Analysis Report
Dr. Kim Kang-yoon Representative Director In-Depth Analysis
Eyereum is a prominent, research-oriented ophthalmology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, known for academic contributions, numerous patents, and SCI-grade publications since 2011.
Led by Dr. Kim Kang-yoon, a board-certified ophthalmologist from Yonsei University and a former Severance Hospital clinical research assistant professor.
Expertise in "Low Energy SMILE," SMILE Pro, and ICL surgeries, with Dr. Kim recognized as a ZEISS SMILE Certified Expert.
Highly regarded for rigorous safety standards, thorough pre-operative exams, and a "conservative" patient selection approach; a reference clinic for ZEISS and STAAR Surgical.
Education & Training
Career & Certifications
Academic Memberships
2025: Advancements in Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)
"Reducing Higher Order Aberrations after Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction using Asymmetric Spacing Spot/Track Distances with Low Energy Levels" (Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery)
Focus on improving visual quality and supporting "Low Energy SMILE" protocol.
2024: Long-term ICL Safety
"10-Year Clinical Outcomes of V4c Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation: Longitudinal Analysis of Visual Acuity, Endothelial Cell Density, and Vault Dynamics" (American Journal of Ophthalmology)
Landmark study reinforcing long-term safety and expertise in ICL procedures.
2022: Dry Eye Management
"Treatment Effect and Pain During Treatment With Intense Pulsed-Light (IPL) Therapy According to the Light Guide in Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction" (Cornea)
Holistic approach to ocular surface health, addressing common post-surgical concerns.
Eyereum Eye Clinic was established on July 7, 2011. It is strategically located on the 6th and 7th floors of the Gangnam Center Building at 388 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This prime location is directly connected to Gangnam Station (Exit 2), placing it at the heart of Seoul's medical and commercial hub.
The clinic operates with a philosophy deeply rooted in safety and academic verification. It distinguishes itself by not only performing surgeries but also publishing the results of these procedures in international scientific journals to validate their efficacy and safety. This "research-oriented" approach underpins all clinical decisions.
The clinic is divided into a dedicated Surgery Center (6th floor) and an Examination/Outpatient Center (7th floor), ensuring a streamlined patient flow. The medical team consists of highly qualified ophthalmologists, primarily graduates of Yonsei University College of Medicine, many with faculty or specialist experience at Severance Hospital.
Eyereum serves as a key opinion leader in refractive surgery, acting as a reference clinic for major manufacturers like Carl Zeiss Meditec (SMILE) and STAAR Surgical (EVO ICL). Its staff regularly present at prestigious international conferences (ESCRS, ASCRS), with over 160 invited lectures.
Eyereum champions "Low Energy SMILE," a proprietary technique utilizing the minimum laser energy required for incision. This results in a smoother lenticule surface, correlating with faster visual recovery and superior optical quality by reducing gas bubbles and corneal roughness.
The clinic employs the latest ZEISS VisuMax systems, including **SMILE Pro** (VisuMax 800), which offers significantly faster laser frequency and shorter suction times, enhancing patient comfort and safety.
With Dr. Kim's 10-year longitudinal study validating its safety and efficacy, Eyereum is a leader in ICL surgery. This procedure involves implanting an EVO ICL lens between the iris and natural lens, ideal for patients with high myopia or thin corneas unsuitable for laser ablation.
Rigorous safety protocols, including precise lens sizing using UBM (Ultrasound Biomicroscopy), are emphasized to prevent potential complications like cataracts or glaucoma.
The "CustomEyes" protocol integrates data from high-resolution diagnostic devices (MS-39, PERAMIS) to perform ray-tracing guided ablation. This personalized approach addresses unique corneal irregularities and higher-order aberrations, optimizing visual outcomes.
Often referred to as "Co-Wave LASEK" by patients, this customized surgery specifically aims to reduce glare and improve night vision, catering to individual visual needs.
Beyond refractive surgery, Eyereum provides solutions for age-related vision conditions. This includes PresbyMAX for laser-based presbyopia correction and premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation for cataract patients.
A key focus is accurate differential diagnosis between simple presbyopia and cataracts, ensuring appropriate and effective treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Thoroughness: Patients consistently praise the depth of pre-operative examinations, often mentioning 70+ types of tests and cross-checked results to ensure utmost safety.
Conservative Approach: The clinic is known for prioritizing patient safety, even refusing surgery if eyes are deemed unsuitable (e.g., thin corneas), advising ICL or no surgery, which builds significant trust.
Dr. Kim's Professionalism: Described as professional and meticulous, Dr. Kim provides detailed explanations, enhancing patient understanding and confidence in procedures like "Co-Wave LASEK."
Avellino DNA Test: Screens for genetic corneal dystrophies, mitigating the risk of post-laser blindness.
Double-Check System: Refractive errors are cross-validated by both optometrists and ophthalmologists for accuracy.
Long-term Post-Op Management: Emphasis on extensive follow-up, as evidenced by their academic tracking of patients over 10 years.
Wait Times: Due to the clinic's popularity and exhaustive examination protocols, patients report potentially long wait times during visits.
High Volume Environment: While medical care is highly rated, the clinic environment can sometimes be perceived as busy or "factory-like" given the high patient volume, though this is a trade-off for its renowned thoroughness.
Eyereum Eye Clinic, under the leadership of directors like Dr. Kim Kang-yoon, stands out in the crowded Gangnam ophthalmology market through a rigorous adherence to academic standards and data-driven medicine. Dr. Kim’s profile is that of a "scholar-surgeon," whose clinical practice is deeply intertwined with high-level research aimed at refining surgical techniques (specifically Low Energy SMILE) and ensuring long-term safety (ICL).
For patients, the clinic represents a premium, safety-focused option where surgical decisions are backed by published scientific evidence. The trade-off for this thoroughness appears to be a high-volume environment, but the consistent production of SCI-grade research and global recognition by medical device manufacturers suggests a high standard of care.