Lacrima Polyclinic is one of Croatia's leading ophthalmology centres, located in the heart of Zadar — a historic coastal city on the Adriatic that is easily accessible by air from across Europe. The clinic provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine consultations to complex surgical interventions, all delivered using state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment.
The clinic's ophthalmology team is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and prominent European cataract and refractive surgery associations. They regularly participate in international medical congresses, ensuring that every treatment protocol reflects the latest evidence-based standards in eye care.
Lacrima Polyclinic serves both local patients and international medical travellers. The clinic supports English-speaking patients throughout the entire treatment journey, from pre-consultation questions to post-operative follow-up, and offers practical assistance for patients arriving from abroad, including appointment coordination and translation services.
Why Choose Lacrima Polyclinic for Eye Care in Croatia
Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism in eye care, offering European-standard treatment at significantly lower costs than Western Europe or the United Kingdom. Patients from the UK, Germany, Austria, and Ireland regularly travel to Croatia for procedures such as LASIK, cataract surgery, and premium intraocular lens implantation. Lacrima Polyclinic stands out in this landscape for several reasons:
- Proven patient satisfaction: The clinic holds a 5.0 rating based on verified patient reviews, with patients consistently praising the professionalism of the staff, the quality of the technology, and the comfort of the clinic environment.
- European medical standards: Croatia is an EU member state, meaning medical practice is governed by EU health and safety regulations. Lacrima Polyclinic meets these standards in both surgical and non-surgical care.
- Modern diagnostic technology: The clinic uses advanced diagnostic tools for pre-surgical mapping and assessment, including corneal topography and optical biometry, to ensure treatment plans are tailored to each patient's individual eye profile.
- Convenient location: Zadar has an international airport with direct connections to many European cities, making it straightforward to combine treatment with a short stay in one of the Adriatic's most attractive coastal towns.
Treatments at Lacrima Polyclinic — What to Expect
Cataract Surgery in Zadar, Croatia
Cataract surgery at Lacrima Polyclinic is performed using phacoemulsification, the gold-standard minimally invasive technique in which the clouded natural lens is gently broken up with ultrasound energy and removed through a micro-incision. The natural lens is replaced with a high-quality intraocular lens (IOL). Patients typically experience significantly improved vision within 24 to 48 hours of surgery, and the procedure itself takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The clinic offers both monofocal and premium multifocal IOL options, which can reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses after surgery.
LASIK Eye Surgery in Zadar, Croatia
LASIK at Lacrima Polyclinic uses laser technology to precisely reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. Candidates for LASIK undergo a thorough pre-operative assessment to confirm that their corneal thickness and curvature are suitable for the procedure. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following LASIK. The procedure is performed under topical anaesthetic (eye drops only), takes approximately 15 minutes for both eyes, and recovery of functional vision typically occurs within 24 hours.
Smart Lenses (Refractive Lens Exchange) in Zadar, Croatia
Smart lens surgery, also referred to as refractive lens exchange (RLE), is an excellent option for patients who are not suitable for laser vision correction — particularly those over 45 years of age or with high prescriptions. The procedure replaces the eye's natural lens with a premium multifocal or extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens, allowing clear vision at multiple distances. It also permanently eliminates the risk of future cataracts. The surgical technique is identical to cataract surgery and is performed as a day procedure.
Glaucoma Treatment in Zadar, Croatia
Lacrima Polyclinic provides comprehensive assessment and management for patients with glaucoma, including early-stage screening, intraocular pressure monitoring, visual field testing, and treatment options ranging from medicated eye drops to laser procedures (selective laser trabeculoplasty, SLT) and surgical intervention where required. Early detection and consistent treatment are critical to preventing irreversible vision loss, and the clinic's team places particular emphasis on patient education and long-term monitoring.
Eye Specialist Consultation
A consultation at Lacrima Polyclinic covers a thorough examination of visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure, and the health of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Consultations are recommended for patients considering any form of corrective eye surgery, those experiencing symptoms such as floaters, flashes, or changes in vision, and for general preventive screening, particularly for patients over 40 or those with a family history of eye disease.
