Şafak Çakmakçı, MD

Şafak Çakmakçı, MD is an ophthalmologist at Acibadem Atasehir Hospital in İstanbul, working within the hospital’s Ophthalmology unit. With more than 33 years in medicine, Dr. Çakmakçı provides care for a range of eye conditions in adults and children, including refractive errors, glaucoma, amblyopia, disorders of the eyelids and ocular surface, and visual symptoms such as eye twitching and ocular migraine.

Dr. Çakmakçı graduated from Karadeniz Teknik University Faculty of Medicine in 1993 and completed specialty training in ophthalmology at Başkent University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. From 2000 to 2001, Dr. Çakmakçı worked in the Başkent University Faculty of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology before joining Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 2001, where Dr. Çakmakçı has practised since. Dr. Çakmakçı has been a member of the Turkish Medical Association since 1993, the Türk Oftalmoloji Association since 1995 and The European Society of Cataract and refractive Surgery since 2001. Dr. Çakmakçı has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on topics including the detection of amblyogenic refractive errors in childhood by photo-scanning, indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, botulinum toxin application in blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, anterior segment findings in ocular herpes, and potential visual acuity in cataract surgery.

Clinical focus

A significant part of Dr. Çakmakçı’s practice involves refractive errors, including astigmatism and hyperopia, and their assessment in patients of different ages. Dr. Çakmakçı also evaluates and treats glaucoma, a condition in which regular monitoring of eye pressure and the optic nerve is usually part of longer-term care. For suitable adult patients, Dr. Çakmakçı offers smart lens applications; whether this option is appropriate depends on the findings of a full eye examination and a discussion of the individual’s visual needs.

Paediatric eye diseases form another area of Dr. Çakmakçı’s work, with a particular interest in amblyopia and the early detection of refractive errors that may affect visual development in childhood. Dr. Çakmakçı also sees patients with blepharitis, eye twitching (myokymia) and ocular migraine, conditions in which a careful history and examination help to distinguish common, self-limiting causes from those that may require further investigation or referral.

How Dr. Çakmakçı works with international patients

Dr. Çakmakçı consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, including previous eye examination findings, laboratory results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges appointments and the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing records and previous treatments, a clinical eye examination and a discussion of the available options. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation with Dr. Çakmakçı before travelling or as part of follow-up.