
Ophthalmologist & Clinical Director
Professor Yonca Aydın Akova is an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 35 years of expertise in corneal diseases, cataract surgery, uveitis, and ocular immunology. With a focus on advanced surgical techniques, including corneal transplantation and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, she has performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries and 1,000+ corneal transplants. She is a leading expert in premium IOL surgery, dry eye, keratoconus, uveitis and Behçet’s disease, and has been recognized internationally for her contributions to the field.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Corneal Diseases & Transplantation (Keratoplasty)
- Cataract Surgery & Intraocular Lenses (Trifocal, EDOF, Toric)
- Glaucoma surgery
- Refractive Surgery
- Dry Eye & Keratoconus Treatment
- Immunological Eye Diseases
- Uveitis & Behçet’s Disease
Surgical Experience
- >20,000 Cataract Surgeries
- >1,000 Corneal Transplantations (Keratoplasty)
- >1,000 Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgeries (FLACS)
- Glaucoma Operations, Limbal Graft Transplants, Pterygium Surgery
Academic & Professional Training
MD Istanbul University School of Medicine (1977-1983)
Ophthalmology residency, Istanbul University School of Medicine (1985-1990)
Fellowships:
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK (1988-1989)
- Johns Hopkins University, US (1991-1992)
- Harvard Medical School, US (1992-1993)
Academic Appointments & Leadership
- Current: Director, Akova Eye Clinic, Ankara (2020-Present)
- Chief, Department of Ophthalmology, Bayındır Kavaklıdere Hospital, Ankara (2012-Present)
- Former: Chief, Ophthalmology Dept., Başkent University (2003-2011)
Awards & Honors
- 2015: Fellow, European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO)
- 2011: Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- 1995: Eczacıbaşı Research Award
- 1991: TÜBİTAK Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS)
- Turkish Society of Ophthalmology
Publications & Research
- >160 peer-reviewed articles in international journals
- Author of 13vbook chapters; Editor, Fundamental Ophthalmology (4rd Edition)
- Over 3,500 citations in international scientific literature
Diplomas and Award Certificates