Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu
Ophthalmologist · Cataract and Refractive Surgery · MD, FEBOS-CR
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu is an eye surgeon specialising in cataract surgery, smart (premium) lens surgery, laser vision correction and keratoconus treatment. He is Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine and sees patients as a senior consultant in the Cataract and Refractive Surgery department of Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Caddebostan (Kadıköy, Istanbul).
Biography
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 2001 and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Eye Clinic of Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2007. He then worked as a consultant in the cataract surgery unit of the Department of Ophthalmology at Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine, becoming Assistant Professor in 2010, serving as Head of Department from 2010 to 2012, and being awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2015.
He was appointed Professor at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine on 14 December 2020, where he serves as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology. For many years he has also seen patients as a senior consultant in the Cataract and Refractive Surgery department of Veni Vidi Eye Hospital in Caddebostan, Kadıköy.
Since his residency in ophthalmology, he has treated or operated on more than 50,000 cases across all the hospitals and clinics where he has worked.
He was one of the first ophthalmologists to be awarded FEBOS-CR, the European Board of Ophthalmology subspecialty diploma in cataract and refractive surgery. He also holds the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) certification in general ophthalmology.
Education and academic career
| Year | Institution / Title |
|---|---|
| Medical school | Marmara University Faculty of Medicine — Doctor of Medicine (2001) |
| Residency | Eye Clinic, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital — five-year residency in ophthalmology (2007) |
| International qualification | ICO (International Council of Ophthalmology) Basic Science – Optics and Refraction examination (2007) and Clinical Science examination (2009) |
| Assistant Professor | Department of Ophthalmology, Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine (10 November 2010) — consultant, cataract surgery unit |
| Administrative role | Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Maltepe University Faculty of Medicine (2010–2012) |
| Associate Professor | Associate Professor of Ophthalmology — Maltepe University (21 October 2015) |
| Subspecialty diploma | FEBOS-CR — Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology, Cataract & Refractive Surgery (2017) |
| Professor | Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine — Professor (14 December 2020); Head of the Department of Ophthalmology |
| Clinical practice | Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Caddebostan — senior consultant, Cataract and Refractive Surgery department |
Areas of expertise
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu’s clinical and academic work focuses mainly on anterior segment surgery, that is, operations on the front part of the eye:
- Cataract surgery — phacoemulsification and micro-incision cataract surgery
- Smart lens surgery — trifocal, EDOF and toric intraocular lenses; refractive lens exchange
- Laser eye surgery — SMILE Pro, No Touch, Femto-LASIK, PRK and personalised topography/wavefront-guided treatments
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) — for high prescriptions unsuitable for laser correction
- Keratoconus treatment — corneal cross-linking (CXL), intracorneal ring segments and CAIRS
- Corneal and ocular surface diseases — dry eye, blepharitis, pterygium
Research and original methods
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu has published in international peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the European Journal of Ophthalmology and the International Journal of Ophthalmology. His Web of Science record lists 28 publications and an h-index of 8. Including national journals, book chapters and congress presentations, his total number of scientific publications exceeds 50.
Studies on torsional phacoemulsification
Randomised controlled trials comparing different ultrasound modes and phaco tip designs used in cataract surgery, with the aim of removing the lens while delivering less energy to the eye. These studies are among the pioneering work in the field.
Helvacıoğlu Reproducibility Index
An algorithm developed by Prof. Dr. Helvacıoğlu to evaluate the effect of misalignment on retinal nerve fibre layer measurements obtained with optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Int J Ophthalmol, 2015).
Helvacıoğlu Coefficient Optimising Factor
A correction coefficient developed to demonstrate the effect of different phaco tip designs on cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) in torsional phacoemulsification (36th ESCRS Congress, Vienna, 2018).
Hybrid treatment for keratoconus
Short-term, 2-year, 3-year and long-term results of a treatment combining corneal wavefront-guided surface normalisation with cross-linking stabilisation in keratoconus were presented at ESCRS congresses (2016–2019). Read more
Keratoconus and the cornea
Clinical studies on the mechanical implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia.
Hoffer H5 biometry formula
He is a member of the international study group of the new-generation Hoffer H5 formula for intraocular lens power calculation.
International congress presentations
He has delivered more than 70 presentations at international meetings, particularly the congresses of the ESCRS, ASCRS, the Mediterranean Ophthalmological Society and the Black Sea Ophthalmological Society, and 70 presentations at the national congresses of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association. Some of his recent presentations are listed below (for the full list and abstracts, see Congress Presentations):
- Corneal wavefront-guided normalisation and CXL stabilisation in keratoconus: short-term (34th ESCRS, Copenhagen, 2016), 2-year (35th ESCRS, Lisbon, 2017), 3-year (36th ESCRS, Vienna, 2018) and long-term (37th ESCRS, Paris, 2019) results
- Helvacıoğlu coefficient optimizing factor for torsional phacoemulsification (36th ESCRS, Vienna, 2018)
- Fine-tuning with PRK after multifocal intraocular lens implantation (36th ESCRS, Vienna, 2018)
- Topographic factors leading to dissatisfaction after trifocal intraocular lens implantation (36th and 37th ESCRS, 2018–2019)
- Postoperative visual performance of bifocal and trifocal diffractive intraocular lenses (37th ESCRS, Paris, 2019)
- Early results of a new posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens in high myopia (37th ESCRS, Paris, 2019)
- Refractive, topographic and wavefront outcomes of TransPRK in virgin eyes (37th ESCRS, Paris, 2019)
- Haze after excimer laser surgery (SCHWIND User Meeting, Istanbul, 2016)
Book chapters and teaching
- Chapters on “Cornea and Ocular Surface Diseases”, “Cataract” and “Refractive Surgery” in Güncel ve Özet Oftalmoloji (Current and Concise Ophthalmology, ed. F. Oruçoğlu), 2018 (in Turkish)
- Turkish translation of the Ophthalmology chapter of the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri, 2008)
- Supervision of three specialty theses in ophthalmology at Maltepe University
Academic profiles: ORCID · Web of Science · PubMed · Üsküdar University
Selected publications
Articles indexed in PubMed:
- Helvacioglu F, Yeter C, Sencan S, Tunc Z, Uyar OM. Comparison of two different ultrasound methods of phacoemulsification. Am J Ophthalmol. 2014;158(2):221-226. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2014.04.015
- Helvacioglu F, Sencan S, Yeter C, Tunc Z, Uyar OM. Outcomes of torsional microcoaxial phacoemulsification using tips with 30-degree and 45-degree aperture angles. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014;40(3):362-8. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2013.07.051
- Helvacioglu F, Yeter C, Tunc Z, Sencan S. Outcomes of torsional microcoaxial phacoemulsification performed by 12-degree and 22-degree bent tips. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013;39(8):1219-25. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2013.03.002
- Helvacioglu F, Tunc Z, Yeter C, Oguzhan H, Sencan S. Ozil IP torsional mode versus combined torsional/longitudinal microcoaxial phacoemulsification. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2012;22(6):936-42. doi:10.5301/ejo.5000136
- Helvacioglu F, Uyar OM, Sencan S, Tunc Z, Kapran Z. Helvacioglu reproducibility index: a new algorithm to evaluate the effects of misalignments on the measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer by spectral-domain OCT. Int J Ophthalmol. 2015;8(5):1008-12. doi:10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.05.28
- Helvacioglu F, Kapran Z, Sencan S, Uyar M, Cam O. Optical coherence tomography of bilateral nanophthalmos with macular folds and high hyperopia. Case Rep Ophthalmol Med. 2014;2014:173853. doi:10.1155/2014/173853
- Tetikoğlu M, Yeter C, Helvacıoğlu F, Aktaş S, Sağdık HM, Özcura F. Effect of corneal incision enlargement on surgically induced astigmatism in biaxial microincision cataract surgery. Turk J Ophthalmol. 2016;46(3):99-103. doi:10.4274/tjo.52386
- Tunc Z, Helvacioglu F, Ercalik Y, Baikoff G, Sencan S. Supraciliary contraction segments: a new method for the treatment of presbyopia. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2014;62(2):116-23. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.97554
- Tunc Z, Helvacioglu F, Sencan S. Evaluation of intrastromal corneal ring segments for treatment of keratoconus with a mechanical implantation technique. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2013;61(5):218-25. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.109519
- Tunc Z, Helvacioglu F, Sencan S. Evaluation of intrastromal corneal ring segments for treatment of post-LASIK ectasia patients with a mechanical implantation technique. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2011;59(6):437-43. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.86310
- Tugcu B, Helvacioglu F, Yuzbasioglu E, Gurez C, Yigit U. Amniotic membrane in the management of strabismus reoperations. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2013;57(2):239-44. doi:10.1007/s10384-012-0217-5
- Yuzbasioglu E, Helvacioglu F, Tugcu B, Terzi N, Keskinbora K. The results of cataract nigra cases operated with the mini-nuc technique. Int Ophthalmol. 2009;29(6):451-7. doi:10.1007/s10792-008-9265-8
- Yuzbasioglu E, Helvacioglu F, Sencan S. Fixed, dilated pupil after phakic intraocular lens implantation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006;32(1):174-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2005.11.016
- Tunç Z, Helvacıoğlu F, Şencan S, Şimşek Ş. Multifocal progressive refractive-diffractive lens: optical design and clinical results. Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology. 2012. Article (in Turkish)
Peer review, editorial boards and memberships
Journal peer review and editorial boards
- Ophthalmology — American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
- Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery — ESCRS / ASCRS
- International Journal of Ophthalmology — reviewer and member of the International Editorial Board
- Journal of Ophthalmology and Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology — reviewer
Professional memberships
- Turkish Ophthalmological Association — active member of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Unit
- ESCRS — European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- ASCRS — American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- ISRS — International Society of Refractive Surgery
- ICO — International Council of Ophthalmology
- Turkish Medical Association
AI-assisted surgical planning
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of RLES AI, a clinical decision support platform developed for cataract and refractive surgery planning. He contributes to the development and validation of the clinical rules behind its modules for laser surgery planning, wavefront- and topography-guided treatment planning, cross-linking protocols, keratoconus screening, detection of contact lens–induced corneal changes, dry eye analysis and intraocular lens calculation.
Media appearances
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu regularly contributes expert opinion on eye health to Turkish television programmes and the press (all in Turkish):
- Fox TV, “Çağla ile Yeni Bir Gün” — keratoconus, smart lenses and No Touch laser
- NTV, “Uzman Bakışı” — no-touch laser treatment
- Bloomberg HT — No Touch laser for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism
- N24 — “Is cataract surgery possible in summer?” (news article, 2025)
- Eye health programmes and news on ATV Avrupa, Show TV and Sözcü
Latest updates: Instagram
Clinic location and appointments
Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu sees patients at Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Caddebostan.
Address
Bağdat Caddesi No: 257, Caddebostan
Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye (Asian side)
Appointments and contact
Phone and WhatsApp: +90 533 028 04 73
Please bring any previous eye reports and your current glasses or contact lenses to your consultation. International patients can send their reports in advance via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
He sees patients at Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Bağdat Caddesi No: 257, Caddebostan, Kadıköy, Istanbul. To book an appointment, call +90 533 028 04 73 or send a message via WhatsApp.
His main areas of expertise are cataract and smart lens surgery, laser eye surgery such as SMILE Pro, No Touch and Femto-LASIK, Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery and keratoconus treatment.
FEBOS-CR (Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty – Cataract & Refractive Surgery) is the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) subspecialty diploma in cataract and refractive surgery. Prof. Dr. Helvacıoğlu was one of the first ophthalmologists to be awarded this title.
Yes. Patients from abroad can send their previous eye reports via WhatsApp to receive a personalised treatment plan and quote before travelling. Consultations are available in English, and follow-up after returning home can be continued with the patient’s own ophthalmologist.
The information on this page is based on Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu’s academic profile at Üsküdar University, ORCID, Web of Science and PubMed records, and his curriculum vitae. Last updated: 25 September 2026.
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Prof. Dr. Fırat Helvacıoğlu · Veni Vidi Eye Clinic, Bağdat Caddesi No: 257, Caddebostan – Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye