Retinopathy of prematurity surgery (ROP surgery) in Turkey: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2026

Success rates for ROP surgery in Turkey range from 85% to 95% for preventing blindness, depending on the disease stage. High-precision laser photocoagulation achieve a 94.6% complete recovery rate, while advanced vitreoretinal surgery maintains 100% anatomical success for lens-sparing procedures in specialized Istanbul centers.

• Laser success: Complete recovery reached 94.6% in a study of 224 Turkish pediatric patients.
• Anti-VEGF outcomes: Injections show an 85.7% success rate specifically for aggressive ROP cases.
• Vitreoretinal surgery: Advanced interventions achieve 85.7% recovery with a single surgery in infants.
• Optimal prognosis: Success reaches 99% when ROP regresses naturally from zone 2 to 3.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While many general clinics offer eye care, the highest success rates come from surgeons with specific ROP fellowships. Dr. Muhammet Derda Ozer and Dr. Ugur Yayla both completed dedicated fellowships in retinopathy of prematurity or vitreoretinal surgery. Choosing a specialist who focuses solely on pediatric retinal cases often mirrors the 100% anatomical success seen in top-tier Istanbul facilities.

Patient Consensus: Families emphasize that screening within 72 hours of NICU admission is the most critical factor for success. Most consider the outcome a total victory when no retinal detachment occurs for 2 years post-operation.

Recommended hospitals for ROP treatment in Turkey include specialized centers in Istanbul and Ankara like Dunyagoz Eye Hospital, Associate Professor M. Derda Ozer clinic, and Medipol University Hospital. These facilities offer advanced laser photocoagulation and vitreo-retinal surgery performed by surgeons with international fellowships.

• Specialized eye networks: Dunyagoz Eye Hospital serves 62,000+ patients annually with TOD-accredited specialists.
• Advanced surgical expertise: Associate Professor M. Derda Ozer has performed 25,000+ surgeries, including complex Stage 4-5 cases.
• Fellowship-trained doctors: Dr. Ugur Yayla at Medipol University holds a dedicated ROP fellowship.
• Comprehensive ROP screening: Acibadem Healthcare Group and VM Medical Park provide routine neonatal retinal monitoring.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While private clinics like Dunyagoz offer high-end hospitality, Bookimed data shows that ROP specialists often maintain dual roles at university hospitals. Choosing a surgeon like Dr. M. Derda Ozer, who holds an ICO-STAAR fellowship from the University of Kansas, ensures your child receives US-standard protocols within a more accessible Turkish private facility.

Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that checking for international fellowships in the UK or US is vital for ROP expertise. They often recommend planning a long-term follow-up schedule as monitoring must continue until 60 weeks postmenstrual age.

Top specialists for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Turkey include Associate Professor Muhammet Derda Ozer, Professor Ahmet Satici, and Dr. Ugur Yayla. These experts practice in Istanbul at specialized facilities like Dunyagoz Eye Hospital and Medipol University, performing thousands of complex pediatric retinal surgeries annually.

• Muhammet Derda Ozer: Performed 25,000 procedures and holds a Vitreo-Retina Fellowship from University of Kansas.
• Ahmet Satici: Features 33 years of experience with over 20,000 surgeries performed throughout his career.
• Ugur Yayla: Completed a dedicated Retinopathy of Prematurity Fellowship at Zekai Tahir Burak hospital.
• Yasar Dag: Specializes in vitrectomy and pediatric ROP at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that surgical volume is a key quality indicator for ROP in Istanbul. While many clinics offer general ophthalmology, specialists like Dr. Ozer handle approximately 2,000 cases annually. This high frequency often correlates with the availability of advanced neonatal imaging and specialized pediatric vitrectomy equipment.

Patient Consensus: Parents recommend prioritizing university-affiliated centers for complex Stage 4 or 5 cases. Most advise carrying full NICU records and seeking multiple remote opinions before traveling for surgical intervention.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening in Turkey follows 2021 updated national guidelines targeting infants born under 34 weeks gestation or weighing less than 1,700g. Specialized ophthalmologists perform bedside examinations in JCI-accredited neonatal intensive care units to prevent vision loss through early detection and intervention.

• Weight threshold: Infants weighing 1,700g or less require mandatory screening for retinal development.
• Gestational age: All babies born before 34 weeks must undergo initial eye examinations.
• High-risk cases: Infants over 1,700g with unstable clinical courses or cardiopulmonary support needs.
• First exam: Timing varies between 30 postmenstrual weeks to 4 weeks after birth.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While national guidelines set the floor, top Istanbul clinics like Dunyagoz Eye Hospital manage over 60,000 patients annually using advanced digital retinal imaging. Choosing a facility where surgeons like Dr. Muhammet Derda Ozer hold international fellowships ensures access to Stage 4 and 5 surgical interventions if screening identifies advanced disease.

Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize tracking oxygen exposure durations closely as a primary screening trigger. Many advise securing written documentation of retinal findings and scheduling follow-up exams before hospital discharge to ensure continuity.