Eye Treatments Malpractice in Turkey – Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options

Turkey has earned a strong reputation as a global hub for medical tourism, attracting thousands of patients each year for advanced eye treatments such as LASIK, cataract surgery, and cosmetic eye procedures. The country offers state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and competitive pricing, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking vision correction or eye rejuvenation.

However, while many patients achieve excellent results, some face serious complications due to medical negligence or substandard care. In such cases, these incidents may qualify as eye treatment malpractice, leading to permanent vision loss, long-term discomfort, and significant emotional and financial burdens.

This article explains what constitutes eye treatment malpractice in Turkey, the common causes and consequences, your legal rights, and how Oran Partners can help you secure justice and compensation.

What Is Eye Treatment Malpractice?

Eye treatment malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence, misconduct, or breach of professional duty during diagnosis, surgery, or aftercare causes harm to the patient.

Because eyesight is delicate and essential for quality of life, even a minor mistake in an eye procedure can have life-changing consequences.

Common Examples of Eye Treatment Malpractice

  1. Improper Diagnosis or Evaluation – Failing to conduct comprehensive pre-treatment assessments, such as corneal thickness tests for LASIK or detailed retinal scans, can lead to inappropriate procedures or worsened conditions.
  2. Surgical Errors – Mistakes during surgery, such as damaging the cornea, retina, or optic nerve, can result in partial or permanent vision loss.
  3. Post-Surgical Negligence – Inadequate follow-up care or failure to detect early signs of infection, swelling, or retinal detachment can cause preventable complications.
  4. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent – Patients must be clearly informed about the risks, benefits, and available alternatives before undergoing any eye procedure.
  5. Use of Defective or Outdated Equipment – Relying on poorly maintained surgical instruments or obsolete technology can compromise treatment quality and patient safety.
  6. Anesthesia-Related Errors – Mismanagement of local or general anesthesia during eye surgery can lead to corneal injury, eye pressure changes, or systemic complications.

When these mistakes occur due to negligence, they form the basis of a medical malpractice claim.

Consequences of Eye Treatment Malpractice

The effects of malpractice in eye treatments can range from temporary discomfort to permanent disability. Common consequences include:

  • Partial or Complete Vision Loss
  • Chronic Eye Pain or Irritation
  • Corneal Scarring
  • Double Vision (Diplopia)
  • Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
  • Loss of Night Vision
  • Permanent Eye Disfigurement

Such complications can significantly reduce a patient’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, drive, or perform everyday activities.

Legal Framework for Eye Treatment Malpractice Claims in Turkey

Turkey’s legal system allows patients—both local and international—to pursue claims for compensation when harmed by medical negligence.

1. Key Elements of a Malpractice Claim

To succeed in a malpractice case, your legal team must prove:

  • Duty of Care – The doctor or clinic had a legal obligation to provide safe, competent treatment.
  • Breach of Duty – The care provided fell below the accepted medical standard for eye treatments.
  • Causation – The breach directly caused or worsened your condition.
  • Damages – You suffered measurable harm, such as vision loss, pain, financial costs, or emotional trauma.

2. Statute of Limitations

In Turkey, the general statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is five years from the date of the incident.
However, acting quickly is crucial—delays can make it more difficult to gather evidence, secure expert testimony, and build a strong case.

3. Compensation Available

Victims of eye treatment malpractice may be entitled to:

  • Medical Expenses – Including corrective surgeries, medications, specialist consultations, and rehabilitation.
  • Loss of Income – Compensation for wages lost during recovery or for permanent disability preventing future employment.
  • Pain and Suffering – For both physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the malpractice.
  • Future Costs – Covering long-term treatments, therapy, and necessary assistive devices.

Challenges for International Patients

Turkey’s popularity among medical tourists means many malpractice victims live abroad, which introduces additional challenges:

  1. Language Barriers – Legal and medical proceedings are conducted in Turkish, requiring accurate translation and interpretation services.
  2. Understanding the Legal System – Foreign patients are often unfamiliar with Turkish healthcare regulations and malpractice laws.
  3. Collecting Evidence From Afar – Obtaining medical records, imaging results, and witness statements can be difficult without local legal support.
  4. Travel Requirements – Some cases may require your presence in Turkey, though an experienced law firm can minimize unnecessary trips.

Partnering with a law firm experienced in representing international malpractice clients is essential to navigating these challenges effectively.

How Oran Partners Can Help

Oran Partners is Turkey’s leading law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice cases, with extensive experience representing patients harmed during eye treatments.

Why Choose Oran Partners

  • Specialized Expertise – We have successfully handled numerous malpractice claims involving LASIK, cataract surgery, and other ophthalmic procedures.
  • Support for International Clients – We bridge language and cultural gaps, ensuring smooth communication and case management.
  • Comprehensive Case Review – We consult with leading ophthalmology experts to assess negligence and evaluate damages.
  • Proven Results – Our history includes significant settlements and court victories for malpractice victims.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Eye Treatment Malpractice

If you believe you have suffered due to negligent eye treatment in Turkey, you should:

  1. Document the Incident – Keep detailed records of all medical consultations, treatments, prescriptions, and communications.
  2. Take Photographs – Document visible injuries or changes in your eyes’ appearance.
  3. Seek a Second Medical Opinion – Consult a qualified ophthalmologist to evaluate the damage and possible links to malpractice.
  4. Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer – Choose a law firm with experience in eye treatment malpractice and knowledge of Turkish law.
  5. Act Quickly – Initiating the process early ensures vital evidence is preserved and strengthens your case.

What a Successful Claim Can Achieve

Pursuing a malpractice claim can:

  • Provide financial compensation for your losses.
  • Enable you to afford corrective medical treatment.
  • Hold negligent doctors and clinics accountable, reducing risks for future patients.
  • Offer a sense of justice and closure.

Conclusion – Protecting Your Vision and Your Rights

Eye treatments like LASIK and cataract surgery can dramatically improve quality of life, but when negligence occurs, the consequences can be life-changing—and not for the better.

If you have suffered harm due to eye treatment malpractice in Turkey, it is critical to know your rights, act promptly, and seek experienced legal representation.

At Oran Partners, we are committed to defending patients, demanding accountability, and delivering results. Whether you are in Turkey or abroad, we will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.