Analysis Report

Gangnam EOS Eye Center

In-depth Analysis of Representative Director Kwak No-hoon

Vision Correction Specialist ICL Authority 2DAY LASEK Pioneer

Key Summary Points

Expertise & Specialization

Gangnam EOS Eye Center possesses unique clinical data in the fields of **2DAY LASEK** and **ICL (Intraocular Lens Implantation)**. Representative Director Kwak No-hoon is evaluated as a global authority with over 15,000 surgical experiences in astigmatism correction ICL.

Technical Innovation

The hospital promotes '2DAY LASEK' as its main product, which minimizes corneal epithelial damage and shortens the recovery period to 2 days through 'One-step All-laser LASEK'. Director Kwak No-hoon also devised the 'Turn and Down' technique.

Hospital Infrastructure & Philosophy

Beyond a simple medical space, they operate a lounge that maximizes Patient Experience (PX) through the 'Space Revolution Project,' combining medical services with relaxation spaces.

Reputation & Reliability

Despite being a large-scale Gangnam eye clinic, they apply conservative surgical standards. However, waiting times due to high awareness and cost aspects are pointed out as considerations.

Director Profile: Kwak No-hoon

Education & Major Career

Director Kwak No-hoon graduated from the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine and its graduate school, obtaining a Doctor of Medicine (M.D., Ph.D.) degree. He is an academic medical professional who went through the ophthalmology specialist course at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and served as a professor of ophthalmology at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine.

  • **Education:** Graduated from the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (Ph.D.).
  • **Career:**
    • Former Professor of Ophthalmology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine.
    • Former Exchange Professor of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, USA.
    • Current Adjunct Professor, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.
  • **Academic Activities:** Active as a regular member of the Korean Ophthalmological Society, the Korean Retina Society, the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Korean Contact Lens Society.

Area of Expertise: ICL Authority

Director Kwak No-hoon's most significant characteristic is his overwhelming clinical experience in **Lens Implantation (ICL)**, specifically in the high-difficulty field of **Astigmatism Correction ICL (Toric ICL)**.

  • **Number of Surgeries:** First in Korea to perform over 15,000 cases in astigmatism correction ICL, selected as a 'Best Surgeon' for over 10,000 cases.
  • **Success Rate:** Records a success rate close to 99% in astigmatism correction ICL surgeries and serves as a global training institution.

Proprietary Surgical Technique: Turn and Down

This technique gently positions the lens using rotational force, drastically lowering the possibility of complications by minimizing contact with intraocular structures.

Establishment of Data-Based Algorithm

Director Kwak has built a system that determines the optimal lens size and insertion position for each patient by algorithmizing 20 years of surgical data.

Hospital Information

Basic Information & Location

Gangnam EOS Eye Center is an ophthalmology clinic located near Gangnam Station, a fierce battleground for vision correction surgery in Korea. It aims for customized surgeries optimized for the patient's lifestyle and ocular condition.

  • **Name:** Gangnam EOS Eye Center
  • **Location:** 18th Floor (Examination Center), 19th Floor (Surgery Center), 20th Floor (Outpatient Clinic), 355 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Seocho-dong, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Seocho Tower).
  • **Medical Subjects:** Vision Correction Surgery (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE LASIK), Intraocular Lens Implantation (ICL), Presbyopia/Cataract Surgery, Dry Eye Clinic, etc.
  • **Scale:** Uses three floors within a landmark building, operating separate spaces for examination, treatment, surgery, and rest.

Operational Philosophy: Space Revolution Project

EOS Eye Center is famous for not sparing investment in the space where patients stay. With the goal of becoming a 'hospital where space is the protagonist,' it operates 'Lounge EOS Gangnam' and 'Lounge EOS Seongsu.' This strategy aims to break away from the cold image of hospitals and provide psychological stability and premium services to patients.

Major Procedures & Technical Features

2DAY LASEK (Two-Day LASEK)

This is EOS Eye Center's signature surgery, a method that drastically improves upon the pain and long recovery period, which are disadvantages of conventional LASEK.

  • **Concept:** A LASEK surgery where the protective lens is removed and return to daily life is possible in just 2 days (48 hours) after surgery.
  • **Technical Principle (One-step All-laser):** Proceeds with corneal epithelium removal and stromal ablation at once using only a laser (Amaris Red 1050RS), reducing damage by about 40% and increasing recovery speed.
  • **Equipment:** Uses the Amaris Red 1050RS equipment from Schwind, Germany, implementing a smooth corneal surface with 7-dimensional eye tracking and Smart Pulse technology.
  • **Achievements:** Now in its 15th year, clinical stability proven with over 30,000 cases of protective lens removal within 2 days.

Intraocular Lens Implantation (ICL)

A surgery that inserts a special lens into the eye without cutting the cornea, suitable for patients with super-high myopia or thin corneas.

  • **Expertise:** A dedicated team led by Representative Director Kwak No-hoon is operated, specializing in astigmatism correction.
  • **EVO+ Aqua ICL:** Uses the latest lenses that do not require iridotomy, minimizing side effects through a sizing system containing Director Kwak's know-how.

Other Procedures

  • **SMILE LASIK/Smart LASIK:** Separates the stroma with minimal incision (<2mm) without creating a corneal flap, minimizing dry eye syndrome.
  • **Presbyopia/Cataract Surgery:** Provides customized surgery using multifocal intraocular lenses, tailored to the patient's lifestyle.

Reputation Analysis & Patient Reviews

Positive Evaluations

  • **Expertise and Trust:** Very high technical trust in Director Kwak No-hoon's ICL surgery and Director Oh Jung-woo's 2DAY LASEK. Conservative medical attitude ("telling patients if their eyes are not suitable") builds deep trust.
  • **Fast Recovery:** Numerous 2DAY LASEK patient reviews confirm 2-day recovery and return to daily life, aligning with marketing points.
  • **Systematic System:** Systematic process from examination to surgery and post-operative care. Kind staff and professional explanations also received high scores.
  • **Facility Satisfaction:** High satisfaction regarding accessibility (Gangnam Station) and the pleasantness of the 'Lounge' style waiting space.

Negative Evaluations & Considerations

  • **Wait Time:** Waiting times can be long even after making a reservation due to the hospital's fame.
  • **Cost:** Premium surgeries and latest equipment mean costs may be higher than low-cost clinics (e.g., 2DAY LASEK around 2.5 million KRW).
  • **Post-operative Pain:** Despite reduced pain, some LASEK patients report stinging eyes or pain on the day of surgery and the next day, indicating individual differences.

Reputation by Medical Staff

  • **Director Kwak No-hoon:** Very meticulous and professional during ICL consultations, providing tailored solutions without over-treatment.
  • **Director Oh Jung-woo:** High recognition in 2DAY LASEK, with high satisfaction with surgical results.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

**Gangnam EOS Eye Center** has successfully established a differentiated positioning of **'Research-centered Customized Surgery'** in the vision correction surgery market where 'factory-style surgery' is prevalent.

1

Technological Superiority

Director Kwak No-hoon's 20 years of ICL know-how, over 15,000 astigmatism correction data points, and the proprietary 'Turn and Down' technique are core competencies. Safety secured by overcoming LASEK disadvantages through **2DAY LASEK** is also highly evaluated.

2

Safety Orientation

The conservative medical philosophy of boldly dissuading surgery if the patient's eye condition is not suitable for surgery contributes to building long-term hospital trust.

3

Innovation in Patient Experience (PX)

Providing psychological satisfaction to patients by combining space philosophy with medical services elevates the quality of medical services to the next level.

**In conclusion,** Gangnam EOS Eye Center and Representative Director Kwak No-hoon are options that can be considered with top priority for patients requiring high-difficulty vision correction surgery due to high myopia, astigmatism, or thin corneas. In particular, for patients considering lens implantation, Director Kwak No-hoon's clinical experience can be a strong basis for trust. However, surgical costs, waiting times, and the possibility of initial pain specific to LASEK surgery are factors that patients should be aware of and consider in advance.