Tolga Birgül, MD

Tolga Birgül, MD is an ophthalmologist at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital in İstanbul, where he practises within the Ophthalmology unit. He graduated from İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine in 2000 and completed his specialty training at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology in 2004. He has more than 26 years in medicine and sees adult and paediatric patients with a broad range of medical, surgical and refractive eye conditions.

Before joining Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 2026, Dr. Birgül worked as an ophthalmology specialist at the General Directorate of Civil Aviation Flight Medicine in Ankara from 2010, where he was also a member of the Turkish and European Civil Aviation Arbitration Board. From 2019 he taught as a lecturer in the Aydın University Opticianry Department in Istanbul, and from 2024 he served at Doğan Hospital, Dogan Medical Center in Istanbul as an ophthalmology specialist, board member and flight physician. He is a member of the Turkish Medical Association, the Istanbul Medical Chamber, Amerikan Oftalmoloji Akademisi, Alman Oftalmoloji Association, Türk Oftalmoloji Association and Avusturya Oftalmoloji Association, and he is a board member of the OHSAD Private Hospitals and Health Institutions Association.

Clinical focus

Dr. Birgül’s clinical work covers conditions affecting the front and back of the eye. He assesses and treats cataract, glaucoma and uveitis, as well as surface conditions such as conjunctivitis. Retinal disease is a significant part of his practice, including macular degeneration, retinopathy, and retinal tears and detachment, which may require prompt evaluation because of the risk to vision. Management in each case depends on the findings of the examination and on the individual patient’s general health.

He also manages refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, and he sees children with paediatric eye conditions. For glaucoma and other chronic conditions, follow-up over time is often part of care, and the appropriate approach is discussed with the patient after assessment.

How Dr. Birgül works with international patients

Dr. Birgül consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for other languages. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as previous eye examination findings, laboratory results, operative notes and discharge summaries, arranges appointments and organises the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and visual symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical eye examination and a discussion of the options. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation before travelling, although a physical eye examination is generally needed before any treatment decision is made.