Best Keratoplasty Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Associate Professor Muhammet Derda Ozer is a highly prolific eye surgeon who has performed over 25,000 treatments throughout his distinguished career.

• Holds an advanced international certification from the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
• Completed a specialised surgical fellowship in vitreo-retinal surgery at the University of Kansas
• Awarded a prestigious observership at the Wills Eye Institute's Ocular Oncology Department in the United States
• Researches corneal wound healing and bacterial keratitis to improve surgical recovery outcomes
• Active member of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association's Young Ophthalmologist Council

Associate Professor Derda Ozer is a highly regarded ophthalmologist who has performed over 1,100 successful eye treatments at Valued Med Hub Hospitals.

• Published 36 research papers in leading medical journals like Cornea
• Awarded a prestigious ICO-STAAR surgical fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery
• Acts as a primary investigator for international clinical trials with Novartis and Roche
• Previously served at major academic centres including Van Yüzüncü Yıl University
• Member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association

The doctor is a highly regarded Eye Diseases Specialist with a focus on ophthalmology. With a robust academic foundation, the doctor has completed fellowships at prestigious institutions including Moorfields Eye Hospital, University of California San Diego, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Doheny Eye Institute.

The doctor is an active member of several professional societies such as the Turkish Society of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the European VitreoRetinal Society. The doctor specializes in a wide range of eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, LASIK, and retinal transplantation.

Dr Ali Demircan trained at the Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital, one of Turkey's most respected centres for ophthalmic surgery.

• Completed specialist medical education at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine
• Specialises in corneal transplant surgery and complex eye diseases
• Practises at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital, a major academic centre
• Focuses on restoring vision through precision keratoplasty techniques

The doctor completed medical education and specialization at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. With expertise in retinal diseases, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, excimer laser therapy, and diabetes-related yellow spot treatment, the doctor has performed over 10,000 Argon Laser procedures, more than 5,000 Excimer Laser treatments, and over 1,000 cataract surgeries. The doctor is an active participant in international congresses across the European Union and the USA, and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the European VitreoRetinal Society.

EDUCATION

• Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, 2009

• İstanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Specialist Training, 2009-2013

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Mardin Midyat State Hospital, Specialist Doctor, 2014-2020

• Mardin Training and Research Hospital, Specialist Doctor, 2020-2022

• Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, 2022-2024

• Westeye Erbil Hospital, 2024-2025

• İstanbul Tema Hospital, 2024-2025

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Cataract and Refractive Surgery

• Corneal Diseases and Keratoplasty

• Strabismus and Surgery

• Eyelid and Lacrimal Duct Surgery

• Eye Trauma Surgery

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATES

• 2020, 3 months Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Vitrectomy Training at the Hospital

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member of Turkish Ophthalmology Association (TOD)

LANGUAGES

• English (Intermediate)

PUBLICATIONS

1. Changes caused by fluorescein in the tear film evaluated with hybrid break-up time test as a new method-Part Two: Its effect on breakup locations and other quantitative values ​​- Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 2023

2. The profile of patients attending to the general emergency department with ocular complaints within the last year: is it a true ocular emergency? - BMC Ophthalmology, 2024

3. Medium-term outcomes of three horizontal muscle surgery in large-angle infantile esotropia - Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 2014

4. Evaluation of Anterior Segment Parameters Using Scheimpflug Topography Device in Patients Undergoing Nd: YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy: Retrospective Study - Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Ophthalmology, 2024

5. Publication patterns of ophthalmology residency dissertations in Turkey - Eur J Gen Med, 2015

6. Evaluation of the Effect of Infection and Immunity on the Tear Film by Scheimpflug-Placido Disc Topography-A Case Control Study - Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 2023

7. Changes caused by fluorescein in tear film by hybrid break-up time test-part one; on quantitative values ​​- Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, 2022

8. An easy and practical method for toric intraocular lens implantation: marking corneal astigmatic axis at slit-lamp - International Ophthalmology, 2017

9. Slanted medial rectus recession is effective in the treatment of convergence excess esotropia - Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 2014

10. A reasonable option in vitrectomized eyes: manual small incision cataract surgery - International Journal of Ophthalmology, 2014

11. The Role of Systemic Inflammation in Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction - Beyoglu Eye Journal, 2023

12. A New Approach: Determination of the Safe Surgical Margin in Pterygium Surgery - Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, 2023

Professor Osman Sevki Arslan is the founder and medical director of the Eye Bank at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa and has developed two original surgical techniques for corneal transplants.

• Developed the Arslan closed cornea and Arslan covered cornea techniques
• Former President of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Serves as an examiner for the European Board of Ophthalmology
• Specialises in anterior segment surgery and complex keratoplasty
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and ESCRS

Professor Celebi is a highly decorated ophthalmologist who serves on the executive board of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit for the Turkish Ophthalmological Association.

• Completed a prestigious glaucoma fellowship at Harvard Medical School in the United States
• Specialises in limbal stem cell transplantation and complex corneal surface treatments
• Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Published 58 international articles and authored 15 medical books on eye health

Education and Specialization

• 1988-1994: Medical Education, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
• 1999-2002: Specialization, Istanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
• 2002-2007: Post-Specialization Training, Istanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery Clinic

Professional Experience

• 2002-2007: World Eye Hospital, Levent and Ataköy Branches
• 2007-2010: Founding Partner, Kayseri Maya Eye Hospital
• 2010-2012: World Eye Hospital, Samsun and Bursa Branches
• 2012-2023: World Eye Hospital, Antalya Branch
• 2024: Antalya Medical Park Hospital, Eye Laser Clinic

Professor Yusuf Yildirim is a specialist in advanced corneal transplantation and ocular surface reconstruction, having performed more than 10,000 successful eye surgeries.

• Expert in complex keratoplasty techniques including DALK and DMEK procedures
• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Holds a formal subspecialty diploma in Cornea and External Disease
• Certified by the European Board of Ophthalmology and International Council of Ophthalmology
• Professor and Clinical Educator at Istanbul Medipol University

Assistant Professor Ugur Tunc recently completed a prestigious research fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, specialising in cornea and external disease.

• Focuses on corneal diseases, refractive surgery, and complex ocular surface disorders
• Researched the corneal microbiome in keratoconus patients to improve treatment outcomes
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and European Society of Cataract Specialists
• Published 18 peer-reviewed papers on corneal ectasia and macular edema management
• Practices at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital as a specialist ophthalmologist

EDUCATION:

2015

Uludag University, Ophthalmology

2008

Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine

2001

Kırıkkale Science High School, Numerical

EXPERIENCE:

2019 Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Ophthalmology (Vitreo-Retinal Surgery and Medical Retina Fellowship)

2016 SBÜ Zekai Tahir Burak EAH (Retinopathy of Prematurity Fellowship)/

2015 - 2023 Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital

2023 - Medipol University Pendik Hospital

Professor Yucel Ozturk has completed over 30,000 surgical cases – a high volume of procedures that ensures steady expertise in intricate eye surgeries.

• Specialises in corneal treatments at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital Istanbul Atakoy
• Contributes to clinical research with 20 national and international publications
• Member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Trained at major Turkish medical institutions including Ondokuz Mayis University
• Experienced in handling both routine and complex ophthalmology cases

Op. Dr. Alasgar Asgarli, MD, is an ophthalmologist. He focuses on cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, medical retinal diseases, and pediatric eye care. He performs oculoplastic eyelid surgery and ocular trauma surgery. His skills include intravitreal injections, pterygium excision, and neuro-ophthalmology. He also has experience with advanced intraocular lens fixation, including scleral fixation and the Yamane technique.

Achievements and accreditations: Active member of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association (TOD). Presenter at the TOD 59th National Congress. Attended the TOD 58th National Congress. Completed the TOD Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Course (2024). Published “Comparison of the Effects of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses on Lenticular Astigmatism” (DOI: 10.37844/TJ-CEO.2025.20.37). Holds certification in Botox and dermal fillers.

Dr Mustafa Ozsutcu is a senior ophthalmology specialist at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital with a deep background in corneal care and surgical eye health.

• Previously served at the Bezmialem Foundation University Faculty of Medicine
• Practised at the Vakif Gureba Training and Research Hospital department of ophthalmology
• Completed specialist ophthalmology training at Selçuk University
• Focuses on restoring vision through surgical intervention at a major Turkish university centre
• Expertise includes complex corneal conditions and general ophthalmic surgery

Associate Professor Faruk Kaya is a leading corneal specialist at Medipol University Hospital who literally wrote the book on managing keratoconus. He authored the pivotal Springer textbook chapter on corneal cross-linking techniques.

• Specialises in treating progressive keratoconus with epithelium-off cross-linking
• Expert in intraocular lens power calculations for patients with previous surgeries
• Published extensive research on long-term outcomes for complex corneal conditions
• Consults at one of Turkey's premier academic medical facilities

The doctor completed medical education at Marmara University School of Medicine and further specialized at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital in Turkey. The doctor is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Turkish Ophthalmology Association, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Council of Ophthalmology. The doctor has passed the Basic Science and Clinical Science Board Exams from the International Council of Ophthalmology.

The doctor actively participates in international seminars and congresses, including the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the National Congress of Ophthalmology in Turkey.

The doctor graduated from Akdeniz University School of Medicine and completed career education at İzmir Bozyaka Teaching and Training Hospital in Turkey. Specializing in ophthalmology, the doctor is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the German Ophthalmological Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Certified in advanced procedures such as LASIK application, presbyopia correction with multifocal intraocular lenses, and scleral fixation techniques, the doctor is also skilled in corneal collagen cross-linking and femtosecond applications for anterior segment surgery.

The doctor is an accomplished ophthalmologist with over two decades of experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and astigmatism. Specializing in retina diseases, the doctor is proficient in vitreoretinal surgery and macular surgeries. The doctor has contributed significantly to the field, with research on Phacik Intraocular Lenses distributed to over 300 ophthalmologists.

Memberships include the Turkish Ophthalmological Association, European Board of Ophthalmology, and American Academy of Ophthalmology. Medical training was completed at Uludag University, with further specialization in Istanbul and international expertise gained in the USA.

Professor Vedat Kaya is a leading cornea specialist at Liv Hospital Ulus who serves as a reviewer for 'The Cornea' – the field's premier international academic journal.

• Specialises in keratoplasty and complex anterior segment surgery
• Authored a textbook on topography-based laser and wavefront technology
• Published over 30 international research papers on corneal health
• Trained at the faculty of medicine at Ankara University
• Expertise includes both refractive surgery and advanced corneal transplants