Key Insights
Institution Characteristics
Advocates a core philosophy of avoiding "factory-type eye clinics," emphasizing patient trust and safety through strategies such as a 1:1 dedicated doctor system and the installation of CCTVs in operating rooms.
Representative Director Lee Ji-yoon
A glaucoma specialist formerly a professor at Asan Medical Center and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, possessing rare high-level clinical capabilities in glaucoma and retinal fields within the Gangnam private practice sector.
Advanced Technology
Introduced the ATOS equipment from SCHWIND, used for "Smart LASIK" (5th generation vision correction), to achieve precise astigmatism correction and rapid recovery.
Strong Reputation
Maintains high ratings of 9.3 to 10.0 on major hospital evaluation platforms, with patient feedback primarily highlighting the absence of overtreatment and detailed explanations.
Hospital Information
Location & Accessibility
Gangnam Central Eye Clinic is located on Teheran-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, the center of healthcare in Korea. It is situated in Shindo Venture Tower, near exits 5 and 6 of Seolleung Station, offering excellent accessibility.
- Address: 8th Floor (Examination/Outpatient Center), 9th Floor (Surgery Center), Shindo Venture Tower, 333 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Clinic Hours:
- Mon/Fri: 09:30 ~ 18:30
- Tue/Thu: 09:30 ~ 19:30 (Night Clinic)
- Saturday: 09:30 ~ 15:30 (Open without lunch break)
Operational Philosophy & Features
The most distinctive feature of this clinic is its slogan of being a "Non-Factory-Type Eye Clinic." It counters the criticism often directed at large eye clinics in the Gangnam area regarding high-volume surgeries and mechanical patient handling.
- 1:1 Representative Director Responsible Care: The surgeon directly analyzes test results and establishes the surgical plan, not a consulting manager.
- Open Surgery Room & CCTV: An open structure allowing a view into the operating room and the installation of CCTVs resolve anxiety regarding surrogate surgeries and ensure transparency.
- University Hospital-Level Collaboration System: Through collaboration between a vision correction specialist (Director Pung Gye-hyeon) and a disease specialist (Director Lee Ji-yoon), side effects or potential eye diseases are precisely managed.
Representative Director Lee Ji-yoon
Education & Board Certification
- Graduated from Ewha Womans University School of Medicine.
- Obtained a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Ulsan Graduate School.
- Holds board certification as an Ophthalmologist in South Korea.
Key Career Experience
Her clinical experience at the "Big 5" hospitals, the top-tier medical institutions in Korea, stands out.
- Asan Medical Center: Glaucoma Fellow and Specialist.
- Seoul St. Mary's Hospital: Clinical Assistant Professor.
- Hyemin Eye Hospital: Head of Glaucoma Department.
Academic Activities & Research
Director Lee Ji-yoon has shown active engagement in academic research. She has published numerous SCI-level papers.
- Major Paper Topics: Comparison of IOP measurement methods in pediatric patients (Rebound, Noncontact, Goldmann), research on quality of life in glaucoma patients, effects of myopia on optic disc size and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.
- Society Activities: Active member of the Korean Ophthalmological Society (KOS) and the Korean Glaucoma Society (KGS).
Specialized Fields
- Glaucoma: Early diagnosis, medication, and laser treatment.
- Retinal Diseases: Management of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Specialized dry eye management including IPL laser treatment.
Major Procedures & Technologies
Vision Correction Surgery
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5th Generation Smart LASIK (SCHWIND ATOS)
A surgical method evolved from SMILE LASIK, utilizing the ATOS equipment with 7D Eye Tracking for precise astigmatism correction and rapid visual recovery by minimizing corneal damage with low thermal energy.
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One-Point LASEK
A LASEK method using Amaris Red laser's Smart Pulse technology to drastically reduce pain and recovery time (promoted as 1.5-2 days). Ideal for patients with thin corneas or those needing impact-resistant eyes.
Cataract & Eye Disease Treatment
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Presbyopia & Cataract Center
Operates an Intraocular Lens (IOL) matching system with various multifocal lenses (PanOptix, Vivity, FineVision, Lisa Tri). Features all-laser cataract surgery for increased incision accuracy and reduced complications.
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Dry Eye and Glaucoma Clinic
Offers IPL treatment (Aqua Laser) for dry eye syndrome to restore Meibomian gland function. Provides comprehensive glaucoma management with university hospital-grade diagnostic equipment, medication, and laser treatment for early optic nerve damage detection.
Reputation Analysis & Patient Feedback
Quantitative Evaluation
A comprehensive analysis of data from major hospital review platforms indicates very high overall satisfaction, maintaining a score of 9.3 or higher out of 10.
- Modoodoc: Director Pung Gye-hyeon 9.3, Director Lee Ji-yoon 10.0
- Gangnam Unni: Overall hospital rating 9.7 (over 400 reviews)
- Yeoshin Ticket: 9.8
Qualitative Evaluation: Positive Factors
- Kind and Detailed Explanations: Many reviews highlight meticulous explanations directly from the director, addressing all questions without annoyance, unlike "factory-type clinics."
- No Overtreatment: Patients appreciate that unnecessary surgeries are not recommended, and suitable options are honestly suggested based on their eye condition.
- Surgical Results: High satisfaction with visual recovery (achieving 1.0~1.2), and frequent mentions of low pain and fast recovery, especially for Smart LASIK and One-Point LASEK.
Considerations
- Waiting Time: Due to the nature of meticulous care, some patients note that waiting times may occur even with an appointment.
- Cost: As premium equipment (ATOS, etc.) is used, prices may be somewhat higher than low-cost event clinics. However, reasonable prices are often available by utilizing event periods (e.g., Smart LASIK in the low 2 million KRW range).
Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion
Gangnam Central Eye Clinic is establishing a unique position in the fiercely competitive Gangnam ophthalmology market with the weapons of "Premium Personalized Care" and "University Hospital-Level Expertise."
In conclusion, Gangnam Central Eye Clinic is evaluated as a medical institution suitable for "patients who want safe and precise vision correction surgery while also receiving professional management for overall eye health, such as glaucoma."
Specialized Expertise
Director Lee Ji-yoon's ability to treat underlying ophthalmic diseases significantly enhances medical reliability.
Technological Edge
Introduction of cutting-edge equipment like SCHWIND ATOS targets patients prioritizing surgical accuracy and safety.
Patient-Centric Approach
The non-factory system with direct director involvement aligns with needs for quality medical services.