A Clearer World Again: Vasyl Yeremenko’s Cataract Treatment Journey in Turkey

Many people find that their vision deteriorates gradually over time. For instance, a person may initially experience mild blurriness but later find it difficult to read or drive, or even to recognise someone by face. This was Vasyl Yeremenko's experience. The 71-year-old Ukrainian man endured constant visual disturbance, headaches and increased dependence on others before he recognised that his vision was deteriorating rapidly.

Fortunately, his timely intervention, along with coordinated, international healthcare assistance, provided him with the trust, skilled care and renewed independence he needed to recover from his vision loss.

Vasyl had been highly active, and self-care was excellent, but over time, he found it increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks. He had trouble reading the newspaper, found bright light discomforting and had frequent headaches that were a normal part of his daily life. Enjoyable activities that had once brought him joy were now extremely frustrating.

Eventually, after a medical evaluation, Vasyl was diagnosed with bilateral hypermetropia and age-related nuclear cataracts in both eyes. Cataracts are a very common condition among older adults, but when they are not treated, they can significantly reduce the quality of life of affected individuals. Vasyl's cataracts had become severe enough to require surgery on his eyes in order to be fully functional again.

Finding a physician internationally was particularly challenging for him because he had no idea how to identify a doctor he could trust, where to begin searching for one outside his country, or how to obtain treatment abroad, as he was staying with his cousin in Turkey.

This is where he found MediGence. Once Vasyl had received a direct lead, he was introduced to Vanshika, his case manager. Vasyl's diagnosis and medical needs were reviewed, and they recommended Medical Park Trabzon, a hospital in Turkey with an excellent reputation in its ophthalmology department, as well as providing high-quality eye care services.

Meeting Op Dr. Ahmet Kalkisim at Medical Park Trabzon in Turkey

Vasyl flew into Turkey before his scheduled surgery date of November 10 and met Op Dr. Ahmet Kalkisim at Medical Park Trabzon Hospital. All logistical details were arranged upon his arrival, from coordinating his airport pickup to planning the appointments required to prepare him for surgery. They also performed pre-operative assessments on Vasyl to verify that he was qualified to undergo surgery and was medically free to have surgery before undergoing surgery.

Vasyl received a proposed treatment plan that included bilateral cataract surgery with refractive correction. Bilateral lens implantation is an appropriate and well-proven treatment for cataracts and provides refractive correction.

Treatment Process

Dr. Ahmet explained that the procedure would involve removing cataracts (clouded natural lenses) from both eyes and inserting artificial intraocular lenses to restore and correct his vision.

Vasyl had successful cataract lens replacement surgery completed by his eye doctor for both of his eyes. Cataract lens replacement surgery is typically quick and minimally invasive, as in Vasyl's case. Each step of the procedure was performed carefully to ensure safety and comfort. The surgical staff monitored Vasyl closely both during and after the procedure, addressing any pain and ensuring a prompt recovery. The total hospital stay was only 1 day, providing adequate observation time, postoperative care, and follow-up evaluations. Vasyl was in the country for 7 days.

Recovering and Early Result

One of the most exciting moments for Vasyl occurred soon after his lens replacement when he was able to enjoy clearly defined images and significantly improved color quality than were previously available to him. He saw his surroundings much more clearly than before, colors appeared bright, and shapes had precise lines. After months of blurred vision, he was pleased to have his vision restored following the lens replacement surgery.

Vasyl had no headaches following the lens replacement surgery and did not find it exhausting to function within his daily activities as he had before. The recovery process from the lens implant was seamless due to his receiving excellent post-operative instructions at the hospital, as well as the high level of attention received from the hospital staff.

After the surgery, Vasyl felt very confident in his vision and his ability to move comfortably, which he had greatly missed before the surgery.

Support & Assistance at All Stages of Your Recovery Journey

Support throughout the journey was integral to Vasyl's overall positive experience. At every step, from pre-treatment planning through to discharge and follow-up, MediGence actively supported Vasyl's treatment journey by coordinating his appointments, facilitating communication with the medical team, and ensuring continuity of care. Through ongoing guidance and support, Vasyl did not feel alone during his medical care, which helped him reduce his anxiety and fully concentrate on his recovery.

A Clear Eyesight and A Bright Future

As a result of this assistance and support, Vasyl is now living a healthy, independent, and pain-free life. Tasks that would once have been challenging for him due to his vision are now effortless. He enjoys reading, walking outdoors, and spending time with family and friends without the limitations imposed by vision loss.

When Vasyl reflects on his experience, he says he will always be grateful that his vision has returned and that the surgery was successful, as well as for all the support he received that enabled him to receive treatment internationally. He is grateful to MediGence for its assistance at every step of his journey. The doctors, the hospitals, and the coordination of care were all outstanding, and now he can see clearly again, and life feels like it did before his vision loss.