When I first heard about Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery, I was both excited and overwhelmed. Years of struggling with high myopia made me desperate for a permanent solution. LASIK wasn’t an option due to my thin corneas, and contact lenses were becoming uncomfortable. That’s when I discovered the world of medical tourism—and everything changed.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey of traveling abroad for ICL surgery, combining it with a memorable vacation. If you’re considering vision correction in another country, I hope my story gives you insights, confidence, and clarity.
✈️ Why I Chose Medical Tourism for ICL Surgery
After months of research, I realized that ICL surgery in my home country was out of budget, with prices reaching over $5,000 per eye. I stumbled upon a few international clinics that offered the same FDA-approved EVO Visian ICLs at nearly half the cost—with equally reputable surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities.
I didn’t want to compromise on safety, so I searched for clinics with:
- International accreditations (like JCI and ISO 9001)
- Fluent English-speaking staff
- Positive reviews from other medical tourists
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Eventually, I chose a well-reviewed clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, known for its blend of high-quality ophthalmology and world-famous cultural heritage.
👁️ What the ICL Process Was Like
Pre-Trip Planning
I emailed the clinic my medical history and recent eye exam results. They arranged:
- A full in-person eye exam the day after I landed
- My surgery 24 hours later
- A follow-up visit before my return flight
- Hotel recommendations and airport pickup
Consultation & Surgery
Once in Istanbul, the clinic staff was incredibly welcoming. My comprehensive eye exam took about 2 hours and confirmed I was a good candidate. The ophthalmologist explained everything clearly—down to the lens model and long-term expectations.
The surgery itself was painless and quick—around 15 minutes per eye. I was given protective eyewear and antibiotic drops, and advised to rest for the evening.
Post-Surgery & Vision Results
By the next morning, my vision was sharper than I had ever experienced with glasses. I walked around the historic Sultanahmet district seeing every tile, dome, and sunset in stunning detail—without glasses!
🏖️ Combining Sightseeing and Surgery
I scheduled the surgery early in my trip so I could enjoy a few days afterward exploring. Istanbul was perfect: walkable, full of visual wonders, and great food. Other patients I met were doing the same thing in cities like:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Cancun, Mexico
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Seoul, South Korea
Combining the surgery with sightseeing made the trip feel more like a vacation than a medical necessity.
💬 Lessons Learned from My ICL Travel Experience
✅ Do:
- Choose an accredited clinic with verified surgeons
- Ask for a complete breakdown of costs before booking
- Plan for at least 5–7 days abroad (to allow for recovery and follow-up)
- Bring a travel companion if possible
- Enjoy yourself—but rest your eyes early on
❌ Don’t:
- Skip your post-op follow-up
- Book a jam-packed travel itinerary immediately after surgery
- Choose a clinic solely based on price
- Fly back the next day (wait at least 3–5 days)
💵 Cost Breakdown (My Case)
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| ICL surgery (both eyes) | $3,200 |
| Round-trip airfare | $750 |
| 7-night hotel stay | $560 |
| Local transportation & food | $300 |
| Total | $4,810 |
