Patients usually contact ELZA for one of several reasons: they want a second opinion, they are looking for highly specialized care, they have a complex or rare eye condition, or they want treatment from a clinic with deep expertise in a specific field such as cornea, keratoconus, cross-linking, cataract, eyelids, retina, glaucoma, or laser eye surgery. Our current international-patient section and broader website reflect these core areas of expertise.
Yes. That is exactly why we ask patients to send us their records first. The first step is to send us all available medical documents so that we can get an initial picture and determine whether the trip, a second opinion, and possible treatment with us make sense.
The easiest first step is to contact us and send us your available records. Once we understand your case better, we can help clarify whether travel is likely to make sense, whether an online consultation should come first, and what kind of timeline you should expect. That is the process our international-patient page already describes.
We encourage you to send all available medical documents that may help us understand your case. This may include examination reports, scans, imaging, referral letters, treatment history, and information about any previous surgery. For cataract patients, our current page specifically mentions preoperative assessment by your family doctor or internist, along with ophthalmic data such as biometry, best-corrected visual acuity, refraction, and corneal topography.
Not always. A record review is often enough for us to assess whether we are likely to help and whether a trip may make sense, but a full diagnosis and treatment recommendation may still require a direct examination in Zurich. This is one reason we structure the process in steps rather than promising too much before we have seen you properly. That is also consistent with our published note that we cannot give medical advice over the internet based only on a subjective description of the problem.
The exact timing depends on the case and on how complete the documentation is. The more clearly organized your records are, the easier it is for us to understand your situation and advise on next steps. While our website does not publish a fixed turnaround time, our international-patient process is built so that the medical review comes before travel planning.
Yes. We offer online video consultations for patients from abroad. Our website specifically presents this as an option for international patients, and our online consultation page explains that these appointments can be carried out via common platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams.
An online consultation can help us review your diagnosis, discuss your symptoms, look at the records available, explain likely treatment options, and advise whether it makes sense to travel to Zurich. It is often the best way to turn a vague idea of “maybe I should travel” into a clear plan. This is an inference based on how our international-patient and online consultation pathways are described.
Not always. In many cases, it is a very useful first step, but some decisions still require direct examination, measurements, imaging, or surgical planning in person. Online consultation helps us reduce uncertainty before travel, but it does not eliminate the need for in-person care when the case requires it.
We usually advise patients to travel only after the first review has been completed and the likely purpose of the visit is clearer. The whole process normally consists of the following steps: pre-assessment first, then travel, then examination, treatment, and follow-up. That sequence is important because it helps avoid unnecessary travel and makes the visit more efficient.
Yes. Patients should not hesitate to ask for our assistance with travel, visa requirements, or hotel recommendations. We do our best to support patients practically as well as medically.
Our Zurich HB location is at Bahnhofplatz 15, 8001 Zürich, directly in the main station area. For international patients traveling to the city center, Zurich HB is usually the most relevant site because of its central accessibility.
If you have corneal disease and wear contact lenses, yes. You should not wear contact lenses at all for at least 2 weeks before your visit, not even briefly, because contact lenses can change the shape of the cornea and compromise measurements and the final therapeutic effect.
If we need to examine your optic nerve and/or retina, we may dilate your pupils in order to assess the back of the eye. After the dilation you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day.
Sometimes, yes. For eyelid and orbital changes, we ask patients to bring old portrait photos, ideally taken straight on, such as old passport-style photos. This can help us understand longer-term changes in appearance and anatomy.
That depends on the type of treatment. For laser eye surgery, patients often travel over the weekend, have their examination on Monday, surgery on Monday afternoon if confirmed, daily short follow-ups for the first 4 days, and then return the following weekend. For corneal cross-linking and cataract surgery, the total stay depends on the exact protocol and whether one or both eyes are treated.
In many cases, yes. For laser eye surgery and corneal cross-linking after a Monday examination the treatment possible on Monday afternoon if the diagnosis and indication are confirmed. Cataract surgery is typically scheduled slightly differently, with surgery of the first eye on Tuesday or Wednesday after Monday examination in suitable cases.
Sometimes. Both eyes can be treated in the same laser eye surgery session. For corneal cross-linking, bilateral epi-off treatment can be performed in the same session, though this changes the recovery timeline and length of stay. Cataract surgery follows a different pattern, with the second eye generally treated a week later in simple bilateral cases.
Yes, that is often a good idea. We recommend booking a flexible return flight ticket if surgery is scheduled, especially when treating children, so that departure can be postponed if necessary.
Usually, yes, at least in the early period after treatment. For procedures such as laser eye surgery, corneal cross-linking, and cataract surgery, short follow-up visits are usually needed during the first days after treatment.
That depends on the treatment, but further follow-up may be needed after 1 week, 1 month, or later. While we are always happy to see patients again in Zurich, if the journey is too far, we will work with your local ophthalmologist to ensure follow-up is carried out properly.
Yes. If you are coming from a distant location, we can work with your ophthalmologist to ensure follow-up care.
The total cost depends on your diagnosis, your treatment plan, and whether your case is straightforward or more complex. We usually need to review your records first and sometimes examine you in person before we can define the treatment pathway properly.
Yes, we issue detailed invoices listing all items.
Possibly, but this is something you need to clarify directly with your own health insurance company. Patients must ask their insurer whether a Swiss invoice is recognized or partially recognized by their national health insurance company.
Patients generally settle the bill with us on-site and then contact their insurance company about the reimbursement.
In Switzerland, the law does not require to include an exact diagnosis on the invoice by default. However if you need this, you should let us know.
Get in touch
Send us a message and one of our international patient coordinators will be in touch within 24 hours. You can also reach us directly by phone or email.
Address
ELZA Institute AG
Weinbergstrasse 16
8001 Zurich, Switzerland
+41 44 741 81 81
international@elza-institute.com
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