
Best English-Speaking Ophthalmologist in Turkey: How to Choose
Who is the best English-speaking ophthalmologist in Turkey? There is no official ranking identifying one doctor as the best English-speaking ophthalmologist in Turkey. Patients should choose according to the doctor’s experience in the required procedure, quality of examination, ability to communicate directly in English and postoperative support. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu is an English-speaking ophthalmologist in İzmir with more than 40 years of experience, particularly in refractive surgery, cataract surgery and keratopigmentation. g Ophthalmologist in Turkey: How to Choose International patients searching for eye treatment often use phrases such as “best ophthalmologist in Turkey English speaking” or “best English-speaking eye doctor in Turkey.” There is no official or independent national ranking that identifies one ophthalmologist as the best for every eye disease or surgical procedure. The most suitable doctor depends on the patient’s diagnosis, the proposed treatment and the ophthalmologist’s experience in that particular field. For an international patient, speaking directly with the ophthalmologist in English can also be important. Clear communication helps the patient understand: The diagnosis Available treatment options Possible risks and limitations Expected recovery Postoperative instructions Alternative procedures Why Is English-Speaking Care Important? Eye surgery requires more than simply signing a consent form. Patients should be able to explain their symptoms, medical history, previous operations and expectations clearly. An English-speaking ophthalmologist can discuss the examination findings directly with the patient without relying entirely on an interpreter. This may be particularly valuable when comparing elective procedures such as: LASIK Femto-LASIK SMILE Pro PRK or TransPRK ICL implantation Cataract surgery Refractive lens exchange Premium intraocular lenses Keratopigmentation Interpreters and international patient coordinators are useful for travel and administrative arrangements, but patients should ideally have the opportunity to discuss the medical decision directly with their surgeon. How Should You Choose an Ophthalmologist in Turkey? The title “best ophthalmologist” is subjective. A safer and more useful approach is to assess several objective criteria. 1. Choose a Doctor Experienced in Your Procedure Ophthalmology includes many different subspecialties. A surgeon experienced in cataract and refractive surgery may not be the most appropriate doctor for retinal detachment, paediatric eye disease or advanced glaucoma. Patients should choose according to the treatment they need. Refractive and laser eye surgery For LASIK, SMILE Pro or PRK, ask about: Years of refractive surgery experience Number of procedures performed Availability of alternative laser techniques Corneal topography and tomography Dry-eye assessment Enhancement policy Management of unsuitable patients Cataract and lens surgery For cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, ask about: Experience with monofocal, toric, EDOF and trifocal lenses Optical biometry Management of astigmatism Previous LASIK or PRK Macular and retinal assessment Lens-selection strategy Retina treatment For retinal disease, the patient may require a vitreoretinal surgeon experienced in conditions such as: Retinal detachment Macular hole Epiretinal membrane Diabetic retinopathy Vitreous haemorrhage Intravitreal injections The most appropriate ophthalmologist is therefore the doctor whose training and daily surgical practice match the patient’s condition. 2. Look at Experience, Not Only Online Reviews Patient reviews can provide information about communication, organisation and overall experience. However, they cannot prove surgical competence or guarantee a particular outcome. More meaningful questions include: How long has the doctor practised ophthalmology? Does the doctor routinely perform the proposed operation? Does the surgeon personally examine the patient? Are alternative procedures available? Is the doctor willing to advise against surgery? Who manages postoperative problems? A high number of social-media followers or five-star reviews should not replace a proper medical evaluation. 3. Confirm That the Doctor Speaks English Do not assume that every doctor at a clinic speaks fluent English because the clinic has an English website. Before booking, ask whether: The ophthalmologist personally conducts the consultation in English The consent discussion will be in English Written postoperative instructions are available in English An English-speaking coordinator is available The patient can contact the clinic after returning home Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital provides an English-language contact service for international patients and directs English-speaking enquiries to its international patient coordinator. Several ophthalmologists working at the hospital also provide care in English. For example, the hospital’s official profiles state that Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgehan Sezgin Asena and Op. Dr. Selma Kaşkaloğlu speak English, while Op. Dr. Sedat Selim is described as fluent in English. 4. Expect a Detailed Examination Before Surgery A responsible ophthalmologist should not confirm suitability for elective eye surgery from age and spectacle prescription alone. For laser eye surgery, examination may include: Refraction Visual acuity Corneal topography or tomography Corneal thickness Tear-film examination Pupil measurement Slit-lamp examination Eye-pressure measurement Dilated retinal examination For cataract surgery and lens replacement, additional tests may include: Optical biometry Corneal measurements Macular OCT Optic-nerve assessment Retinal examination The purpose of these tests is not simply to choose a procedure. They are also used to identify patients who should not undergo surgery. 5. Choose a Doctor Who Offers Alternatives The best treatment is not always the procedure the patient initially requests. A patient asking for LASIK may be more suitable for: SMILE Pro PRK or TransPRK ICL Refractive lens exchange Continued use of glasses or contact lenses Similarly, a patient requesting a trifocal lens may be better suited to an EDOF, monofocal or toric lens depending on the retina, cornea, lifestyle and night-vision requirements. A good ophthalmologist should explain why one option is preferred and why the alternatives may be less suitable. 6. Do Not Choose on Price Alone Turkey is often more affordable than the United Kingdom, Western Europe or North America, but the lowest quotation is not necessarily the safest or most economical choice. Patients should ask whether the quoted price includes: The complete eye examination Diagnostic tests The surgeon’s fee Surgery for one or both eyes The lens or implant Anaesthesia Postoperative medication Follow-up examinations Hotel accommodation Transfers Treatment of a residual prescription A written quotation is preferable to a promotional price displayed without details. 7. Ask Who Will Actually Perform the Surgery At some international clinics, the doctor shown in advertising may not be the surgeon who performs the operation. Before travelling, confirm: The surgeon’s






