Analysis Report

Gangnam EOS Eye Center

Head Director Lee Sang-mi In-Depth Analysis

2day LASEK SMILE LASIK Patient Experience

Key Highlights

Vision Correction Pioneer

Gangnam EOS Eye Center, located near Gangnam Station, has uniquely positioned itself by researching and developing '2day LASEK' since 2008, a true innovation in vision correction surgery.

Expert Director Lee Sang-mi

Head Director Lee Sang-mi, an ophthalmologist with over 10,000 SMILE LASIK cases, prioritizes data-based safety and personalized surgical design, actively introducing and performing '2day LASEK'.

Advanced Core Procedures

Key treatments include '2day LASEK' for rapid recovery, 'SMILE LASIK' using femtosecond lasers, and 5th generation vision correction with advanced ATOS equipment for superior outcomes.

Patient-Centric Innovation

Differentiated features include transparent data disclosure, open operating rooms for trust, and 'Lounge EOS', redefining hospital spaces as cultural and relaxing environments.

Head Director Lee Sang-mi

Biography & Credentials

Education

  • Graduated from Dankook University College of Medicine.
  • Completed Ophthalmology Residency at Dankook University Hospital.

Major Career

  • Oculoplastics Dispatched Doctor at Samsung Medical Center.
  • Former Head of Ophthalmology at Cheongju St. Mary's Hospital.
  • Former Director at B&Viit Eye Center Gangnam Kyobo Tower Branch.
  • Current Head Director at Gangnam EOS Eye Center.

Academic Activities

  • Regular member of the Korean Ophthalmological Society.
  • Regular member of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
  • Regular member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
  • Regular member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

Expertise & Philosophy

Areas of Expertise and Clinical Achievements

  • Over 10,000 cases of SMILE LASIK performed.
  • Specialized in 5th generation vision correction surgery utilizing ATOS equipment.
  • Active in performing and researching 2day LASEK.

Medical Philosophy: Data-Driven Flexible Thinking

Director Lee Sang-mi's philosophy is rooted in 'objective judgment based on data' and 'patient safety first'. She demonstrates a flexible attitude, adopting 2day LASEK after personally verifying its clinical benefits (wide optical zone, high accuracy, fast recovery).

She is also honest about potential side effects of procedures like SMILE LASIK, emphasizing the importance of advanced equipment (ATOS) and surgical proficiency to mitigate risks.

"From the perspective of a doctor who has performed the surgery myself, the 2-day recovery and qualitative aspects of vision in 2day LASEK are surprisingly accurate."

Hospital Information

Location & Infrastructure

Gangnam EOS Eye Center is strategically located on the 18th, 19th, and 20th floors of 355 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Seocho Building), directly adjacent to Exit 5 of Gangnam Station, ensuring excellent accessibility.

The high-floor location provides panoramic views of Gangnam. Patient flow is optimized with separated functions: 18th floor for Examination & Lounge, 19th for Surgery, and 20th for Outpatient Services.

Space Revolution: Lounge EOS

EOS Eye Center redefines the hospital experience with its 'Space Revolution Project', notably 'Lounge EOS'. This initiative transforms the medical space into a cultural rest area, emphasizing patient comfort and experience.

  • Design Philosophy: Aims for "a hospital where space becomes the protagonist," embracing simplicity, cozy lighting, elegant furniture, and music to create an art gallery or cafe-like ambiance.
  • Collaboration: Offers specialty coffee in collaboration with 'Rule Coffee' and seasonal dessert partnerships, turning waiting times into a positive experience.
  • Seongsu Lounge: An exclusive private lounge for EOS Eye Center customers and employees, housed in a regenerated old mold factory in Seongsu-dong.

Transparency & Safety System

To foster trust, the center operates an 'Open Surgery Room' with transparent glass, allowing visibility into the operating theater. This transparency addresses concerns like ghost surgery and highlights medical staff accountability.

Furthermore, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications affirm adherence to international standards for medical quality and environmental management. A doctor real-name system and emergency response protocols are also in place.

Major Procedures

2Day LASEK: Rapid Recovery Vision Correction

As the signature surgery of EOS Eye Center, 2day LASEK is a proprietary protocol researched and developed since 2008. Unlike conventional LASEK that used alcohol or brushes, 2day LASEK employs an All-Laser method to precisely excise the corneal epithelium and stroma in a single step.

This innovative approach dramatically minimizes the damaged area of the corneal epithelium by approximately 40%, accelerating the recovery process. Patients can typically remove protective lenses and return to daily life within just 2 days (48 hours) post-surgery, overcoming the significant recovery time disadvantage of traditional LASEK.

Technical Superiority

  • Minimization of Damaged Area: About 40% reduction in corneal epithelium damage area.
  • Fast Recovery: Daily life possible within 2 days (48 hours) after protective lens removal.
  • Enhanced Safety: Reduced infection risk due to instrument-free epithelial removal; optimal corneal preservation, beneficial for high myopia.
  • 2day LASEK Wide: Option for larger optical zones for patients with large pupils, minimizing night glare.

SMILE LASIK & ATOS SMILE: Advanced Flapless Surgery

SMILE LASIK is a key expertise of Director Lee Sang-mi, a procedure that reshapes the corneal stroma through a minimal incision without creating a corneal flap. The latest evolution, SMILE surgery using ATOS equipment, addresses earlier concerns about 'Side Cut' and glare.

ATOS creates a smooth transition zone, effectively minimizing myopic regression and glare. It utilizes low energy to reduce excessive thermal damage, resulting in a smooth corneal surface and improved quality of vision. Furthermore, ATOS enhances astigmatism correction accuracy by integrating Cyclotorsion compensation and visual axis center data.

Key Features of ATOS SMILE

  • Evolved Technology: Smooth transition zone without side cut, minimizing myopic regression and glare.
  • Low Energy Application: Reduces thermal damage, promoting a smoother corneal surface for better visual quality.
  • Superior Astigmatism Correction: Enhanced accuracy through Cyclotorsion compensation and visual axis center data integration.

Other Vision Correction & Eye Surgeries

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

ICL surgery involves inserting a special lens inside the eye without altering the cornea. This is an ideal solution for patients with ultra-high myopia or thin corneas, offering clear vision and including toric ICL options for astigmatism correction.

Presbyopia / Cataract Surgery

The center performs multifocal intraocular lens implantation tailored to individual lifestyles. These procedures aim for precise surgical outcomes utilizing advanced laser technology for optimal visual recovery.

Reputation and Patient Reviews

Positive Evaluations

Exceptional Recovery Speed

2day LASEK patients highly praise the rapid recovery, affirming they could remove protective lenses and resume daily activities within two days. Many appreciated the reduced need for annual leave for office workers.

Professionalism and Trust

Meticulous optometry, thorough explanations by medical staff (including Director Lee Sang-mi), and the data disclosure policy significantly build patient trust. Successful outcomes, even in complex cases, are frequently highlighted.

Premium Facilities and Service

The pleasant environment of Lounge EOS, complimentary coffee service, and friendly staff contribute to overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many patients feeling like they are visiting a cafe rather than a hospital.

Considerations and Reserved Evaluations

Post-Surgery Pain

While 2day LASEK aims to minimize pain, the nature of LASEK means some patients still report stinging eyes, tearing, and discomfort on the day of or day after surgery, with realistic accounts of significant tearing.

Waiting Times

Due to the hospital's popularity, patients often note extended waiting times, underscoring the necessity of making reservations well in advance.

Cost Factor

Offering premium equipment and services, the cost for procedures at Gangnam EOS Eye Center is perceived as somewhat higher compared to more budget-oriented eye clinics.

Rating Status

  • Gangnam Unni: 9.3/10 (44 reviews)
  • Modoodoc: 9.2/10 (414 reviews)
  • Director Lee Sang-mi Personal Rating: 9.1/10 (24 reviews)

Report Conclusion

Gangnam EOS Eye Center and Head Director Lee Sang-mi hold a distinct position in the Korean ophthalmology market by harmonizing **'Technical Innovation (2day LASEK, ATOS SMILE)'** with **'Patient Experience Innovation (Lounge EOS, Data Disclosure)'**.

Director Lee Sang-mi is characterized as a progressive medical professional, renowned for her extensive surgical expertise derived from over 10,000 SMILE LASIK cases. She demonstrates a flexible and data-driven approach, readily adopting and refining new protocols such as 2day LASEK based on clinical evidence.

For patients, this institution presents an appealing choice when prioritizing both rapid recovery and surgical safety. However, as the degree of post-operative pain and the most suitable surgical method can vary significantly per individual, it is highly recommended to engage in thorough consultation with a specialist, utilizing the transparent data provided by the hospital.

Core Values

01

Technical Innovation

Pioneering advancements like 2day LASEK and leveraging state-of-the-art ATOS SMILE technology.

02

Patient Experience

Revolutionizing hospital environments with 'Lounge EOS' and transparent service policies.

03

Data-Driven Safety

Commitment to objective data disclosure and a 'patient safety first' medical philosophy.