In-depth Analysis Report

B&VIIT Eye Center

Representative Director Kim Jin-kook

Vision Correction AI Diagnosis SMILE Pro

Executive Summary

B&VIIT Eye Center (B&VIIT Gangnam Bright World Eye Center) is a leading ophthalmology clinic that has shared the history of vision correction surgery in Korea since its opening in 1994. Representative Director Kim Jin-kook, a first-generation vision correction specialist who introduced LASEK surgery to Korea, is currently leading the digital healthcare field by establishing an AI-based vision correction prediction system.

Key Analysis Points

Historical Status

Started as Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic in 1994, it is one of the largest ophthalmology clinics in Korea with over 30 years of history and over 500,000 eyes operated on.

Technological Innovation

The self-developed AI vision correction prediction system was published in Nature Digital Medicine, securing academic reliability.

Major Procedures

Focuses on SMILE LASIK and next-generation SMILE Pro (introducing VisuMax 800), emphasizing high astigmatism correction and rapid recovery.

Reputation Analysis

While the systematic system and data-based diagnosis are well-received, there are mixed feelings among patients regarding waiting times and the mechanical treatment process.

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Representative Director Kim Jin-kook

History & Leadership Analysis

Representative Director Kim Jin-kook is evaluated as a first-generation ophthalmology specialist who led the introduction and popularization of vision correction surgery in Korea.

  • Education: Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine, Master's from same graduate school, Ph.D. in Ophthalmology from Dong-A University Graduate School.
  • Early Career: Ophthalmology specialist at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, opened 'Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic' in Busan in 1994.
  • 1999 LASEK Introduction: First to introduce LASEK surgery to Korea after learning from Dr. Camellin of Italy.
  • 2000 Presbyopia Surgery: Introduced presbyopia surgery to Korea jointly with Dr. Schachar.
  • Society Activities: Active member of AAO, ASCRS, and ESCRS.

Management Philosophy & AI Vision

Director Kim Jin-kook shows aspects of a 'Digital Healthcare' leader combining medicine and IT beyond a simple clinician.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Digitized over 20 years of accumulated surgery data under the philosophy that "objective data is more important than a doctor's subjective judgment".
  • Establishment of Visuworks: Established Visuworks, a medical AI solution startup, leading the development of the AI vision correction prediction system. Aims to expand into a global medical platform.
  • Academic Achievement: The AI system was published in 'Nature Digital Medicine' in 2019, proving 98% accuracy in diagnosing surgery feasibility.

B&VIIT Eye Center: Overview & Infrastructure

Hospital History & Scale

  • Establishment: Started as 'Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic' in Busan in 1994, expanded to Seocho-dong, Seoul in 1998, and grew into the current 'B&VIIT Gangnam Bright World Eye Center'.
  • Location: Located on B2 of GT Tower, 411 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, with accessibility connected to Gangnam Station Exit 9.
  • Scale: One of the largest single ophthalmology clinics in Korea, with about 200 professional medical staff and over 10 ophthalmology specialists.

Features of Treatment System

B&VIIT Eye Center has built a unique process between the external view of being 'factory-style' and the internal goal of 'systematized precision treatment'.

  • Specialized Medical Staff: Tests, counseling, surgery, and post-care are thoroughly divided. Maximizes efficiency but can limit continuous care from a dedicated doctor.
  • 15 Steps, Over 60 Precision Tests: Blocks side effects in advance through extensive tests including pre-surgery DNA genetic testing (Avellino).

Core Technology: AI Vision Correction Prediction System

The biggest differentiator of B&VIIT Eye Center is its self-developed AI system, utilized not just as a marketing term, but as a medical auxiliary tool based on actual clinical data.

Technical Principles & Data

  • Big Data Utilization: Surgery data of over 500,000 eyes accumulated since 1994 was trained on Machine Learning algorithms.
  • Function: AI analyzes past surgery results of similar eye conditions to present the most suitable method and expected corrected vision.

Academic Achievements

  • Nature Digital Medicine: System published in this world-renowned international journal in 2019.
  • Significance: First case for a domestic clinic-level AI algorithm, proving 98% accuracy in diagnosing surgery feasibility, demonstrating academic research capabilities.

Major Procedures & Cost Analysis

B&VIIT Eye Center handles vision correction surgery in general, but recently focuses on SMILE series surgeries and lens implantation.

SMILE Pro & SMILE LASIK

Performs 'SMILE Pro' surgery by introducing VisuMax 800, an upgraded equipment.

  • Reduced Laser Time: Within 10 seconds (from 25s), reducing patient anxiety.
  • Oculign & CentraLign: Functions for automatic astigmatism axis correction, advantageous for high astigmatism.
  • Cost: SMILE LASIK ~2M KRW, SMILE Pro ~3M-4M KRW.

LASIK & LASEK

Traditional vision correction surgeries for patients with sufficient corneal thickness or those who value cost-efficiency.

  • Application: Suitable for standard myopia/astigmatism cases.
  • Recovery: Generally longer recovery for LASEK.
  • Cost: ~1M-2M KRW, more economical than SMILE.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

Method of inserting a special lens inside the eye without cutting the cornea.

  • Recommendation: For ultra-high myopia or patients with thin corneas.
  • AI-Based Sizing: Claims to minimize risks by measuring intraocular space using AI for optimal lens size.
  • Cost: ~4M-5M KRW (Toric lenses higher).

Reputation, Reviews & Side Effects Analysis

As a large-scale hospital, B&VIIT Eye Center receives various patient reviews, with positive and negative evaluations often clearly divided.

Positive Reputation

  • System Reliability: Strong perception of "safe surgery based on data" thanks to numerous surgery cases and the AI diagnosis system.
  • Efficiency: The process from testing to surgery is systematized, allowing busy individuals to receive surgery quickly (One-day surgery, etc.).
  • Accessibility & Facilities: High scores in Patient Experience (PX) for pleasant and spacious waiting areas and the latest equipment, located in Gangnam Station.

Negative Reputation & Complaints

  • 'Factory-style' Controversy: Criticism due to long waiting times and mechanical consultation with doctors, often meeting the surgeon for the first time on surgery day.
  • Lack of Post-care: Post-surgery management perceived as negligent compared to pre-surgery consultation, with responses like "wait and see" for side effect complaints.
  • Side Effect Cases: Complaints of severe dry eye syndrome, night glare, lower-than-expected post-surgery vision, or residual astigmatism.

Evaluation of Medical Staff

Major directors including Representative Director Kim Jin-kook (Ryu Ik-hee, Lee In-sik, etc.) gain trust with rich experience and academic achievements. However, patients should consider potential additional costs or long waiting times for direct surgery from the representative director, and frequent changes in employed doctors.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

B&VIIT Eye Center is evolving beyond a simple hospital into a 'Data-based Vision Correction Platform'. The AI system established under the leadership of Representative Director Kim Jin-kook and the introduction of the latest equipment (VisuMax 800) are key elements giving it a technological edge.

Summary of Features

  • Overwhelming Data: Accumulated data of 30 years and over 500,000 eyes forms the foundation for increasing AI prediction accuracy.
  • Leading Technology Adoption: Very active in adopting new technologies from LASEK to SMILE Pro and AI diagnosis.
  • Systematized Treatment: Provides efficient and standardized medical services, but can be a weakness in terms of personalized emotional care (Rapport).

Suggestions for Patients

B&VIIT Eye Center is a suitable option for patients wanting 'safe and verified standardized surgery'. Especially for patients with high astigmatism or complex eye conditions, they can enjoy the technological benefits of AI analysis and SMILE Pro.

However, if a patient prioritizes 'close communication with the doctor and detailed 1:1 care', they need to fully understand the characteristics of the treatment system and actively request designated director treatment.

Ultimately, B&VIIT Eye Center shows a successful model combining 'scaling up' and 'high-tech' in the Korean medical market, and Representative Director Kim Jin-kook is solidifying his position as an innovator fusing clinical practice and technology (Tech) at its center.