Education and Expertise

2005 – Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Education

2011 – Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Specialization

Specialization Thesis: Our Grid Laser Results in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Experience

Erzincan State Hospital

Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital

Gebze Fatih State Hospital

Tuzla State Hospital

Courses and Certificates

56th TOD National Congress

ESCRS (The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons)

7th TOD Live Surgery Symposium

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Skills Transfer Course

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Live Applications

Professional Memberships

-Turkish Ophthalmology Association

-Turkish Medical Association, Istanbul Chamber

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.

網膜および硝子体網膜手術を専門とするSönmezer医師は、32年の経験の眼科手術の経験をメディカルパーク・アンタルヤ病院複合施設にもたらしています。

• イスタンブール・オクメイダヌ研修研究病院にて研修
• 高度な白内障手術技術に注力
• カイセリ・マヤ眼科病院の創設パートナー
• トルコ眼科学会会員

屈折矯正手術を専門とし、日本および英国での国際的な研修を経て、TRSCインターナショナル・アイ・アンド・ビジョンセンターにおける白内障手術に精密さをもたらしています。

• チュラロンコン大学にて角膜および屈折矯正手術のクリニカルフェローシップ修了
• 京都府立医科大学およびロンドン・ビジョン・クリニックにて高度技術研修修了
• キング・チュラロンコン記念病院 角膜エクセレンスセンター 元インストラクター
• アジア角膜学会－参天製薬 教育助成金受賞

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. Digdem Begendi is an experienced ophthalmologist. She specializes in cataract surgery with IOL replacement, LASIK, and strabismus treatment. She is skilled in advanced procedures, including intraLase laser eye surgery, laser iridotomy, and femtosecond laser techniques.

Dr. Begendi has published several articles in national and international journals. Her work shows a strong commitment to research and clinical care. She is a member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association. She completed her medical degree at Istanbul Bilim University and her specialization at Akdeniz University.

Dr. Yoon-Jung Jo is a board-certified ophthalmologist and Director at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic (Gangnam, Seoul). She earned her MD and completed an ophthalmology residency at Hallym University Medical Center. She later served as a visiting professor and clinical faculty member. She also served as Director of Cheonan Kim Eye Clinic.

She is a refractive surgery specialist. Her focus includes SMILE, LASIK, and 1:1 customized astigmatism and vision correction. Dr. Jo is a certified ZEISS SMILE Excellent Surgeon. She is an active member of KOS, AAO, APAO, KSCRS, ESCRS, ASCRS, ARVO, KEEDS, and KCLS.

Uğur Tunç, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Areas of Expertise and Interest

• Cataract Surgery
• Corneal Diseases & Refractive Surgery
• Ocular Surface Disorders
• Retinal Diseases

Education

• Uludağ University, Faculty of Medicine – M.D., 2016
• Istanbul Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital – Ophthalmology Residency, 2021
   

Career

• 2024–Present: Assistant Professor, Istanbul Medipol University; Ophthalmologist, Medipol Acıbadem Bölge Hospital
• 2023–2024: Research Fellow, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University (Cornea & External Disease)
• 2021–2023: Specialist Ophthalmologist, Eyüpsultan State Hospital

Publications (Selected)

• Tunç U, et al. Corneal bacterial microbiome in keratoconus patients. Ocul Surf. 2023.
• Tunç U, et al. Comparison of dexamethasone implants in diabetic macular edema. Int Ophthalmol. 2022.
  Tunç U, et al. Corneal bacterial microbiome in keratoconus patients. Ocul Surf. 2023.
• Tunç U, et al. Comparison of dexamethasone implants in diabetic macular edema. Int Ophthalmol. 2022.
• Tunç U, et al. Topical anesthesia in phacoemulsification surgery: a randomized study. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021.
• Tunç U, et al. Analysis of corneal ectasia progression after cross-linking. Turk J Ophthalmol. 2020.
• Tunç U, et al. Macular edema management outcomes: real-life data. Turk J Ophthalmol. 2020.
  (Total: 18 peer-reviewed publications, 11 international, 7 national)
• Tunç U, et al. Topical anesthesia in phacoemulsification surgery: a randomized study. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021.

Conferences & Scientific Activity

• Presenter, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress
• Presenter, World Ophthalmology Congress
• Presenter, Turkish Ophthalmological Society (TOD) Annual Congresses
• Panelist & instructor in corneal and refractive surgery training courses

Awards

• 2nd Prize, Best Oral Presentation – AI in Health Congress, 2020
• Travel Grant – ESCRS Milan, 2022
• Young Ophthalmologist Science Award – Turkish Ophthalmological Society, 2022

Memberships

• Turkish Ophthalmological Society (TOD)
• Turkish Medical Association
• European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanin Suwan is a glaucoma surgery specialist. She provides glaucoma, general ophthalmology, and cataract care.

She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Her academic profile is listed on Mahidol University’s research portal.

Her publications cover glaucoma, angle-closure mechanisms, and OCT angiography. These include “Pseudophakic angle-closure from a Soemmering ring,” which describes a rare mechanism of pseudophakic angle closure.

Birth place and date

Konya, 1984

Foreign Languages ​​Known

English, German

Educational Status and Experience

Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Associate Professor (2023)

St. Franziskus-Hospital, Zentrum für Refraktive Chirurgie

Germany, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Fellowship (2022-2023)

Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Specialist Doctor (2018-2022)

Hatice-Muammer Kocatürk State Hospital, Kayseri, Specialist Doctor (2017-2018)

Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Specialist Doctor (2014-2017)

Bülent Ecevit University Faculty of Medicine, Zonguldak, Specialization in Medicine (2010-2014)

Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine, Bolu, Medical Education (2007-2010)

GATA Gülhane Military Medical Faculty, Ankara, Medical Education (2003-2007)

Kuleli Military High School, Istanbul (1999-2003)

Case Experience

Experience of over 10,000 surgical cases.

Associations of which he is a member

ESOPRS (European Society Of Ophthalmic Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery), Member, 2022

ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), Member, 2021

MRCSEd (The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh), Member, 2021

TOD-GO (Turkish Ophthalmology Association - Young Ophthalmologists Group), Member, 2018

TOD (Turkish Ophthalmology Association), Member, 2010

Certificates

2016 European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma, FEBO, Paris

2019 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Visual Sciences

2020 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Optics and Refraction

2020 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Clinical Science

2021 International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), Advanced Examination, FICO

2019 Ophthalmology Clinical Research Training, Istanbul

2014 Communication, Anterior Segment and Toric Lens Applications, Prague

Books

Sea Sword

MCQ for International Ophthalmology Board Exams – 2

Chapter 4, Oculoplasty, (2021). Anatolian Bookstore.

Awards

FICO, International Fellowship Scholarship 2022

TÜBİTAK, International Scientific Publications Incentive Scholarship UBYT, 2022

TÜBİTAK, International Scientific Publications Incentive Scholarship UBYT, 2020

Ministry of Health, Certificate of Appreciation, 2018

Education & Expertise

1988 | Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine

1992 | Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital – Specialization in Ophthalmology

1996 | Moscow University Eye Institute – Refractive Surgery

1998 | Miami Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute (Florida, USA) – Phaco Surgery

Current - VM MedicalPark Pendik Hospital Ophtalmology Department

Professional Memberships

Turkish Medical Association

Turkish Ophthalmology Association

Experience:

1. Konya-Karapınar Kutören Health Center\ General Practitioner
2. KonyaProvincial Deputy Directorate of Health
3. KonyaProvincial Health DeputyDirectorate
4. Istanbul Fatih Tuberculosis Dispensary
5. University of Frankfurt \ Darmstadt Eye Clinic
6. Istanbul Taksim State Hospital\ Eye Diseases
7. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine \ Chief Assistantof the Department of Ophthalmology
8. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Eye Bank \ Founder (MedicalDirector)
9. TOD\ Chairman
10. Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa - Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine\ First Head of the Department of Ophthalmology
11. Demiroğlu-Bilim University \ Head of Ophthalmology Department
12. Florence Nightingale Hospitals \ Eye ClinicCoordinator

Specialties:

1. Vaccinating the child age group
2. Follow-up of eye eclipse in Behçet’s disease with iris and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)

Priority treatments:

1. Anterior segment surgery (cataract + IOL implantation, keratoplasty)

Special advanced health technologies:

1. Arslan closed cornea technique
2. Arslan covered cornea technique
3. Retrograde glaucoma tube implantation

Leadership and Administrative Roles (Turkish Ophthalmology Association - TOD):

• Various administrative roles at TOD including:
• President of TOD IstanbulBranch (2006-2010, 2008-2010)
• General Secretary (2015-2017)
• President of TOD (2017-2019)
• Member of TOD CentralExecutive Board (2011-2013, 2013-2015)
• Member of Executive Board of the Cornea and Ocular Surface(COS) Unit of TOD (1994-2023)
• Member of Executive Board of TOD Cataract and Refractive SurgeryUnit (2016-2018)

Research and Publications:

• Authored 57 original articlesin international peer-reviewed journals
• Authored 56 articles in national peer-reviewed journals
• Presented 178 papers at national conferences and 102 papersat international conferences
• Authored 1 book and 6 book chapters
• Developed two original surgicaltechniques and the Retrograde GlaucomaTube Implantation technique
• Served on editorial boardsof various international and national journals

Memberships and Affiliations:

• Member of American Academyof Ophthalmology (AAO) and EuropeanSociety of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
• Examiner for European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) exams representing Turkey

Awards:

• Received awards from IstanbulUniversity and TÜBİTAK

Education:

Dr. Agon Rrusta is a specialist ophthalmologist with experience in over 10,000 surgeries. He performs both anterior and posterior segment procedures. Dr. Rrusta currently works at the Italian Eye Hospital in Prishtina. He previously served at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. He is known for his skills in LASIK, cataract, corneal, and eyelid surgeries. He also provides advanced care for diabetic retinopathy and ocular oncology.

Dr. Rrusta is an active member and presenter at several international societies, including EURETINA, ESASO, ASCRS, AAO, ESCRS, ARVO, and EuCornea. He has completed clinical observerships at Moorfields Eye Hospital as an SOE Grant Winner and at the University Clinical Center of Salzburg. He holds certifications in Trans PRK, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and wetlab phaco/glaucoma surgery.

Dr. Nawat Watanachai is an ophthalmologist specializing in vitreous, retina, and cataract care. He provides comprehensive eye care. He is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.

He has published in academic journals. His research covers retinal diseases, outcomes of retinal procedures, and other ophthalmic topics.

Dr. Matben Volkan is an ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of practice. He has performed over 20,000 surgeries.

He graduated from Ege University School of Medicine (1986–1992). He completed his ophthalmology specialization at Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital (1992–1996).

Professional memberships: TOD (Turkish Society of Ophthalmology), AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), ISRS (International Society of Refractive Surgery). Language: English.

Dr. Bujar Rizvanolli, MD, is an ophthalmologist at the Italian Eye Hospital in Pristina, Kosovo. He focuses on laser eye treatments and therapeutic procedures for different eye conditions. His main interests are keratoconus and modern refractive surgery, such as TransPRK and corneal cross-linking.

Dr. Rizvanolli earned his MD from the University of Pristina. He completed his ophthalmology training at the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo. He is known for his skill in non-invasive, laser-based vision correction and surface ablation, especially for patients with thin corneas.

He is also involved in public health education. Dr. Rizvanolli often takes part in campaigns and videos to help people learn about eye diseases and available treatments.

Dr. Yucel Ozturk is a member of the Turkish Ophthalmology Association. He has performed over 30,000 surgeries and authored 20 national and international publications.

He earned his medical degree at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine (2004–2011). He trained at Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital (2012–2016). He then worked at Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital (2016–2022).

Language: English.

Dr. Sasi Yaisawang, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at Bangkok Eye Hospital. She specializes in cornea and refractive surgery.

She graduated in medicine with first-class honors from Chulalongkorn University. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Khon Kaen University. She is a Ph.D. candidate. She has presented her work at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). She has authored medical textbooks and research articles.

Dr. Seong-Won Cho is Director of Ophthalmology and a refractive surgery specialist at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. He is board-certified. He completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at Korea University Anam Hospital. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. He focuses on advanced vision correction, including SMILE and LASIK. He previously served as Director at Blue World Eye Clinic. He was also an outpatient ophthalmology consultant at Inha University Hospital.

Accreditations: ZEISS SMILE Excellent Surgeon (Certified). Memberships: Korean Medical Association; Korean Ophthalmological Association; Korean Ophthalmological Society; American Academy of Ophthalmology; Asia Pacific Association of Ophthalmologists; Korean External Eye Study Group; Korean Contact Lens Society; Korean Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons; American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; ARVO.

CV

Place and Date of Birth

Kırşehir, 1984

Foreign Languages

English

Education and Experience

Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, 2008

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 2015 (Specialization)

Mardin State Hospital 2015-2018

Kayseri City Hospital 2018-2022

SBÜ Gülhane Training and Research Hospital 2019-2020

Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital 2022-2024

Ludwig Maximilian University (Germany – Munich) 2022-2023

Case Experience

Active ophthalmologist for 9 years, over 5,000 case experience

Associations of which he is a member

Turkish Ophthalmology Association

Turkish Medical Association

Certificates

European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) (2018)

International Council of Ophthalmology, Basic Science(2018)

International Council of Ophthalmology, Optic and Refraction(2018)

International Council of Ophthalmology, Clinical Science (2019)

International Council of Ophthalmology, Advanced Clinical Exam (FICO)(2020)

Books

1. Esra Vural, A Hakan Durukan. Retinal Prostheses. Innovative Health. Academician Publishing House

2. Esra Vural. Riboflavin in Corneal Crosslinking. Corneal Crosslinking Treatment. Anadolu Bookstore