The cost of a corneal transplant in Turkey typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,200. Prices can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, the type of transplant (full-thickness or partial), and donor tissue availability. In the United States, the average cost is $23,000 (per AAO). That means corneal transplant surgery in Turkey is about 79% less expensive than in the U.S.
Turkish clinics usually include pre-op consultations, donor cornea, surgical fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, medications, and initial follow-up visits in the price. In the U.S., the quoted price often covers only the surgeon’s fee, with separate charges for donor tissue, facility, anesthesia, and post-op care. Always confirm exactly what’s included at your chosen clinic.
Key Benefits
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
$8,000.
Data verified by Bookimed as of March 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 84 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.
Discover the Best Corneal transplant Clinics in Turkey: 12 Verified Options and Prices
Derda Ozer, who has performed over 900 corneal transplants and published 35+ ophthalmology research papers, determines the most suitable technique – advanced DSEK or DMEK – after each clinical exam. This all-inclusive package, priced at about $10,000, covers doctor and operating room fees, pre-operative tests, and necessary supplies. The 6-day stay includes hospital care and 5 nights in a hotel, with airport transfers arranged. The procedure is performed at the Turkish Medical Association-certified Valued Med Hub Hospitals, which has a 100% patient recommendation rate.
Professor Dr. Abdullah Ozkaya, with 1,100+ corneal transplants performed, offers this procedure at the JCI-accredited Memorial Şişli Hospital – Turkey's first to meet this international safety standard. The package costs around $8,000 and includes VIP transfers, a Russian-speaking translator, and follow-up care. This multidisciplinary hospital treats patients from over 90 countries and has a proven 90% success rate in organ transplantation.
This package includes comprehensive support for both patient and companion, with hospitalization, meals, and VIP transfers. Performed by ophthalmologist Nesrin Tutas Gunaydin, who has over 900 successful procedures, the treatment is planned at the JCI-accredited Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital — part of a network treating 1.6 million patients annually. Priced at approximately $9,700, it covers consultation with a professor-level specialist, detailed diagnostics, a 2-day hospital stay, and Russian-speaking translator assistance for the full two-week Istanbul stay.
22 years of experience • 25000+ treatments performed
Clinic is certified
Surgeon's portfolio
Associate Professor Muhammet Derda Ozer offers personalized keratoplasty techniques – including PK, DALK, and DMEK/DSAEK – tailored to each patient's needs. He draws on an ICO-STAAR fellowship and over 25,000 procedures performed. The comprehensive package at Associate Professor M. Derda Ozer DERDA SAGLIK HIZMETLERI costs about $8,000, covering donor tissue, pre-operative mapping, surgery, medications, and follow-up care. The JCI/TEMOS-accredited center maintains a 98% patient recommendation rate, adhering to international safety standards.
34 years of experience • 20000+ treatments performed
Clinic is certified
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking at about $1,400 includes key diagnostics like corneal pachymetry, topography, and refractometry for precise measurement. Performed by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Satici, who has published 94 scientific papers in ophthalmology, the procedure requires a 4-day recovery in a dark room with a follow-up on day 5 for lens removal. It takes place at Prof. Dr. Ahmet Satici's Private Practice in Turkey, where he draws on 30+ years of specialized surgical experience.
Upon landing, you should ensure you have all necessary documents, including your passport, as Turkish laws require a copy for registration.
Arrange for a transfer service from the airport to your hotel or directly to the hospital if included in your package.
Check into your accommodation to ensure a comfortable stay during your medical visit.
Prepare for the next day's pre-operative assessments by getting a good night's rest.
Day 2: Pre-Operative Assessment
You need to attend a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including tests like corneal topography (orbscan or pentacam) and pachymetry to measure corneal thickness.
If applicable, provide your corneal topography and eye measurement results to the clinic for evaluation.
Undergo a refractive check-up package if recommended, which involves detailed examination and eye tests.
Discuss the type of corneal transplant suitable for you, such as penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), or endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK, DSAEK).
Sign any necessary consent forms and discuss the surgery plan with your ophthalmologist.
Ensure you have stopped using contact lenses at least 7 days prior to this examination.
Day 3: Surgical Procedure
Arrive at the hospital for your scheduled corneal transplant surgery.
The procedure may involve advanced technology like a femtosecond laser for precise incisions.
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia may be used if necessary.
Expect the procedure to take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Post-surgery, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Wear a protective eye shield to prevent injury to the operated eye.
Day 4: Post-Operative Care
Receive post-operative eye drops (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and steroids) to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Attend a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and check for any signs of rejection.
Discuss long-term care and medication management with your healthcare provider.
Rest and avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending, swimming, and contact sports for the first few weeks.
Day 5-10: Recovery and Follow-Up
Continue using prescribed eye drops and medications as directed by your ophthalmologist.
Attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to detect any signs of rejection early.
Be aware of symptoms of corneal rejection, such as redness, sensitivity to light, vision changes, or pain, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
If stitches were used, they may remain in place for several months or up to a year, depending on the surgeon's assessment.
Plan for your return journey, ensuring you have any necessary PCR test results if required by your home country.
Day 11: Departure
Ensure all medical documentation and follow-up instructions are complete.
Arrange for transportation to the airport if not already included in your package.
Confirm you have all necessary travel documents and medical records for your return home.
Contact the clinic if you have any last-minute questions or require assistance with post-operative care once you return home.
Maintain communication with your ophthalmologist for ongoing care and any future medical needs related to your corneal transplant.
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 $3,500
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 $1,500
FAQ about Corneal transplant in Turkey
These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.
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)