Key Points
Institution Overview
Gangnam EOS Eye Center is a medical institution focused on vision correction surgery located near Gangnam Station, known for its unique '2day LASEK' branding and surgical protocol.
Key Figure
Representative Director Jung Young-kwon, an ophthalmologist from Catholic University, possesses international clinical and administrative experience.
Major Procedures & Features
The hospital's signature procedure, '2day LASEK', features an All-Laser method. The 'Lounge EOS' innovates the patient experience.
Reputation & Analysis
Positive evaluations for staff expertise and systematic optometry. High cost, waiting times, and individual differences in recovery are discussion points.
Hospital Information
Location and Facility Scale
Gangnam EOS Eye Center occupies the 18th, 19th, and 20th floors of the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Seocho Building at 355 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Located near Exit 5 of Gangnam Station, it boasts excellent accessibility.
- 18th Floor: Examination Center (Precision optometry and consultation)
- 19th Floor: Surgery Center (Sterile operating rooms and recovery rooms)
- 20th Floor: Clinic Center (Outpatient treatment and post-care)
This floor-separation strengthens expertise by separating functions, reduces infection risk, and protects patient privacy by separating patient movement paths.
Medical Philosophy and Operational Policy
EOS Eye Center advocates for being "a hospital where space becomes the protagonist" and "an ophthalmology clinic good at difficult surgeries."
This suggests that beyond the functional aspect of simply correcting vision, they spare no investment in designing a 'Patient-Centered Experience' that values the psychological stability patients feel while staying at the hospital.
Furthermore, they are adopting a strategy to build trust by transparently disclosing research data on high-difficulty cases such as ultra-high myopia or astigmatism.
Representative Director Jung Young-kwon Profile
Education and Early Career
- Education: Graduated from the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine and obtained Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Medicine from the same graduate school.
- Training: Completed internship and residency at the Catholic University of Korea St. Mary's Hospital and obtained board certification in Ophthalmology. Afterward, he served as a clinical professor in the Cornea and Cataract department at the Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital.
International Experience: Beijing SK Aikang Hospital
A notable part of Director Jung's background is his experience as the Head of Ophthalmology at 'SK Aikang Hospital' located in Beijing, China. This was the first joint venture hospital between Korea and China established by SK Group in 2004.
During this period, Director Jung experienced an international medical environment and gained deep insights into risk management in hospital management and global standards.
Major Research Achievements and Academic Activities
- ESCRS Presentation (2022): Presented research results on "The long-term efficacy and stability over 6 months of 2day LASEK (Trans-PRK) for ultra-high myopia over -8 diopters" at the 40th ESCRS in Milan, Italy.
- Korean Ophthalmological Society Activities: Research results were also adopted and presented at the 126th Meeting of the Korean Ophthalmological Society. Director Jung is an active member of the Korean Ophthalmological Society, the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS), and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
Major Procedures and Technical Features
1. 2day LASEK (Two-Day LASEK / Trans-PRK)
The surgical method that serves as a symbol of EOS Eye Center, drastically shortening the pain and long recovery period of existing LASEK.
Technical Principle:
- All-Laser Method: Uses only the Amaris Red 1050RS laser to proceed with epithelium removal and stroma ablation in one step (One-step), minimizing corneal epithelium damage.
- Minimum Ablation Algorithm: Applies an algorithm researched and developed by EOS Eye Center, reducing the corneal damage area by about 40% compared to general LASEK, speeding up wound recovery.
Clinical Benefits:
- Fast Recovery: Most patients can remove protective lenses just 48 hours (2 days) after surgery and engage in daily activities.
- Safety: Low risk of infection as there is no instrument contact. No corneal flap is created, making it resistant to external impact, advantageous for soldiers, police officers, athletes, etc.
2. SMILE LASIK (SMILE / Smart LASIK)
Gangnam EOS Eye Center operates advanced equipment to provide surgery optimized for the patient's eye condition.
- Equipment: Operates both the VisuMax equipment from Zeiss, Germany, and the ATOS equipment from Schwind.
- Features: Uses the 'Low Energy' technique to reduce thermal damage to the corneal stroma and creates a smooth cut surface to improve vision quality.
3. Intraocular Lens Implantation (ICL) and Presbyopia/Cataract Surgery
Offers comprehensive solutions for various vision challenges, including high myopia and age-related conditions.
- ICL: A method of inserting a special lens inside the eye without cutting the cornea, applied to patients with ultra-high myopia or thin corneas. EOS Eye Center emphasizes accurate astigmatic axis correction for astigmatism correction ICL.
- Cataract: Performs multifocal intraocular lens implantation tailored to the patient's lifestyle and minimizes side effects through precise pre-operative examinations.
Patient Experience Innovation: Lounge EOS
Gangnam EOS Eye Center conducted a 'Space Revolution Project' to provide a 'spatial experience' beyond medical services, aiming to reduce patients' fear and increase psychological satisfaction.
Specialty Coffee Collaboration
Collaborates with Barista Jung In-seong of 'Rule Coffee' to provide high-quality hand-drip coffee in the lounge within the hospital.
Bakery and Dessert Offerings
Collaborates with dessert brands selected by Blue Ribbon Survey to provide seasonal menus, offering a full-scale F&B service.
Unique Branch Themes
'Lounge EOS Seongsu', opened in Seongsu-dong, is part of a space regeneration project, operating as a complex cultural space combining exhibition and relaxation.
Reputation Analysis and Market Response
Positive Evaluations
- Satisfaction with Recovery Speed: Actual patient reviews contain numerous verified testimonials regarding the fast recovery of '2day LASEK', such as "Removed lenses in 2 days" and "Was able to go to work on Monday after Friday surgery."
- Expertise and Trust: Many evaluations highlight that medical staff, including Director Jung Young-kwon, meticulously care for everything from optometry to surgery and post-care. The real-name system for medical staff and transparent disclosure of examination data build trust.
- Facility Satisfaction: Favorable reviews continue regarding the pleasant environment and service of 'Lounge EOS', contributing to lowering the psychological barrier to visiting the hospital.
Negative Evaluations and Considerations
- Individual Differences in Pain: Despite emphasizing 'painless' or 'less pain', reactions such as "It hurt and stung so much I couldn't open my eyes" and "A guardian is essential" exist, suggesting significant individual differences in pain sensitivity.
- Cost: Opinions state that the cost of '2day LASEK' or 'SMILE LASIK' is set somewhat higher than general LASEK surgery (e.g., Two-day LASEK is around 2-2.5 million KRW).
- Waiting Time: As it is a popular hospital, difficulty in making reservations or long waiting times on the day are pointed out as disadvantages.
- Controversies and Medical Discourse: Among some ophthalmologists, there's a discussion on whether early protective lens removal necessarily implies complete epithelial recovery, with calls for a cautious approach. EOS Eye Center counters with proven safety through over 30,000 cases of data and long-term tracking research.
Conclusion
Gangnam EOS Eye Center and Representative Director Jung Young-kwon have built a unique brand value in the domestic ophthalmology market through technical differentiation called '2day LASEK' and spatial differentiation called 'Lounge EOS'.
1. Medical Aspect
Led by Director Jung Young-kwon, they academically prove the safety of LASEK surgery for ultra-high myopia patients, practicing 'data-driven medicine' beyond simple competition in the number of procedures.
2. Patient Experience Aspect
By reinterpreting the hospital space as a space for healing and relaxation, they have led the qualitative improvement of medical services.
3. Market Position
They are leading the premium vision correction surgery market, but high costs and individual differences in pain remain factors for patients to consider when choosing.
Comprehensively, Gangnam EOS Eye Center presents a model of a modern medical institution combining technology and patient-centered service, and it is analyzed that Representative Director Jung Young-kwon is demonstrating leadership encompassing clinical practice, research, and management at the center.