Eye Treatment Malpractice in Turkey: Know 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: If doctors skip important pre-treatment checks, like corneal thickness tests for LASIK or detailed retinal scans, patients may receive the wrong procedure or see their condition get worse.
  2. Surgical Errors: Errors made during surgery, such as damage to the cornea, retina, or optic nerve, can cause partial or permanent vision loss.
  3. Post-Surgical Negligence: Not providing proper follow-up care or missing early signs of infection, swelling, or retinal detachment can lead to problems that could have been avoided.
  4. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Patients should always be told about the risks, benefits, and other options before any eye procedure.
  5. Use of Defective or Outdated Equipment: Using old or poorly maintained surgical tools can lower the quality of treatment and put patients at risk.
  6. Anesthesia-Related Errors: If anesthesia is not managed correctly during eye surgery, it can cause injuries to the cornea, changes in eye pressure, or other serious problems.
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 both local and international patients to seek compensation if they are 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, it is important to act quickly. Waiting too long can make it harder to collect evidence, find expert witnesses, and build a strong case.

3. Compensation Available

Victims of eye treatment malpractice may be entitled to:
  • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for corrective surgeries, medications, specialist visits, and rehabilitation.
  • Loss of Income: You may be compensated for wages lost during your recovery or if a permanent disability prevents you from working in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering: This covers both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the malpractice.
  • Future Costs: This includes long-term treatments, therapy, and any assistive devices you may need.

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 handled many malpractice claims involving LASIK, cataract surgery, and other eye procedures.
  • Support for International Clients: We help overcome language and cultural differences to make communication and case management easier.
  • Comprehensive Case Review: We work with top eye specialists to review your case, assess negligence, and determine damages.
  • Proven Results: We have achieved significant settlements and court victories for people affected by malpractice.

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 thDocument the Incident: Keep detailed records of all your medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any communication with healthcare providers.ographs – Document visible injuries or changes in your eyes’ appearance.
  2. Seek a Second Medical Opinion: Ask another qualified eye doctor to check the damage and see if it may be related to malpractice.
  3. Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer: Find a law firm that has experience with eye treatment malpractice and understands Turkish law.
  4. Act Quickly: Starting the process as soon as possible helps preserve important evidence and makes your case stronger.

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 to reduce risks for future patients.
  • Offer a sense of justice and closure.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Vision and Your Eyesight.

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.