Eye Surgery Negligence in Turkey: Legal Support for UK Claimants

Turkey has established itself as a global centre for ophthalmic surgery, attracting thousands of UK residents annually. High-profile clinics in Istanbul and Izmir offer advanced vision correction procedures—including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange (IOL)—at prices significantly lower than UK private clinics.

For many, the promise of "20/20 vision" is fulfilled. However, the industrial scale of this medical tourism sector has led to instances where commercial volume is prioritised over clinical precision. When ophthalmic procedures go wrong, the consequences are often immediate, irreversible, and life-altering.

At Londonwise, we specialise in cross-border eye surgery negligence claims. We understand that failed eye surgery abroad is a profound trauma that affects your independence, livelihood, and mental health. We provide a secure, English-speaking pathway to justice for UK claimants who have suffered visual impairment due to sub-standard care.

What Constitutes Eye Surgery Negligence?

In UK legal terms, a less-than-perfect visual outcome does not automatically constitute grounds for a claim. Clinical negligence occurs when an ophthalmic surgeon or clinic fails to provide the standard of care reasonably expected of a competent practitioner, directly causing injury or visual loss.

To establish a valid vision loss compensation claim, we must prove:

1. Duty of Care: The surgeon owed you a professional duty to ensure your safety and ocular health.

2. Breach of Duty: The treatment fell below accepted medical norms (e.g., incorrect laser calibration, poor surgical technique, or failure to screen for contraindications).

3. Causation: This breach directly caused the injury (such as corneal ectasia or retinal detachment) which would not have occurred otherwise.

Common Eye Surgery Negligence Scenarios

Our medico-legal team handles complex claims arising from laser vision correction and intraocular surgery. Actionable negligence often involves:

1. LASIK & Laser Surgery Complications

We handle LASIK complication claims where the procedure was performed on unsuitable candidates. This includes operating on patients with corneas that are too thin, leading to Corneal Ectasia (a serious structural failure of the eye), or severe, debilitating Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome due to nerve damage.

2. Cataract & Lens Replacement Errors

Cataract surgery negligence in Turkey can involve the insertion of the wrong Intraocular Lens (IOL) power, malposition of the lens, or damage to the posterior capsule. We also see claims involving "Refractive Lens Exchange" performed unnecessarily on young patients with healthy natural lenses.

3. Infections (Endophthalmitis)

Severe intraocular infections caused by non-sterile theatre environments or contaminated instruments. If not treated immediately, this can lead to total loss of vision in the affected eye.

4. Retinal Damage

Surgical errors leading to retinal tears or detachment, often during vitrectomy or complex lens surgeries.

5. Failure of Informed Consent

Patients are frequently not warned of the specific risks—such as halos, glare, or permanent visual disturbances—in clear English before the procedure.

The Cross-Border Legal Challenge

Seeking redress for eye surgery negligence in Turkey is fraught with difficulty for UK claimants.

• Jurisdiction: You generally cannot sue a Turkish clinic in a UK court. The claim must be litigated under Turkish Law.

• The Language Barrier: Operation notes and discharge summaries are in Turkish, making it difficult for UK opticians to understand what went wrong.

• Insurance Exclusions: Standard travel insurance rarely covers complications arising from elective cosmetic or medical surgery.

Londonwise solves this. We provide UK-based case management combined with the full legal authority of regulated Turkish attorneys to hold clinics accountable under local law.

How Londonwise Supports Your Claim

We offer a structured, transparent service designed to secure justice while you focus on adapting to your visual circumstances.

1. UK Corporate Accountability

You interact with a registered UK company. We operate under English law transparency standards, ensuring you are never lost in translation.

2. Turkish Legal Authority

We work in strict partnership with regulated Turkish attorneys who have the authority to file lawsuits and represent you in Turkish Civil Courts.

3. Independent Ophthalmic Expert Analysis

A successful claim requires proof. We coordinate with independent consultant ophthalmologists to review your pre-operative scans and surgical notes to assess whether the standard of care was breached.

4. Holistic Compensation Strategy

We do not merely seek a refund; we seek full financial redress for the permanent impact on your vision and quality of life.

What Compensation May Be Claimed?

Under legal principles, compensation is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in had the negligence not occurred. We aim to secure:

General Damages (Pain & Suffering)

Compensation for the physical pain, the loss of visual acuity (partial or total blindness), and the psychological distress associated with vision loss.

Special Damages (Financial Losses)

Reimbursement for quantifiable costs, including:

• Corrective Surgery Costs: The cost of specialist remedial treatments in the UK, such as Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL), IOL exchange, or further refractive surgery.

• Loss of Earnings & Employability: Significant damages if visual impairment prevents you from working, driving, or continuing in your current profession.

• Long-Term Care: Costs for specialist visual aids, medication, or care assistance.

• Travel Expenses: Costs incurred for the initial trip and any necessary medical travel.

Case Study: Negligent LASIK Screening

(Anonymised for client confidentiality)

The Case: A UK claimant travelled to Istanbul for LASIK surgery. The clinic performed the surgery despite her having pre-existing thin corneas (a contraindication). Post-operatively, she developed corneal ectasia, causing severely distorted vision that glasses could not correct. The clinic dismissed her concerns as "healing issues."

The Intervention: Londonwise secured the pre-operative topography scans from the Turkish clinic. Our independent ophthalmic expert confirmed that the surgery should never have been performed.

The Outcome: Our partner attorneys in Turkey filed a claim for clinical negligence. The court awarded the claimant compensation covering the cost of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) treatment in the UK, damages for her reduced visual acuity, and compensation for the period she was unable to drive and work.

Step-by-Step: What To Do If Eye Surgery Fails

If you are suffering from visual complications after surgery in Turkey, immediate action is vital to preserve your sight and your legal claim.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Consult a UK ophthalmologist or attend an eye hospital A&E immediately. Obtain a written clinical report on your condition.

2. Secure Evidence: Request your pre-operative scans and surgical reports from the Turkish clinic. Save all WhatsApp chats and emails.

3. Do NOT Sign Waivers: Clinics may offer a refund or "free correction" if you sign a document releasing them from liability. Do not agree to this without legal advice.

4. Contact Londonwise: Statutory time limits apply to foreign claims. Instructing us early maximizes our ability to secure evidence.

Why Choose Londonwise?

Victims of eye surgery negligence need more than sympathy; they need a robust legal strategy.

• Dual Jurisdiction Expertise: We understand UK client expectations and Turkish legal statutes.

• 34 Years of Collective Experience: Our network includes senior legal and medical professionals experienced in ophthalmic litigation.

• Risk Reversal: We assess the viability of your claim early to avoid unnecessary legal costs.

• Confidentiality & Empathy: We understand the terror of losing one's sight. We handle your case with the utmost dignity and discretion.

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Legal Disclaimer & Transparency Notice

Londonwise Ltd is a specialist medico-legal consultancy registered in England & Wales. We facilitate access to justice for UK claimants injured in Turkey.

We are not a firm of solicitors authorized or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All litigation and court proceedings in Turkey are conducted by fully licensed independent attorneys registered with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. We act as your case management interface, bridging the linguistic and logistical gap between the UK and the Turkish legal system. Results may vary depending on the individual facts of each case.