Best Macular Dystrophy Treatment Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

Associate Professor Muhammet Derda Ozer is a highly skilled eye specialist who has performed over 20,000 operations and 25,000 treatments throughout his career.

• Completed a surgical vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical School in the USA
• Recognised as a Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology after passing advanced clinical examinations
• Served as an investigator in major clinical trials for retinal diseases with Sanofi, Roche, and Novartis
• Specialises in managing complex macular conditions and age-related retinal degeneration

Professor Ahmet Satici has performed over 20,000 surgical cases across a distinguished career in clinical ophthalmology. He leads his own private practice and maintains the highest academic standing in eye health.

• Achieved full professorship at Harran University – one of the region's established medical institutions
• Previously awarded the title of Associate Professor for his clinical contributions
• Member of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association
• Specialised in medicine and ophthalmology at Dicle University
• Maintains active membership with the Turkish Medical Association

Dr Ponpawee Jindarak is a highly trained ophthalmologist who completed an international clinical fellowship at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago.

• Specialises in managing complex eye and vision conditions at Intrarat Hospital
• Earned a Certificate of Ophthalmology from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University
• Holds a Doctor of Medicine from Thailand's leading medical faculty
• Expertise includes diagnosing and treating degenerative retinal and vision disorders
• Focuses on clinical glaucoma care and advanced ophthalmic diagnostics

EDUCATION

Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, 2009

Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Residency in Ophthalmology, 2009 to 2013

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Mardin Midyat State Hospital – Specialist Ophthalmologist, 2014 to 2020

Mardin Training and Research Hospital – Specialist Ophthalmologist, 2020 to 2022

Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital – Specialist Ophthalmologist, 2022to 2024

Westeye Hospital, Erbil – Specialist Ophthalmologist, 2024 to 2025

Istanbul Tema Hospital – Specialist Ophthalmologist, 2024 to 2025

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

-Cataract and Refractive Surgery

-Corneal Diseases and Keratoplasty

-Strabismus and Strabismus Surgery

-Eyelid and Lacrimal System Surgery

-Ocular Trauma Surgery

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

-Vitrectomy Training at Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 2020

MEMBERSHIPS

-Member of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association (TOD)

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, European Journal of General Medicine, 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 Ebru Gorgun is a retinal specialist at Dunyagoz Eye Hospital who focuses on the medical management of complex eye disorders.

• Active member of the Medical Retina Unit within the Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Member of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision
• Fellow of the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA)
• Former lecturer at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine
• Specialises in vitreoretinal diseases and clinical electrophysiology

Place and Date of Birth

• 1969

Language Skills

• English, Serbian, Albanian and other Balkan languages

Education and Experience

• Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine (English)
• Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital

Number of Scientific Publications

• More than 30 scientific publications.

Case Experience

• Experience with more than 5,000 surgical cases during 12 years of active service as an ophthalmologist.

Memberships

• AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
• EVRS (European VitreoRetinal Society)
• TOD (Turkish Society of Ophthalmology)

Theppachai Thammikasakul, M.D. Ophthalmologist

Work and Educational Experiences 

Graduated (M.D. From)

Doctor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine

Certificates

Ophthalmology Certificate, Phramongkutklao Hospital

Sub-board / Fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at Khonkaen University

Current Position

Theppachai Thammikasakul is currently working as Ophthalmologist at Intrarat Hospital

Professor Osman Sevki Arslan is a highly respected ophthalmologist who founded the Cerrahpaşa Eye Bank and previously served as the President of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association.

• Developed the original Arslan closed cornea and Arslan covered cornea surgical techniques
• Coordinates the eye clinic at the JCI-accredited Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
• Specialises in anterior segment surgery and managing complex retinal conditions using fundus fluorescein angiography
• Represents Turkey as an examiner for the European Board of Ophthalmology
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

Dr. Ali Riza Cenk Celebi is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Acibadem University (2023–2025). He practices at Acibadem Maslak Hospital (2024–2025). He completed a glaucoma fellowship at Harvard/Mass Eye and Ear in 2016. His clinical work covers glaucoma (MIGS, seton procedures), cornea (limbal stem cell surgery), lacrimal surgery (scarless endoscopic DCR), medical retina (intravitreal injections), myopia control in children, and orbital surgery.

He earned his MD from Hacettepe University and ranked 3rd in his class. He began his ophthalmology residency after placing 11th in Turkey’s TUS exam. Certifications include ICO Basic and Clinical (2010), FEBO (2015), Turkish Board (2016), Advanced ICO/FICO (2017), and USMLE Step 4. His awards include Acibadem Academic Achievement (2015–2023), Best Presentation (2022), and TOD awards (2022–2023). He has published 58 international articles and 15 books. He holds an MSc in Biological Data Science (GPA 3.94/4.00, top of term) and completed training in AI in Healthcare in 2020.

Prof. Yusuf Yıldırım, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Areas of Expertise and Interest

• Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• Cornea and Ocular Surface Diseases
• Ocular Surface Reconstruction
• Cornea Transplantation (PK, DALK, DMEK)
• Refractive Surgery (PRK, LASIK, SMILE, phakic IOLs)

Education and Career

• 2006 – 2010, Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital / Resident in Ophthalmology
• 2007, Sub-Investigator, Clinical Trial on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Neovista, Inc.)
• 2009 – 2011, Sub-Investigator, Keraflex Treatment for Myopia (Avedro, Inc.)
• 2016, European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) Certification
• 2018, International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO) Certification
• 2019, Cornea and External Disease Subspecialty Diploma
• 2020, Membership, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Until 2024, Professor and Clinical Education Chief, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital
• 2024 – Present, Professor and Clinical Educator, Istanbul Medipol University, Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital

Career

Born in Trabzon in 1982, Prof. Yusuf Yıldırım completed his high school education at Kanuni Anatolian High School and earned his medical degree from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 2006. He pursued his residency at Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital, where he contributed to clinical trials on age-related macular degeneration and myopia treatment. Prof. Yıldırım's clinical focus lies in cataract and refractive surgeries, as well as corneal and ocular surface diseases. He has performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries, numerous ocular surface reconstructions, and advanced corneal transplants (PK, DALK, DMEK). His refractive surgery experience includes PRK, LASIK (mechanical and femtosecond), SMILE, and phakic IOL implantation. He continues to participate in clinical research, particularly involving toric phakic IOLs. He holds multiple distinguished certifications and memberships including FEBO (2016), FICO (2018), a Corneal Subspecialty Diploma (2019), and Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2020). In his academic career, Prof. Yıldırım has contributed to the education of numerous residents and has published widely in the field.

Publications

• Author of 84 peer-reviewed scientific articles
• H-index: 17 (Web of Science), 23 (Google Scholar)
• Total Citations: 830 (Web of Science), 1,451 (Google Scholar)

Books and Book Chapters

• Ocular Surface Disorders
• Corneal Diseases and Surgery
• Refractive Errors (including Presbyopia)

Certifications and Awards

• European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO), 2016
• International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO), 2018
• Cornea and External Disease Subspecialty Diploma, 2019
• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, 2020
• 2nd Place – Best Poster Award, ESCRS Conference, London, 2014

Dr Ugur Yayla is a highly specialised ophthalmologist who completed a dedicated Vitreo-Retinal Surgery and Medical Retina fellowship at Gazi University.

• Trained at Uludag University in comprehensive ophthalmology
• Specialises in medical retina care at Medipol University Pendik Hospital
• Completed a second fellowship in Retinopathy of Prematurity
• Experienced in treating complex retinal conditions and macular disorders
• Focuses on precise surgical and medicinal management of the eye

Education

2019 İSTANBUL MEDİPOL UNIVERSITY, ASSOC. PROF. DR. - OPHTHALMOLOGY

2004 ISTANBUL PROF. DR. N. REŞAT BELGER BEYOĞLU E.A.H, SPECIALIZATION IN MEDICINE - OPHTHALMOLOGY

1999 ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL MEDICAL FACULTY

1999 ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY, ISTANBUL MEDICAL FACULTY

Publications

A. International Peer-Reviewed Journals:

Title: Comparison of different formulas for intraocular lens power calculation using a new optical biometer.

• Authors: Kaya Faruk, Koçak İbrahim, Aydın Ali, Baybora Hakan, Karabela Yunus
• Journal: Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie
• Year: 2015
• Volume: 38(8)
• Pages: 717-722
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2015.03.006

Title: Change in choroidal thickness after intravitreal injection for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Ranibizumab versus aflibercept.

• Author: Kaya Faruk
• Journal: Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie
• Year: 2017
• Volume: 40(10)
• Pages: 832-838
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2017.04.014

Title: Effect of aflibercept on persistent macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

• Authors: Kaya Faruk, Koçak İbrahim, Aydın Ali, Baybora Hakan, Koç Hacı, Karabela Yunus
• Journal: Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie
• Year: 2018
• Volume: 41(9)
• Pages: 809-813
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.01.024

Title: Epithelium-off corneal cross-linking in progressive keratoconus: 6-year outcomes.

• Author: Kaya Faruk
• Journal: Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie
• Year: 2019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.09.013

Authors: Eliaçık Mustafa, Karaman Erdur Sevil, Baltepe Altıok İnci, Gülkılık İbrahim Gökhan, Anıl Aslan Cemile, Kaya Faruk

• Journal: The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 32(1)
• Pages: 38-43
• DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2015.12.004

Authors: Karabela Yunus, Eliaçık Mustafa, Kaya Faruk

• Journal: BMC Ophthalmology
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 16(1)
• DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0271-8

Authors: Koçak İbrahim, Koçak Funda, Teker Bahri, Aydın Ali, Kaya Faruk, Hakan Baybora

• Journal: International Journal of Ophthalmology
• Year: 2014
• Volume: 7(4)
• Pages: 686-688

Authors: Koçak İbrahim, Aydın Ali, Kaya Faruk, Koç Hacı

• Journal: Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie
• Year: 2014
• Volume: 37(5)
• Pages: 371-376
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2013.11.012

Authors: Baybora Hakan, Kaya Faruk, Koçak İbrahim, Karabela Yunus

• Journal: Turkish Neurosurgery
• Year: 2019
• DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.24775-18.4

Authors: Koçak İbrahim, Karabela Yunus, Karaman Mehmet, Kaya Faruk

• Journal: Journal of Refractive Surgery
• Year: 2006
• Volume: 22(8)
• Pages: 799-803
• DOI: 10.3928/1081-597X-20060901-04

B. Book Chapters:

Title: Corneal Cross-linking in Keratoconus.

• Authors: Kaya Faruk, Koçak İbrahim
• Book Title: Keratoconus: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2017
• Pages: 163-169
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45357-0_13

Title: Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Eyes with Previous Myopic Refractive Surgery.

• Authors: Koçak İbrahim, Kaya Faruk
• Book Title: Mastering Refractive IOLs
• Publisher: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
• Year: 2018
• Pages: 107-114
• DOI: 10.5005/jp/books/14282_10