Ophthalmology in Ukraine

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Medically trained doctors who care for patients who have eye and vision conditions are called ophthalmologists and are the only practitioners diagnosed and trained to treat all eye and vision problems. Their practice is very diverse, dealing with a wide range of issues and clinical conditions. Some of the most common conditions that they treat and manage include:

• Minor and major eye injuries
• Infectious eye disease
• Dry eyes
• Proptosis (bulged eyes)
• Glaucoma 
• Cataracts 
• Corneal pathology 
• Retinal problems, such as bleeding and detachment or tears of the retina
• Squints 
• Eye-related neurological problems
• Excessive tearing
• Intraocular inflammation
• Chronic eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

An ophthalmologist can offer a wide range of medical services, including surgical eye procedures. Some of the most common procedures that ophthalmologists perform are as follows:

• Eye examinations.
• Specialized tests, such as ultrasonography of the eyes and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Refractive surgery to correct vision, such as LASIK.
• Cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma surgery.
• Cancer treatment.
• Reconstructive surgery to repair birth abnormalities or trauma, such as crossed eyes.
• Neoplasm removal.
• Corneal transplants.
• Repairing torn or detached retinas.
• Strabismus surgery.
• Oculoplastic surgery (plastic surgery around the eye).
• Prescribing and fitting glasses and contact lenses.

How Long Should I Stay in Ukraine?

Your length of stay depends on the type of treatment you undergo. In general, you may need to stay in Ukraine for at least a week or to let your eyes recover and to attend follow-up checkups, where your ophthalmologist checks your condition and make sure that your eyes are healing properly. If everything is fine, they will allow you to leave for home. However, for some surgery, such as retinal detachment surgery, you should avoid flying until your eyes have fully healed. Therefore, it is best that you wait 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer, before you travel home.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery you underwent, your age, and overall health. It is generally recommended to rest your eyes for a few days. With LASIK, you may be able to return to work after a day. After a corneal transplant, you should wait for 2 to 3 weeks until you go back to work. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ophthalmologist will give you instructions to care for your eye after the procedure. It is crucial that you follow all of them to have a quick recovery and obtain optimum results. To keep the result or to prevent complications, you will need to make some lifestyle changes, such as avoid smoking and staying active. You also need to attend regular checkups, typically once a year, with your local eye doctor or your ophthalmologist in Ukraine.

What's the Success Rate?

Thanks to the continuous advancement of ophthalmology, eye treatments, and surgeries are now highly successful and safe. For instance, the latest research of LASIK showed that it has a 99% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better, whereas the success rate of corneal transplant is as high as 90%. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and side effects of eye treatments and surgeries, such as dry eyes, temporary visual problems, overcorrections, under correction, astigmatism, regression, and, very rarely, vision loss.

Are there Alternatives?

For some eye problems, you may be able to go to an optometrist as an alternative. However, if your conditions need to be treated through surgery, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmology in and around Ukraine

About Ukraine

Ukraine offers a favorable cost of living, which may be a strong draw for why one should consider exploring it. In particular, its capital city of Kiev ranks high among the list of economical European capitals. This affordability impacts various aspects from food, drinks to sightseeing, transport, and accommodations, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

An added intrigue of Ukraine, specifically Kiev, is in how its affordable rates do not compromise the quality of the experience. Rather, it enhances the encounter as it leaves room to sample more of what the city has to offer. Amidst the cost-effectiveness, the country still presents a rich collection of attractions that are worthwhile. These span from convenient transport systems, diverse culinary options, alluring sightseeing spots to suitable lodging facilities. So, not only do you get to save money, but you also extravagant value while navigating through this remarkable city.

Ukraine is a growing magnet for health tourists, with a rise in individuals journeying for Ophthalmology services. The option to access private dental care, cosmetic procedures, and a diverse range of medical treatments at a fraction of what they would cost in one's home country makes it incredibly appealing. Further, the absence of extensive waiting lists is another attractive feature.

Added to these, Ukraine's reputation is rapidly gaining traction on the international front as a premier hub for laser eye surgery. The country is carving an image for itself as a pioneer in eye care, offering innovative and state-of-the-art laser vision correction techniques. Thus, the country isn’t just a destination for affordable services, but also for quality specialized treatments at the forefront of modern medical technology.

Popular Parts of Ukraine

Boasting a diverse populace of approximately 42.5 million residents, Ukraine stands as an expansive and multicultural nation that happens to be the biggest geographically within Europe’s borders. The country's lush forests create the feeling of an unspoiled, yet to be unveiled paradise. The breathtaking landscape combined with the stunning architectural feats create aesthetically pleasing vistas, which are a key part of Ukraine’s appeal.

• Kiev or Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the 5th century. The city is steeped in history with cathedrals and golden churches. Kiev is now embodied by urban art and cafes.
• Lviv is a picturesque city full of charming art nouveau architecture and interiors, cozy cafes, and squares and is known as the city of art. Lviv’s historic center is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.
• Carpathian Mountain is the gem of Ukraine. This territory is brimming with natural beauty. Tourists are attracted by its thick forests, meadows, rural shepherds, and of course the incredible mountain lakes. There are many outdoor activities that tourists can do such as hiking, riding, skiing, and cycling.
• Odesa is the perfect summer getaway. It’s known for an affordable summer destination, with wide sandy beaches. The city is also home to the biggest harbor on the Black Sea. Odesa is famous for its Potemkin Steps and fantastic buildings.
• Ivano-Frankivsk is sometimes called “little Lviv.” With its beautiful architecture and sophisticated restaurants, exploring Ivano-Frankivsk is an amazing experience. For many people, the city is the base for exploring the Carpathian Mountains.

It's important to consider that travel advisories from authorities such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against traveling to regions like Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk. As a traveler, it's crucial to stay updated on such notifications and follow relevant guidance from your respective government before planning a journey. Ensure you are well-informed about local situations and regulations to ensure your safety and security while traveling.

Weather and Climate in Ukraine

Ukraine predominantly experiences a moderate climate, with an intriguing exception. The southern coastline of Crimea stands out with its delightful subtropical weather. This distinct climate pattern adds to the region's charm, making it distinct from the broader Ukrainian weather trends.

Ukraine's summers tend to kick off in June and extend until September. During this period, temperatures fluctuate within the range of 19 – 25 °C, underlining agreeable weather conditions. The days are typically long, sunny, and warm, sporadically met with occasional rain showers. With such favorable weather, it comes as no surprise that summer is the peak of tourist activity in Ukraine.

Transitional seasons - spring and autumn - are characterized by mild temperatures. However, they are also the seasons with the most rainfall. Spring, in particular, brings a colorful impact on Ukraine's cities with blossoming plants painting a vibrant landscape.

Winter, on the other hand, introduces a colder climate with notable snowfall, particularly in the northeastern regions. The average temperature ranges from 5 to -3 °C during this time, creating a winter wonderland that contrasts to the warm and vibrant seasons.

Getting Around in Ukraine

Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in Ukraine. Located 29km east of Kyiv, the airport serves domestic flights and has international connections with major cities in Europe and a few cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves several budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and SkyUp airlines. There are two other airports that serve international and domestic flights: Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport and Odessa International Airport.

Tourists can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle bus to get to the city center. Airport taxis use meters and are comfortable. Some taxis even accept payment by credit cards. Buses are also a great option to get to the city center, Sky Bus takes tourists from Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv and departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. Sky Bus should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.

To visit different cities, domestic flights are inexpensive and will speed up long distance journeys. The fastest way to get around big cities is the minibusses or subway (known as Metro). Minibusses follow routes that the regular bus travels on. Tourists can flag minibusses and ask them to stop at other places that are not the specified bus stops. The fare is fixed no matter how far your destination is.

Taxis are easily available in big cities. Most taxis don’t use a meter but taxi drivers usually don’t cheat. A long trip in Kyiv usually cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Tourists can also order a taxi by phone, although most taxi operators do not speak English. Locals usually are happy to help order a taxi for tourists.

Driving in Ukraine by car or motorcycle is another option to explore the country, but the roads are bad and the signs are written in Ukrainian (Cyrillic alphabet) only. Road policeman is one of the biggest disadvantages as they usually request a small bribe when they stop tourists.

Tourist Visas in Ukraine

Individuals hailing from countries like the European Union, Canada, and the United States, among others, enjoy the liberty of staying in Ukraine visa-free for a span of up to 90 days. However, citizens of certain other nations like China, India, and Thailand are required to secure a visa prior to setting foot in the country. To defend against any potential misunderstanding or complications, it is wise to verify visa obligations and specifics from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine's website before planning a trip.

Certain provisions are in place for tourists that allow visa-on-arrival options at major airports and seaports. In addition, an e-Visa system is operational for citizens from 52 designated countries, rendering the process more streamlined. It is mandatory for all visitors to possess a passport that remains valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the expected date of exit from Ukraine. Moreover, this passport should have at least two pages that are devoid of any visas, marks, or stamps. These regulations ensure a smooth immigration process, avoiding any potential complications during travel.

Additional Information about Visas:

• The e-Visa application process is simple and straightforward, and it can be completed online in a minute.
• Citizens of some countries may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a proof of onward travel or a letter of invitation, when applying for an e-Visa.
• Visa-on-arrival is available for citizens of some countries at major airports and seaports in Ukraine, but it is important to note that visa-on-arrival is not guaranteed and may be subject to additional requirements.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). 1 USD is equivalent to 36.72 UAH.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available even in small towns. Currency exchange points are very common in cities. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards but many places are cash only. Tipping in Ukraine is common, but not obligatory.
3. Local Language: Ukrainian is the official language. Romanian, Polish, Hungarian, Belarusian, and Russian are widely spoken. Ukrainians either speak native Ukrainian or Russian. Most people in tourist areas speak English very well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Religion in Ukraine is very diverse with most of the population following Orthodox Christianity. Judaism, Buddhism, Paganism, and Hinduism are in the minority.
5. Public Holidays: Ukraine celebrates major Orthodox holy days as well as Victory Day, Constitution Day, and Independence Day. If a festive or non-working day falls on Saturday and Sunday, the holiday will be postponed to the next working day.