Phakic lenses (EVO ICL) – correction of high prescriptions without laser, fully reversible

Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich

The EVO ICL phakic lens is a soft Collamer implant placed between the iris and your own lens. No corneal tissue is removed and the natural lens stays in place. It is the solution for people with high myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism for whom laser surgery would be unsafe or insufficient. Every procedure is performed personally by Dr Victor Derhartunian in Warsaw and Kraków.

Phakic ICL lenses in brief

What it is: a phakic lens (ICL, Implantable Collamer Lens) is an additional soft lens implanted behind the iris. Your own lens and cornea remain untouched and the eye keeps its natural accommodation.
Who it is for: people aged 18 to 45 with myopia up to −18 D, hyperopia up to +10 D or astigmatism up to 6 D, especially when the cornea is too thin for laser, in dry eye or with stable keratoconus after cross-linking.
Price: 11,000 PLN per eye, one price for every EVO ICL / EVO+ variant, toric included. Pre-operative assessment 400 PLN, two check-ups in the first month included. Full price list and instalments.
Procedure: 10 to 20 minutes per eye, anaesthetic drops, no hospital stay. Clear vision usually the next day, full sharpness within 1 to 4 weeks. The method is reversible: the lens can be removed or exchanged.
Where: Warsaw, ul. Kolejowa 1, and Kraków, ul. Kluczborska 15/U3. We also treat patients from the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and Germany; assessment, surgery and check-ups are scheduled around your travel.

SwissLaser in numbers: around 1,500 phakic lens implantations, over 25,000 refractive procedures by the lead surgeon and ICL implanted in three countries: Poland, Austria and Switzerland · assessment with MS-39 tomography and Anterion biometry · the same surgeon and the same price in Warsaw and Kraków.

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Pre-qualification

When laser is not an option – what next?

One in four people who come to us hoping for laser vision correction hears that laser is not safe for them: the cornea is too thin, the prescription too high, the dry eye too pronounced. That is not the end of the road. A phakic lens corrects the prescription inside the eye rather than on its surface, so it does not depend on corneal thickness and does not worsen dryness.

The name comes from the Greek phakos, lens. We implant EVO ICL and EVO+ lenses by STAAR Surgical, made of Collamer, a biocompatible collagen-based material with a built-in UV filter. More than 4 million have been implanted worldwide and 99.4% of surveyed patients would choose the procedure again (manufacturer data, STAAR Surgical patient satisfaction survey).

The EVO ICL phakic lens: a soft Collamer lens with the central KS-AquaPORT opening through which aqueous humour circulates. Visualisation: STAAR Surgical.

When the ICL is a better choice than laser

Thin or irregular cornea: laser removes corneal tissue, the ICL does not touch it. Safe corneal thickness stops being a limit.
High prescriptions: myopia up to −18 D (the lens range reaches −20 D), hyperopia up to +10 D, astigmatism up to 6 D in a single toric implant.
Dry eye: the procedure does not cut corneal nerves to the extent laser does, so it does not deepen dryness.
Stable keratoconus after cross-linking: the only correction method that does not weaken the cornea.
Reversibility: the lens can be removed or exchanged and the eye returns to its starting point. No laser method offers that.

If you are over 45 and presbyopia is joining your prescription, refractive lens exchange is often the better solution. For lower prescriptions with a healthy cornea we recommend laser vision correction. At the assessment we compare all three routes and choose the one that is safe for your eye, not the most expensive one.

Phakic lenses or laser vision correction? Methods compared

There is no best method for everyone. There is the right method for a particular eye. The table shows how the four routes to life without glasses differ.

Method	Age	Correction range	Advantages	Limitations
Phakic lenses EVO ICL	18–45	−18 (to −20) to +10 D, astigmatism up to 6 D	reversible, no corneal tissue removed, does not worsen dry eye, UV filter	intraocular procedure, higher cost, needs sufficient anterior chamber depth
SmartSight (lenticule extraction, no flap)	18–45	up to −10 D, astigmatism up to 5 D	minimally invasive, 2 mm incision, fast healing	myopia and astigmatism only, needs adequate corneal thickness
FemtoLASIK	18–45	up to −8 / +4 D	fast healing, high precision	corneal flap, unsuitable for thin corneas and dry eye
Trans-PRK	18–45	up to −6 D	no incision and no flap, best for thin corneas with low prescriptions	longer recovery, discomfort in the first days
Refractive lens exchange	45+	up to ±15 D	also corrects presbyopia, cataract can no longer develop	removes the natural lens, not reversible

We choose phakic lenses when laser is not safe or not enough: very high prescriptions, thin cornea or dry eye. A detailed comparison is in the article phakic lenses or implantable contact lenses (ICL / IPCL).

Are phakic lenses right for you? Suitability step by step

The final answer comes from the pre-operative assessment (about 90 minutes, 400 PLN). Below is what we usually look for and what rules the procedure out.

Green light

age 18 to about 45 and a prescription stable for at least a year (change of no more than 0.5 D)
myopia up to −18 D, hyperopia up to +10 D or astigmatism up to 6 D
cornea too thin or irregular for safe laser treatment
stable keratoconus after successful cross-linking
dry eye or contact lens intolerance

Amber light – needs careful assessment

age over 45: the natural lens loses elasticity (presbyopia); a phakic lens mainly corrects distance vision, so we also consider lens exchange
large pupils at night: we check whether the optical zone of the lens is wide enough to limit halos
history of glaucoma, previous eye surgery, diabetes: the examination decides

Red light – exclusion criteria

anterior chamber too shallow (below 2.8 mm) or too few corneal endothelial cells
cataract, even early: then lens exchange is the right procedure, not adding a lens
active eye inflammation, uncontrolled glaucoma, active autoimmune and connective tissue disease
pregnancy and breastfeeding (the prescription is often unstable)

Tests performed at the assessment

medical history and refraction with and without correction
MS-39 anterior segment tomography (CSO): anterior chamber depth, iris-to-iris distance, digital lens sizing
optical biometry and Anterion anterior segment OCT (Heidelberg)
pachymetry (corneal thickness) and corneal topography
endothelial microscopy: number and quality of cells in the inner corneal layer
pupil measurement in night conditions, dilated fundus examination

Stop soft contact lenses at least 7 days before the assessment, rigid lenses 4 weeks before. After pupil dilation you should not drive for several hours. Want to check your chances first? Fill in the online pre-qualification; we reply within one working day.

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Pre-qualification

Schedule a non-binding appointment and consultation to learn how we can improve your vision.

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Safety starts with measurement: MS-39, Anterion and lens sizing

The success of an ICL procedure depends on the so-called vault, the microscopic space between the implant and your natural lens. A lens that is too small can touch the natural lens and promote cataract; one that is too large presses on the iris and raises eye pressure. That is why size must not be estimated from the external corneal diameter alone.

3D model of the anterior chamber

the MS-39 tomograph measures the angle-to-angle distance and chamber depth, and an algorithm selects one of four lens sizes to match your anatomy.

Endothelium check

we count the cells of the inner corneal layer before surgery and at check-ups. We operate only when the count leaves a safe margin for decades.

Verification after surgery

at check-ups we measure the vault with OCT. If it were wrong, we exchange the lens for another size; that is one of the safeguards of this method, not a failure.

EVO with a central port (KS-AquaPORT): keeps the natural flow of aqueous humour, so no additional iris incision (iridotomy) is needed.

The same diagnostics work at both clinics. More about equipment and standards: Dr Victor Derhartunian and the team.

How phakic lens implantation works

Assessment (about 90 minutes)

At the beginning of the procedure, the facial area is thoroughly disinfected, and the eye is anesthetized using eye drops or an injection near the eye. The eyelids are immobilized. Everything is performed painlessly.

Surgery day (10 to 20 minutes per eye)

The corneal edge is gently incised with a precise knife, enabling the subsequent stages of the procedure.

Right after surgery

The tunnel incision in the cornea allows the folded phakic lens to be introduced into the eye. The implanted additional lens precisely corrects the patient’s refractive error.

Check-ups

After the operation, the eye is secured with a special shield that protects it from external factors such as dirt or dust, as well as damage. This allows for a smooth recovery process.

Diagram: position of the EVO ICL phakic lens in the eye – behind the iris, in front of the natural lens; cornea untouched — The phakic lens sits behind the iris, in front of the natural lens. Cornea and natural lens stay untouched, which is why the procedure is reversible. Graphic: SwissLaser.

Rolled EVO ICL phakic lens before implantation (STAAR Surgical) — The soft EVO ICL is rolled for insertion through an incision of about 3 mm and unfolds by itself behind the iris. Material: STAAR Surgical.

Back to full vision – a realistic calendar

Surgery day: rest; mild pressure or light sensitivity is normal.
Day 1: check-up with pressure measurement. Most patients already see clearly better.
Week 1: office work and screens without restriction, driving after the doctor’s approval. Drops according to the schedule.
Weeks 2 to 4: back to sport; swimming and contact sports after 4 weeks. Vision reaches full quality.
Afterwards: the lens stays in the eye permanently, needs no cleaning or replacement, and can be removed at any time.

Official STAAR Surgical video: how the EVO ICL procedure works

This video from the official channel EVO ICL by STAAR Surgical shows step by step how the folded lens is inserted through the 3 mm incision and unfolds behind the iris.

Patient story after ICL implantation: Rafał, −8 dioptres

Rafał came to us with −8 D in both eyes and wanted to join the fire service, which requires good uncorrected vision. At the assessment he could choose between laser and phakic lenses. The conversation with Dr Victor Derhartunian was recorded a few weeks after surgery; it is in Polish and YouTube offers auto-translated subtitles.

“I was −8. There were three options, two laser methods and the phakic lens. We chose the lens because if the prescription drifted later, the laser could still fine-tune the eye.”
“Once the lens was in the eye, I could honestly see clearly with that eye straight away, no problems.”
“I climb onto a roof, we install solar panels, I look at the landscape and see details other people don’t. It’s beyond imagination.”
“The only problem was the first week: you have to sleep on your back. Light still glares a little. I’d do it again.”

Summary: glasses first, then contact lenses; the reason for surgery was recruitment to the fire service. During surgery a brief scare after one eye was covered, then relief; sharp vision immediately after insertion. Check-up the next day, first week sleeping on his back, normal life after a week, back to roof work after a month. No dryness thanks to the drops, slight light sensitivity. Would decide the same way again without hesitation.

A single patient’s story is no substitute for an assessment. Outcome, healing time and side effects depend on the prescription, the anatomy of the eye and aftercare.

How much do phakic ICL lenses cost? Price and what it includes

11,000 PLN per eye. One price for every EVO ICL / EVO+ variant: Myopic, Myopic Toric, Hyperopic and Hyperopic Toric. Astigmatism correction carries no surcharge. In many clinics the toric variant costs 1,000 to 2,800 PLN more; for us astigmatism is part of the prescription, not a premium add-on.

EVO ICL / EVO+ lens ordered individually to your parameters
surgery performed personally by Dr Victor Derhartunian
two check-ups in the first month and drops according to the schedule
pre-operative assessment: 400 PLN (about 90 minutes), charged separately, because only afterwards do we know whether the procedure is right for you

In Poland prices range from about 6,600 to 12,800 PLN per eye depending on lens model, toric variant and package contents, which is typically far below prices in the UK, Ireland or Germany. Our price sits in the upper half of that range and always includes the current-generation lens, a surgeon with around 1,500 implantations and the check-ups. Instalments are available through Santander Consumer Bank.

See the full phakic lens price list

Safety and possible side effects – stated plainly

Phakic lens implantation is an intraocular procedure and the risk cannot be reduced to zero. We talk about it openly because that is the condition of an informed decision.

Raised eye pressure in the first days: we measure it at every check-up and give drops if needed.
Light phenomena (halos, glare) around lights at night: occur in some patients in the first weeks and usually fade with adaptation; matching the optical zone to pupil size limits them.
Incorrect vault: rare, requires exchanging the lens for another size. Thanks to digital sizing on the MS-39 tomograph this is exceptional.
Endothelial cell loss and cataract: possible over years, which is why yearly check-ups are part of the treatment. In case of cataract the ICL is removed during the same operation and replaced with a premium implant.
Infection: very rare; the procedure takes place under sterile conditions and you use antibiotic drops for a few days.

I have implanted around 1,500 phakic lenses. It is a solution that restores full sharpness even at −20 dioptres, where laser no longer reaches. And one price for all variants is our fair-play rule: astigmatism is not a premium add-on, it is part of the prescription.
Dr Victor Derhartunian, MD, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, founder of SwissLaser and EyeLaser (Vienna, Zurich)

Why SwissLaser? Experience you can see in the results

One surgeon from assessment to check-ups: Dr Victor Derhartunian, refractive surgery specialist from Vienna, over 25,000 refractive procedures including around 1,500 phakic lens implantations since 2013.
Swiss safety standard: both eyes on separate dates, sterile operating theatre, pressure check after surgery, yearly vault and endothelium checks.
University-grade diagnostics: MS-39 tomograph, Anterion, endothelial microscope, reference centre of the laser manufacturer Schwind.
Honest recommendation: our clinics offer all methods: laser, phakic lenses and lens exchange. We never need to stretch the indication for any of them.
Two locations, one price: Warsaw (Wola, next to the Western Railway Station) and Kraków (Prądnik Biały). For patients flying in from the UK, Ireland or Scandinavia we schedule assessment and surgery around the flights; English is spoken at both clinics.

Patient reviews of SwissLaser (Google)

    
 
 
       Opublikowano na Google  
   
   Patrycja 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Jestem rok po zabiegu. Widzę 100% wyraźnie. Czułam się zaopiekowana - czy to przez panie na recepcji czy przez lekarza przeprowadzającego badania. Zabieg został szybko przeprowadzony, a ja dostałam komplet kropel i szczegółowe instrukcje jak dbać o siebie w czasie rekonwalescencji. Po dwóch dniach czułam się super. Polecam Swiss Laser każdemu, kto chce pozbyć się ciężaru okularów na nosie czy dyskomfortu soczewek na oczach ;)
  
 
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   Карина Колегаева 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Jestem bardzo zadowolona z wizyty w klinice. Cały personel był niezwykle miły, profesjonalny i pomocny. Wszystko zostało dokładnie wyjaśnione, dzięki czemu czułam się spokojnie i bezpiecznie. Bardzo dobra organizacja i podejście do pacjenta. Zdecydowanie polecam!
  
 
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   Наталья Кравец 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Дякуемо. Ви дійсно чарівники.
  
 
      Opublikowano na Google  
   
   Nataliia Staude 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Serdecznie polecam tę klinikę. Bardzo nowoczesne miejsce, miła atmosfera i przede wszystkim kompetentny personel. Wszystko przebiegło sprawnie i bez żadnego stresu. Duży plus za indywidualne podejście i dokładne wyjaśnienie każdego etapu. Na pewno wrócę, jeśli będę potrzebować kolejnej konsultacji.
  
 
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   Alina Oleshko 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Безумно довольна клиникой и специалистами, очень профессиональный подход, рекомендую от всего сердца
  
 
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   Domi Do 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Polecam! Mega profeska obsługa i zabieg
  
 
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   Alex Mieciek 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. Świetna obsługa i profesjonalne podejście do klienta. Lekarka udzieliła szczegółowego opisu (dowiedziałem się jak jak leczyć przyczynę mojej dolegliwości - a nie tylko skutek) Wszystko w miłej i profesjonalnej atmosferze. Serdecznie polecam.
  
 
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   Krystian Kriss 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. 5/5 i nic więcej nie ma co dodawać. Jestem parę miesięcy po korekcji, nigdy lepiej nie widziałem, okulary poszły do szafki na amen. Zabieg trwał 5-10 min, zero bólu. No może jakiś mały dyskomfort w trakcie. Jeżeli się zastanawiasz czy warto i się boisz, to z pełną odpowiedzialnością mogę powiedzieć po prostu zrób to. Najlepsza decyzja w życiu a szkoda że tyle lat się bałem. Pozdrawiam
  
 
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   Włodzimierz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex sprawdza, czy pierwotnym źródłem recenzji jest Google. W dniu 29.06.2026 r. przeszedłem zabieg laserowej korekcji starczowzroczności.Prawe oko miałem korygowane metodą Femtolasik a lewe Presbymax. Chciałbym podzielić się swoimi odczuciami i wnioskami. Począwszy od samej kwalifikacji do zabiegu po sam zabieg i dziś- cztery tygodnie gdy jestem po drugiej kontroli mogę powiedzieć z pełną odpowiedzialnością,że Klinika Swisslaser to najbardziej profesjonalna placówka z jaką miałem do czynienia w swoim życiu a trochę przeżyłem bo nie jestem pierwszej młodości😉 Już od samego wejścia-panie na recepcji bardzo miłe i życzliwe.Pani optometrysta znająca się na swojej pracy.Przebadała mi oczy na tylu przyrządach,że tak naprawdę nie które widziałem pierwszy raz.Dlatego uważam,że o błąd jest bardzo trudno a wręcz staje się to niemożliwe.Po tych badaniach przejęła mnie pani doktor,która zrobiła mi szereg kolejnych badań,poinformowała mnie o wszystkich za i przeciw bo zabieg leczenia starczowzroczności wiąże się z kompromisem-jedno oko jest korygowane do idealnej dali a drugie do bliży.Co w efekcie końcowym patrząc na dwoje oczu jednocześnie powoduje,że można naprawdę dobrze widzieć bez okularów i z daleka i z bliska a o to w tym wszystkim chodzi.Otrzymałem wyczerpujące odpowiedzi na zadawane pytania a wszystkie dokumenty związane z samym zabiegiem otrzymałem na maila aby ze wszystkim na spokojnie się zapoznać.Dotałem też dwa warianty soczewek jednodniowych aby sprawdzić które oko jest w moim przypadku dominujące(to oko jest korygowane do idealnej dali). Tak minął dzień kwalifikacji do zabiegu.Sama wizyta trwał ponad dwie godziny. Dzień zabiegu: Przyjechałem około pół godziny przed wyznaczoną godziną zabiegu aby na spokojnie podpisać wszystkie dokumenty,które wcześniej dostałem do zapoznania się na maila.I znowu atmosfera super, wszystko spokojnie bez zbędnego pośpiechu.Nadszedł mój czas na zabieg.Przyszedł po mnie pan,który zaprowadził mnie w pobliże sali operacyjnej pomógł mi się ubrać w czepek,ochronę na buty i fartuch jenorazowy i przeszliśmy do śluzy.Poprosił abym usiadł sobie na fotelu i zaczekał chwilę na doktora.Po chwili przyszedł pan doktor i zaprosił mnie do środka.Tam czekał już pan doktor Viktor Derhartunian-swoją drogą dusza człowiek.Od razu rozładował atmosferę-chyba zauważył,że lekko się stresuję🫣 Sam zabieg: Położyłem się na łóżku pod laserami dostałem krople znieczulające.Na początek tworzenie płatka najpierw na jednym potem na drugim oku.ZERO bólu a do tego bardzo spokojne komendy pana doktora Victora.Od samego początku zaufałem panu doktorowi w 100% i się nie zawiodłem... Potem przeszliśmy do meritum czyli samej korekcji.I tu też oko prawe,oko lewe i po sprawie.Czas? Góra 5 minut na obydwoje oczu.Bezboleśnie,bezstresowo w super atmosferze.Sprawdzenie pierwszych efektów zaraz po zabiegu i tu...pozytywny szok.Widzę bez okularów tekst który przed korekcją był rozmytym zamglonym obrazem.Na koniec pan doktor nagrał filmik oczywiście za moją zgodą i to tyle.(swoją drogą szkoda,że go nie udostępnił do tej pory.Byłbym sławny😜😜😜Żart oczywiście). Pierwsza kontola: Na pierwszą kontrolę przyjechałem następnego dnia rano po dokładnie 16-stu godzinach od zabiegu i już wtedy widzenie miałem na 99%. Dziś:27.07.2026 r.właśnie wróciłem z drugiej kontroli moim zdaniem najważniejszej. Efekt-widzenie na prawe oko skorygowane do dali-150% Widzenie na lewe oko skorygowane do bliży 100%. Reasumując: Chciałem serdecznie podziękować całemu zespołowi Kliniki Swisslaser począwszy od pań na recepcji poprzez panią optometrystę panią doktor kwalifikującą mnie do zabiegu,pana doktora z pierwszej kontroli po zabiegu a w szególności panu doktorowi Victorowi Derhartunianowi. Żałuję tylko jednego,że tak późno się zdecydowałem na zabieg😉 P.S. Rozpisałem się trochę ale chciałem szczerze w miarę szczegółowo przekazać osobom,które są nie zdecydowane,że naprawdę warto... Jeszcze raz pozdrawiam wszystkich serdecznie!!!

Phakic ICL lenses – frequently asked questions

What does ICL stand for and how does it differ from a contact lens?

ICL means Implantable Collamer Lens. It works like a contact lens but sits inside the eye, behind the iris. It needs no removal, cleaning or replacement and is invisible from the outside.

Phakic lenses or laser – which is better?

Up to about −8 D with a healthy, sufficiently thick cornea, laser is faster and cheaper. For higher prescriptions, thin corneas, dry eye or keratoconus after cross-linking, a phakic lens is safer. At the assessment we compare both routes based on measurements of your eye.

How much do phakic lenses cost at SwissLaser?

11,000 PLN per eye, one price for every EVO ICL / EVO+ variant, toric included. The assessment costs 400 PLN. Instalments are available.

Does the procedure hurt and how long does it take?

It does not hurt. We use anaesthetic drops and the procedure itself takes 10 to 20 minutes per eye. For a few hours afterwards you may feel pressure and light sensitivity.

Can you feel or see the phakic lens in the eye?

No. The lens sits behind the iris, in front of your own lens. It cannot be felt and is invisible to the naked eye; it can only be seen with a slit lamp.

How long does the ICL stay in the eye?

Permanently. There is no period after which it would need scheduled replacement. At the same time it remains fully removable if the anatomy of the eye or your expectations change.

Is the procedure reversible?

Yes. The lens can be removed or exchanged, and the cornea and natural lens remain intact. It is the only vision correction method that can be undone.

Do phakic lenses correct astigmatism?

Yes, in the toric version up to 6 D. With us the toric variant costs the same as the spherical one.

Can phakic lenses be implanted after 40 or 45?

Usually up to about 45. After that the natural lens loses elasticity and presbyopia appears, which a phakic lens does not correct. Then we consider refractive lens exchange, which solves both problems at once.

What if a cataract develops in the future?

The phakic lens is removed during cataract surgery and a premium implant replaces the clouded natural lens. Earlier ICL implantation does not close that road.

When can I return to work and sport?

Office work usually the next day, light sport after a week, swimming and contact sports after about 4 weeks. You drive once the doctor approves at the first check-up.

Can I go home alone after the procedure?

Not on the same day. Please arrange a companion or a taxi, because vision is still unstable and the pupil is dilated.

What do patients say about phakic lenses?

In the manufacturer’s satisfaction survey 99.4% of patients would choose the procedure again. Reviews of our clinic are on Google and on the Kraków location page.

Do you treat patients from abroad?

Yes. Both clinics are English-speaking; Warsaw is 6 minutes on foot from the Western Railway Station, Kraków is 20 minutes from Balice airport. Assessment, surgery and check-ups are planned to keep the number of trips low; the next-day check-up takes place at the clinic.

What does the assessment include?

Refraction, MS-39 tomography with digital lens sizing, Anterion biometry and OCT, pachymetry, corneal topography, endothelial microscopy, pupil measurement and fundus examination. It takes about 90 minutes.