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From Student of Pioneers to Teacher of the World Elite

In refractive surgery, there are practitioners – and there are innovators. Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian belongs to the latter category. As the founder and lead surgeon of EyeLaser Zurich, he stands for a level of precision that far exceeds Swiss standards.

His medical DNA was shaped by the giants of the field: He completed his specialization under Prof. Theo Seiler (IROC Zurich) and Prof. Thomas Kohnen (Frankfurt University) – those visionaries who performed the world’s first laser eye surgeries. Today, Dr Derhartunian carries this legacy forward—not only as a surgeon, but also as a mentor.

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

A Global Training Center on Lake Zurich

EyeLaser Zurich is more than a practice; it is an official SCHWIND Reference Center. While elsewhere technology is merely used, colleagues from around the world come here to master it.

The “Zurich Effect”: Who Learns from Dr. Derhartunian
In 2025 alone, renowned ophthalmologists from the following countries traveled to Zurich and our partner clinics to be trained by Dr. Derhartunian in the latest techniques (SmartSight, PresbyMAX):

  • Europe: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Germany
  • Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Tunisia
  • Asia & Eurasia: India, Indonesia, Georgia, Armenia

“When I train a surgeon from London or Riyadh, I indirectly help thousands of patients worldwide see better. This uncompromising commitment to perfection flows into every single treatment here in Zurich.” — Dr. V. Derhartunian

Medical Milestones & Training

  • Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery. One of the highest international distinctions (FWCRS). FWCRS Certified
  • Student of Prof. Dr. Dr. Theo Seiler. Specialization at IROC Zurich (inventor of crosslinking).
  • Fellowship with Prof. Kohnen & Dr. Jerry Tan. University Hospital Frankfurt & Singapore (topography & lens surgery).
  • Over 15 years of experience. Specialized in complex cases and premium lenses.

Medical Focus Areas & Innovations

Dr. Derhartunian relies on customized profiles that are often years ahead of market standards.

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

1. The 3rd Generation: SmartSight (KLEx)

As a SCHWIND Key Opinion Leader, Dr. Derhartunian has perfected the SmartSight technology on the ATOS femtosecond laser.

  • The difference: No flap (corneal flap), minimal incision (“keyhole technology”), maximum stability.
  • The innovation: Use of CenTrax technology for automated cyclotorsion control. This means: even if your eye rotates (e.g., when lying down), the laser hits the exact axis of your astigmatism.
Dr. Victor Derhartunian

2. Presbyopia: Reversible & Biological

For patients aged 45 and above who are bothered by reading glasses, Dr. Derhartunian offers biological inlays (Allotex TransForm™) as one of the few pioneers worldwide.

  • Natural: Instead of plastic lenses, sterile human donor tissue is used.
  • Reversible: The procedure does not permanently alter the anatomy and can be reversed.
  • Alternative: PresbyMAX (Laser Blended Vision) for enhanced depth of field.

3. Corneal Reconstruction (CAIRS)

For keratoconus patients, Dr. Derhartunian uses CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments). Instead of synthetic plastic rings, natural tissue is implanted to stabilise the cornea—a cutting-edge regenerative method.

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

In this video, Dr. Victor Derhartunian talks about his training and experience

Zurich Location: Swiss Precision Meets Quality of Life

Eyelaser Zürich

Our practice is located in the heart of Zurich, just steps from the Opera House and Stadelhofen station. We understand the lifestyle of our Zurich patients: Whether you swim in the Limmat in summer, hike on Uetliberg in winter, or attend hectic business meetings on Bahnhofstrasse – glasses and contact lenses are often an obstacle.

We offer you:

  • Efficiency: Eligibility checks during your lunch break.
  • Discretion: Private atmosphere for our discerning clientele.

Accessibility: Perfect public transport connections (Forchbahn, S-Bahn) and parking garages (Opéra).

Why Do We Hesitate When the Technology Is Safe?

Augenlasern Zürich

A laser treatment is more than a medical procedure; it is an emotional decision. In Zurich, we often observe a “quality-over-price” mentality, coupled with the need for absolute control.

Dr. Derhartunian on Safety:

“My patients’ most common concern is loss of control. My approach is radical transparency. I don’t just tell you that it’s safe, but why. I show you the safety mechanisms of the ATOS laser, which track every movement of your eye over 1,000 times per second. Knowledge is the best remedy for fear.”

Typical Decision Patterns in Zurich:

  1. Need for safety: Patients often choose Dr. Derhartunian not because of price, but because he is the “teacher of other doctors.”
  2. Lifestyle factor: Active people (skiing in Graubünden, sailing on Lake Zurich) don’t want contact lens problems at altitude or in water.
  3. Long-term thinking: The one-time investment is weighed against lifetime costs for progressive lenses (often > CHF 20,000).

Qualifications & Evidence

At EyeLaser Zurich, you are not placing yourself in the hands of just any provider, but in the care of an institution. Dr. Derhartunian combines academic research with over 20 years of practical patient experience.

Don’t trust luck. Trust competence.

Here you will find evidence of Dr. Derhartunian’s status as a thought leader in ophthalmology.

Active Memberships in Professional Societies

Dr. Derhartunian is engaged in the world’s most important bodies for quality assurance and ethics:

  • WCRSVS: Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery
  • ESCRS: European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
  • AECOS: American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery
  • ISRS: International Society of Refractive Surgery
  • SOG: Swiss Ophthalmological Society
  • AGZ: Zurich Medical Association
  • DOG: German Ophthalmological Society
  • ÖOG: Austrian Ophthalmological Society

Lecture Series & Teaching Activities 2025

Where Dr. Derhartunian was invited as a speaker and instructor this year:

  • Kyiv (USCRS – Online): Lenticular Extraction with ATOS Femtosecond Laser. (1st Ukrainian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons)
  • London (AECOS): Reproducibility of KLEx in Different Settings.
  • Nuremberg (DOC): Laser Lenticule Extraction – The 3rd Generation and When LASIK, When KLEx? Patient Communication.
  • Copenhagen (IPS): Allogenic Corneal Inlays: Emerging Innovations.
  • Bangkok (SCHWIND User Meeting): Advanced ATOS Strategies & Retreatment after KLEx.
  • Athens (ESCRS Winter) & Crete: Surface Ablation Techniques.
  • Samarkand (IOC): AI Technology in SmartSight.
  • Warsaw/Katowice (SCOP/Cornea): Rebuilding the Cornea: CAIRS as a new frontier.
  • China (Online): KLEx Masterclass.

Scientific Publications (PubMed Peer-Reviewed)

Complete list of research papers validating his expertise:

2025 – Current Research

  • Pradhan KR, Derhartunian V, Arba-Mosquera S. (2025). To Dose or Not to Dose, Is That the Question? J Refract Surg. 41(4):e409-e410.
  • Janiszewska-Bil D… Derhartunian V, et al. (2025). Enhancing Safety in Refractive Surgery: A Pilot Evaluation of In Vivo Confocal Microscopy. J Clin Med. 14(21):7714.
  • Haidari H, Derhartunian V… Arba-Mosquera S. (2025). Effective optical and treatment zone analysis by means of cross-over differences after lenticule extraction. Heliyon. 11(2):e42019.

Key Works (Refractive & Corneal)

  • Haidari H, Derhartunian V, Arba-Mosquera S. (2023). Method to determine the centration of a lenticule of tissue extracted from a cornea. Biomed Opt Express.
  • Seiler TG… Derhartunian V, Seiler T. (2015). Superficial corneal crosslinking during laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg.
  • Hafezi F, Koller T, Derhartunian V, Seiler T. (2012). Pregnancy may trigger late onset of keratectasia after LASIK. J Refract Surg.
  • Kook D… Derhartunian V, Kohnen T. (2011). Astigmatic keratotomy with the femtosecond laser… Ophthalmologe.
  • Kohnen T… Derhartunian V. (2010). Results of 308 consecutive femtosecond laser cuts for LASIK. Ophthalmologe.
  • Kook D, Derhartunian V… Kohnen T. (2009). Top-hat shaped corneal trephination for penetrating keratoplasty using the femtosecond laser. Cornea.
  • Kohnen T… Derhartunian V. (2008). Use of multifocal intraocular lenses and criteria for patient selection. Ophthalmologe.
  • Kohnen T, Derhartunian V. (2007). Apodized diffractive optic. New concept in multifocal lens technology. Ophthalmologe.
  • Böhmig GA… Derhartunian V. (2001). C4d-positive acute humoral renal allograft rejection. J Am Soc Nephrol.

Ready for a Life Without Compromise?

Don’t rely on just any doctor. Trust the expert that other doctors trust.
Book your eligibility check in Zurich now or call us: +41 44 221 95 02

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The 15 Most Important Questions from Zurich Patients (FAQ)

Does health insurance in Switzerland cover eye laser surgery?

No, it is usually considered an elective procedure. Some supplementary insurance plans (e.g., Helsana, Swica) provide contributions. We prepare cost estimates for your insurance.

How quickly can I return to office work (screen work)?

With SmartSight (KLEx), often after just 24–48 hours. We recommend scheduling the procedure on a Friday so you’re fully operational by Monday.

Can I drive in Zurich after the surgery?

Usually the day after the follow-up examination. We officially confirm your fitness to drive.

What happens if I cough or blink during the surgery?

Nothing. Nothing. A lid holder prevents blinking, and the Active Eye Tracker of the laser compensates for movements in milliseconds or stops immediately.

Are there risks from dry air in air-conditioned Zurich offices?

Dryness is a temporary side effect. We provide you with high-quality artificial tears for the first few weeks.

I do a lot of sports (triathlon/CrossFit). Which method is ideal?

We recommend SmartSight (KLEx) or TransPRK, as these are “flap-free.” There is no corneal flap that could shift with an impact.

How long do the results last?

The laser correction is permanent. Changes due to natural aging (presbyopia from age 45) can later be corrected through lens replacement or Allotex.

Do you offer installment payment plans?

Yes, we work with Swiss financing partners to enable flexible monthly payments.

Why come to you instead of going abroad for cheaper options?

With Dr. Derhartunian, you receive Swiss legal security, warranty, and aftercare on-site. Additionally, you are treated by the doctor who often trains the foreign colleagues himself.

Is SmartSight better than SMILE?

SmartSight is the next evolution. It also offers an additional cyclotorsion control (compensation for eye rotation), which was often missing in first-generation SMILE. This is essential for astigmatism.

Is the treatment painful?

No. Anesthetic drops make the eye insensitive. You feel pressure, but no pain.

Does Dr. Derhartunian treat personally?

Yes. You book the chief physician and are treated by the chief physician – from the initial consultation to the surgery.

Can both eyes be lasered on the same day?

Yes, that is the international standard. It saves time and reduces the recovery period to a minimum.

What exactly is Allotex?

An inlay made from human corneal tissue for correcting presbyopia. It is the most natural option, as it is biological.

How do I get an appointment as a busy manager?

Use our online booking. We offer exclusive off-peak appointments for working professionals.