Patient Experience
I brought my 4-year-old son, Ali, who was terrified of doctors after a bad experience elsewhere. Dr. Osman Salkaci was a miracle worker. He didn't just examine him; he performed magic tricks with his penlight, turning the eye exam into a game about finding 'hidden stars.' He diagnosed a subtle strabismus we had missed. His approach with children is pure artistry, no tears, just trust. At Medical Park Gebze, the pediatric-friendly environment made all the difference. We're now in a patching program, and Ali actually looks forward to his visits.
As a 72-year-old with rapidly failing vision, I was told my dense cataracts made me a high-risk case due to my shallow anterior chambers. Multiple surgeons had hesitated. Dr. Salkaci reviewed my scans at his clinic opposite Fatih State Hospital and said, 'We can do this carefully.' His confidence was grounded, not arrogant. The surgery was meticulous; he narrated each gentle step in his calm voice. Waking up the next day and seeing my wife's face clearly for the first time in years was an emotional deluge. His post-op care was equally precise. He didn't just restore my sight; he gave me back my independence.
This was no routine checkup. I'm a graphic designer, and I suddenly developed a central visual distortion, straight lines looked wavy. Panic set in. I went to Dr. Salkaci as an emergency case. He immediately recognized the potential severity and performed an OCT scan on-site. He diagnosed a classic choroidal neovascular membrane, a form of wet AMD, and explained the urgency for treatment without causing me further alarm. He coordinated my first anti-VEGF injection within hours. His ability to balance swift action with compassionate, clear explanation during a crisis was astounding. He saved the central vision in my right eye.
My story is about persistent, unexplained chronic eye pain that multiple doctors had dismissed as 'dry eye' or 'stress.' Dr. Salkaci listened differently. He spent 45 minutes just taking my history before any machine. He then performed a diagnostic punctal plug procedure as a test, temporarily blocking my tear ducts. The pain vanished. He diagnosed me with neuropathic ocular pain, a complex and often overlooked condition. He formulated a multidisciplinary treatment plan involving specific nerve-pain medication and mindfulness techniques. For the first time in five years, I have hope and a doctor who sees the problem, not just the eye.