Cataract surgery in Serbia!

I'm sure there are excellent ophthalmologists in Serbia, but one thing you must notice when you're reading comments on this site is that results of cataract surgery (or lens exchange for younger patients) are often not as expected. What if you have unanticipated complications? What doctor would address such concerns? When you work with a doctor in your area there is the assumption that doctor will address problems associated with your surgery for at least one year post surgery. I have a friend who had to have bilateral YAG capsulotomies 7 months after her cataract surgeries. There was no charge because the procedure was performed by the doctor who did her cataract surgeries and PCO was considered an expected complication of the surgeries. If you had to see a doctor in your area and not the Serbian doctor who performed the surgery, then you would incur unanticipated costs. There are certainly costs associated with traveling to Serbia and securing hotel accomodations for your stay. Cost should not be your primary concern when planning for eye surgery. You need to expect routine follow up care.

Thank you for your replay. It means a lot. I agree with you, but there are agencies that organize the whole trip, and ensure your safety.

The good thing is that they also work with doctors in our country, and in case of complications they direct us to Clinics here as a postoperative process. My friend did the operation in Serbia, and it was much cheaper, with the operation and accommodation, without a plane, she spent about 1500 euros.

And now I'm not sure what to do. 😕 Because of that I wanted do check here does anyone have experience with it. What was you experience with Cataract surgery?

I know people that have gone overseas for cataracts and lasik. For cataracts mostly due to wanting to get an IOL not approved in the US. I would worry more about cataract as just so many problems can occur afterwards.

Two suggestions:

1. Make sure whatever IOL you get implanted is also approved in your local area and there is a doctor who implants those IOLs and
2. Make sure you have a good relationship with a local doctor who is willing to follow up after your surgery is done in another country.

Also if you are just getting a monofocal, it should be mostly covered by insurance, assuming you have good insurance.

I would not be inclined to go to Siberia for cataract surgery especially when there are good surgeons and options here in NA. 1500 euros may sound better but factor in extras like flights and accommodation (doubtful you would be able to fly home right away. Flying puts additional pressure so there may be a timeframe to wait before flying.

Only time I would consider another country for s procedure would be something bot done here . I knew someone where I live who went to Netherlands for MS procedure not done or approved in Canada.

Just my opinion bit I would exhaust options here first for cataract surgery.