Why do patients choose Turkey for ReLEx SMILE eye surgery?
Access advanced ReLEx SMILE eye surgery solutions in trusted clinics from $2,400.
The cost of ReLEx SMILE eye surgery in Turkey typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500. Prices vary depending on the clinic, surgeon’s experience, and whether you need treatment in one or both eyes. In the United States, the average price is $3,500 (per AAO). This means ReLEx SMILE in Turkey costs about 37% less than in the U.S.
Turkish clinics usually include pre-surgery eye exams, SMILE laser treatment for both eyes, post-op medications, and one or more follow-up visits. In the U.S., the base price often covers only the procedure itself, with separate charges for consultations, medications, and aftercare. Always confirm exactly what’s included in your package before booking.
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| ReLEx SMILE eye surgery | from $2,540 | from $2,200 | from $2,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for ReLEx SMILE eye surgery upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in ReLEx SMILE eye surgery and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
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 ReLEx SMILE eye surgery journey.
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-operation
Day 3 - ReLEx SMILE Surgery
Day 4 - Post-operation
Week 1 - Rehabilitation
Week 2 - Rehabilitation
Month 1 - Final Result
Please note that the above timeline is an average estimate. Individual recovery times may vary.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
Dr. Anil Kubaloglu is an experienced ophthalmologist with over 23 years in the field. He has performed more than 30,000 eye surgeries. His areas of expertise include general eye exams, cataract surgery, keratoconus, cornea treatments, laser procedures, and presbyopia care. He has made important contributions to these specialties.
Dr. Kubaloglu has published over 100 scientific articles. This shows his dedication to advancing ophthalmology. He is a member of respected organizations such as the ESCRS and AAO. His memberships highlight his expertise and commitment to high-quality patient care.
Dr. Fevzi Akkan is an experienced eye specialist. He focuses on cataract surgery, refractive error correction, and retinal treatments. He performed Turkey’s first bionic eye surgery. This achievement earned him the TOD Best Surgical Video Award in 2016.
Dr. Akkan is a member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the European Vitreoretinal Society. He graduated from Istanbul School of Medicine in 1997. He completed his ophthalmology training at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital in 2002.
Written by Kateryna Zamkovska
A minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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: