and accommodation is not included. The duration of the procedure is 1 day stay in the hospital and 7 days stay in the hotel.
VM Hospitals is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Istanbul, Turkey, offering a range of services from neurosurgery and orthopedics to ophthalmology, organ transplant, and plastic surgery. The facility provides excellent care for both adults and children from Europe, Commonwealth, CIS countries, and Arab League States. Doctor Alperen Koc, a specialist in ophthalmology, offers a Corneal transplant procedure with a 1-day stay in the hospital and 5 days in a hotel. The offer includes a consultation with the ophthalmologist, hospitalization, and airport transfers. Patients can be assured of high-quality care and excellent customer service.
A review of the clinic highlights a welcoming atmosphere and the professional attitude of Doctor A. Ozkaya. Additionally, the Bookimed coordinator Jan was praised for providing assistance with any issue and helping with everything.
Included Services: Preoperative tests, follow-up examination, language assistance, follow-up visit, consultation with an ophthalmologist, autorefractometry.
Stay Info: 0 days stay in the hospital, 0 days stay in the hotel, accommodation not included, transfer not included.
The procedure involves placing tiny rings into the eye to reshape the cornea, improving vision and comfort.
How to find best solution with Bookimed?
Check available options for your case on the website.
Request a free consultation with documents assessment.
Download your medical records and describe your needs.
Receive customized free treatment plans with prices and details.
Compare them and finalize your choice.
Agree the date for your upcoming clinic visit.
Arrive and pay at the clinic. Bookimed fees are $0 for you.
From start to finish, the Bookimed coordinator keeps you safe and comfortable during your medical journey.
Day 1 - Arrival
Arrive in the country for your corneal transplant.
Settle into your accommodation which is not included in the package.
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Meet with the ophthalmologist for the initial examination.
Undergo necessary medical tests including urine tests.
Day 3 - Corneal Transplant
Receive the anesthesia for the procedure.
The corneal transplant procedure takes 1-2 hours.
Post-surgery, stay in the clinic for observation.
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Doctor will check your condition and healing process.
If no complications, you may be discharged from the clinic.
Week 1-2 - Rehabilitation
Attend follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist.
Start using prescribed eye drops and medication.
Week 3-4 - Continued Rehabilitation
Continue with the recommended rehabilitation plan.
Resume light daily activities as per doctor"s advice.
Month 2-3 - Return to Normal Activities
Resume work, sports, and other activities with caution.
By the end of the third month, see the final results.
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:
Cost.The Corneal transplant cost in Turkey ranges from $6,500 to $8,000. This is significantly more affordable compared to the average cost in other countries which can go up to $10000.
Doctor’s professionalism.. Patients commend the professionalism of the surgeons. They answer all inquiries, ensuring the patients' understanding of the procedure.
Service level. The welcoming atmosphere of the clinics in Turkey is highly appreciated by patients. The coordinators are noted to be very helpful and polite, providing assistance to any issues.
Corneal transplant efficacy. The quick and effective corneal transplants performed in Turkey are praised by patients. The operation for a one-year-old child was successful, highlighting the competence of the surgeons.
Logistics. Despite the long wait, the overall logistics are well-managed. The coordinators are very helpful, ensuring a smooth process for the patients.
What patients don't like:
Waiting time. Patients have expressed dissatisfaction with the long waiting time for each appointment and for an interpreter.
100% free, non-binding assessment of your medical records
Instant FREE personalized treatment plans to make the right choice
Expert guidance in choosing the perfect Ophthalmology doctor and clinic.
Special packages and exclusive prices for our patients.
24/7 Bookimed guidance at no cost, guaranteed.
Hassle-free translation of your medical documents for clinics.
Bookimed's multilingual team ensures comfortable communication.
Bookimed ensures transparent and secure payments. Patients pay at the clinic with no additional fees.
"You have wonderful employees, prosperity and all the best!" Return: "About the doctor: "Doctor A
The clinic has a welcoming atmosphere, but the wait for each appointment and an interpreter is sooo long. Doctor A. Ozkaya proved himself to be a professional, answered all our questions, the corneal transplant operation for my one-year-old child was rather quick and effective at the moment. We came across a very polite and excellent Bookimed coordinator Jan, he helped on any even minor issue, contacted the clinic, helped absolutely with everything! You have wonderful employees, prosperity and all the best!
About Bookimed service
We came across a very polite and excellent coordinator, Ian, he helped with any even minor issue, contacted the clinic, helped with absolutely everything! You have wonderful employees, prosperity and all the best to you!
Overall, we are pleased with both the trip and the attitude of the medical staff towards us
I really liked the entire organization of my treatment, starting with the search and offer of a clinic, the organization and coordination of the trip itself. The coordinator from Bookimed, Tatyana, was always in touch and answered all our questions on time. Upon arrival at the airport, we missed (through no fault of our own) the taxi that was supposed to take us to our already reserved hotel. But Tatyana was able to coordinate all the actions so that we easily got to the hotel. Later we called our medical coordinator from the “Veni Vidi” clinic, Olga, who was in touch with us all the time, both during the consultation with Dr. Firat HELVACIOGLU, and during treatment (keratoconus). Olga was ready to translate our conversation (Turkish-Russian languages) with the doctor, but since Doctor Firat speaks excellent English, in which it was more convenient for me to communicate, there was no need for translation. Overall, we are pleased with both the trip and the attitude of the medical staff towards us. We express our gratitude for all this to both Tatyana and Olga. But, as the Doctor informed us, the final results of the treatment will be clear in approximately three months, Alikhon Mamatov
Kind attitude and explanation of Doctor Firat HELVACIOGLU, and coordinator of the Veni Vidi clinic, Olga.
This didn't happen
About Bookimed service
Tatiana from Bookimed’s attitude towards organizing the trip and towards me was very kind. Regularly kept in touch with all the news and adjusted our actions
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.
Our Corneal transplant Techniques: What Suits You Best?
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:
Corneal Cross Linking (CCL) (One eye)
This procedure strengthens the cornea by using ultraviolet light and riboflavin drops to halt the progression of keratoconus.
Pros: Stabilizes keratoconus in 90% of cases without needing a corneal graft. Less invasive than keratoplasty with faster recovery.
Cons: May not improve vision significantly. Potential for temporary discomfort and light sensitivity post-procedure.
Effectiveness: 90% stabilization rate.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
Best for: Early-stage keratoconus or corneal ectasia. Suitable for patients with less than 400 microns corneal thickness.
Prices: Cost of Corneal Cross Linking (CCL) (One eye) in Turkey from $1,590
Keratoplasty
Keratoplasty involves replacing damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue to restore vision.
Pros: High success rate of about 90% for vision restoration. Effective for severe corneal diseases and injuries that other treatments cannot address.
Cons: Requires a donor match, which might take time. Potential risk of rejection and need for long-term medication.
Effectiveness: 90% success in achieving significant vision improvement.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 6-12 months for full recovery.
Best for: Severe corneal diseases, corneal scarring, and vision loss cases. Suitable for patients with significant corneal damage.
Prices: Cost of Keratoplasty in Turkey from $4,000
Corneal ring implantation
A minimally invasive procedure where small, crescent-shaped rings are inserted into the cornea to improve vision by reshaping it.
Pros: Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time. Effective in halting keratoconus progression in 85% of cases. No need for donor tissue.
Cons: Not suitable for severe cases with significant corneal thinning. Potential for ring displacement or glare in 5% of patients.
Effectiveness: Success rate of improving vision by at least 2 lines on the vision chart in 80% of patients.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 days.
Best for: Mild to moderate keratoconus and astigmatism. Suitable for patients not eligible for corneal cross-linking.
Prices: Cost of Corneal ring implantation in Turkey from $6,263
FAQ about Corneal transplant in Turkey
What is the level of medicine in Turkey?
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.
As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
What should you know about Turkey before the trip?
Currency
lira (you also can pay for services in dollars and euros)
Best period for the trip
May-October
Language
Turkish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently)
Visa
is not required for a trip of at least 30 days per visit
Time difference with Europe
3 hours
Time difference with the USA
8 hours
Capital
Ankara
Medical tourism center
Istanbul
Popular resorts
Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris
What hotel services are provided here?
In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
When is the best time to travel to Turkey?
The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.
Do I need a visa?
In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.
What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
What documents are required to apply for a visa to Turkey for treatment?
Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
ID card
confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
certificate of income and availability of funds ($50 per day per person)
insurance policy for a stay in Turkey (original and copy)