Keratoconus Doctors Abroad — Page 3

Professor Birgi Sönmezer is a leading eye specialist at Medical Park Antalya who specialises in complex corneal and refractive treatments.

• Trained at the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
• Completed intensive post-specialist training in vitreoretinal surgery and retina care
• Former founding partner of Kayseri Maya Eye Hospital with decades of surgical experience
• Focuses on laser-based vision correction and corneal integrity at the Eye Laser Clinic

Professor Digdem Begendi specialise in laser-assisted eye procedures at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital. She focus on high-precision techniques to stabilise the cornea and improve visual clarity.

• Specialises in IntraLase laser surgery for high-precision corneal reshaping
• Uses femtosecond laser technology for safer and more accurate procedures
• Performs laser iridotomy to manage internal eye pressure
• Member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Published researcher in peer-reviewed international ophthalmology journals

Professor Yusuf Yildirim is a leading authority in corneal surgery, holding a subspecialty diploma in cornea and external disease. He has performed over 10,000 eye procedures and specialises in restoring vision for complex keratoconus cases.

• Performs advanced corneal transplants including DALK and DMEK for better graft survival
• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a prestigious international standard
• Published author of book chapters specifically covering corneal diseases and surgery
• Recognised as a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO)
• Trained other surgeons as Clinical Education Chief at large city hospitals

Dr Akif Saygin is a specialised ophthalmologist at VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital with elite training in cataract and refractive surgery. He holds a medical degree from Akdeniz University and completed his specialist registrar training at Istanbul Goztepe Hospital.

• Treats keratoconus using corneal cross-linking to strengthen the eye and stop vision loss
• Member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• Performs refractive surgery to correct vision issues and reduce dependence on glasses
• Published research on laser treatments for retinal conditions like macular oedema

Associate Professor Gokcen Gokce has performed over 10,000 surgical procedures and specialises in complex corneal cases at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital Izmir.

• Uses femtolaser technology to insert corneal rings for precise keratoconus correction
• Performs keratoplasty to replace damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor grafts
• Certified in femtolaser-assisted corneal tunnel surgery for faster patient recovery
• Previously served as an Associate Professor at the prestigious Gulhane Military Medical Academy
• Holds specialist certification in managing high astigmatism using femtolaser techniques

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

• Focuses on corneal ectasia progression – managing the thinning and bulging of the cornea
• Highly active in refractive surgery – uses laser-based methods to correct vision issues
• Published multiple research papers on the bacterial microbiome in keratoconus patients
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the European Society of Cataract Surgeons
• Awarded the Young Ophthalmologist Science Award by the Turkish Ophthalmological Society

Associate Professor Deniz Kilic is a highly credentialed eye surgeon who has successfully managed over 10,000 surgical cases across his career.

• Completed a specialist fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at St Franziskus-Hospital in Germany
• Holds a Fellowship from the International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO) and the European Board of Ophthalmology
• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSEd)
• Expertise in corrective procedures to reshape the cornea and improve visual clarity
• Awarded the FICO International Fellowship Scholarship for clinical excellence

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 Arslan is a leading authority in corneal surgery and pioneered his own surgical techniques for complex eye repairs. He founded the Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Eye Bank and serves as a coordinator at the Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

• Developed the Arslan closed cornea technique for specialised corneal management
• Former President of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Examiner for the European Board of Ophthalmology diploma exams
• Published 110+ peer-reviewed articles on anterior segment and corneal surgery
• Experienced in keratoplasty, which involves replacing damaged cornea tissue with healthy donor tissue

Professor Levent Akcay is a high-volume eye surgeon who has performed more than 55,000 surgical procedures at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital.

• Specialises in corneal treatments and oculoplastic surgery – repairing delicate structures around the eye
• Contributed to 201 scientific publications on ophthalmic surgical outcomes and techniques
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
• Trained at Dr Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, a major Turkish specialist centre

Associate Professor Erkan Unsal is a highly skilled eye specialist at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital Izmır. He has successfully managed over 20,000 surgical cases during his career.

• Specialises in corneal conditions and vision correction surgery
• Fellow at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital
• Published over 50 research papers in international medical journals
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Active member of the Turkish Society of Ophthalmology

Associate Professor Mustafa Ozsutcu is a key specialist at Medipol Bahcelievler University Hospital with deep expertise in corneal topography and corneal disease management.

• Treats corneal thinning using corneal cross-linking to strengthen the eye and stop progression
• Specialises in fitting complex contact lenses for improved visual clarity
• Conducted research at Bezmialem Foundation University – a top Turkish medical school
• Completed specialist ophthalmology training at Selcuk University
• Practises at Medipol Mega Hospitals Complex using high-definition imaging for precise diagnosis

Associate Professor Faruk Kaya is a leading voice in corneal health, having authored key textbook chapters on corneal cross-linking for managing progressive keratoconus.

• Specialises in corneal cross-linking, a procedure that strengthens the cornea to prevent vision loss
• Uses optical biometry for precise measurement and intraocular lens power calculation
• Published long-term research on 6-year outcomes for epithelium-off cross-linking techniques
• Practises at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital, a major academic and research centre

Specializations

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia)

Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Yellow Spot Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy