In-Depth Analysis Report

SNU Eye Clinic

Chief Director Chung Eui-sang

SMILE LASIK Pioneer ICL Expert Premium Eye Care

Executive Summary

Institution Status

SNU Eye Clinic is an 'academic-based hospital' that led the domestic introduction and clinical research of SMILE LASIK. Chief Director Chung Eui-sang was the only Korean among 11 international SMILE research doctors worldwide.

Technological Advantage

The clinic has preemptively introduced ZEISS's 'VisuMax 800' for 'SMILE Pro' surgery, aiming for 'Bespoke surgery' that considers individual corneal topography and astigmatism axis.

Medical Staff Expertise

Led by Chief Director Chung Eui-sang, the team comprises specialists who are former university hospital professors or fellows, operating a cooperative system for detailed sub-specialties.

Reputation & Marketability

Gained a positive reputation for high expertise in high myopia and astigmatism correction, securing trust through patient-customized care. Costs are in the upper range due to premium surgery.

In-Depth Profile of Chief Director Dr. Eui Sang Chung

Education and Key Career

  • Education:
    • 1992: Doctor of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine.
    • 1999: Master of Medicine, Seoul National University Graduate School.
    • 2005: Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine, Seoul National University Graduate School.
  • Key Career:
    • Completed internship, residency, and cornea fellowship at Seoul National University Hospital.
    • Served as Ophthalmology Specialist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Samsung Medical Center, and Professor of Ophthalmology at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (approx. 15 years).
    • 2006~2007: Research Professor at Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School.
    • Current Representative Director of SNU Eye Clinic.

Academic Achievements & Philosophy

  • SMILE LASIK Introduction: In 2010, selected as the only Korean among 11 'International SMILE Research Doctors'; performed the first SMILE surgery in Korea in May 2011. Continues to transfer know-how as a reference doctor for SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro.
  • Authority in ICL: A first-generation doctor performing ICL surgery since 2002, currently one of only eight 'ICL Expert Surgeons' in Korea.
  • Philosophy: Advocates for a systematic ophthalmic hospital system ("leaving a 'skin' instead of a name") built in cooperation with junior doctors, prioritizing endurance over personal fame. Understands patient perspective, having personally undergone presbyopia cataract surgery.

SNU Eye Clinic Information

Overview and Founding Philosophy

SNU Eye Clinic operates under the motto "The right for everyone to continue a happy life with a clear day." The 'SNU' name signifies the medical staff's academic background and commitment to university hospital-quality care.

Chief Director Chung Eui-sang founded the clinic to provide satisfactory medical services based on his 15 years of experience as a professor at Samsung Medical Center.

Location and Facility Scale

  • Location: 3rd Floor (Presbyopia/Cataract Center) and 12th Floor (Vision Correction Center), ICT TOWER, 624 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Excellent accessibility near Exit 7 of Sinsa Station.
  • Scale: Approximately 300 pyeong, with separate centers to optimize patient flow and strengthen expertise.
  • Medical Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Fridays same hours (no night clinics). Saturdays 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Lunch break 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

Core Values (5 Promises)

  • Safety Focus: Minimizing side effects through strict guidelines.
  • Patient Focus: Step-by-step treatment system and personalized care.
  • Trustworthy Medical Staff: Staff from Seoul National University Hospital and Samsung Medical Center.
  • Advanced Medical System: University hospital-level equipment and systems.
  • Eye Clinic Recommended by Patients: Prioritizing patient satisfaction.

Major Procedures and Technical Features

SMILE Pro and SMILE LASIK

  • Technology Introduction: Preemptively introduced ZEISS's next-generation 'VisuMax 800' for 'SMILE Pro' surgery (fall 2023).
  • Speed: Laser irradiation time reduced to under 10 seconds (SMILE Pro), significantly reducing suction loss risk.
  • Accuracy: 'CentraLign' technology compensates for cyclotorsion, enhancing astigmatism correction.
  • Bespoke Surgery: Customized energy dosage and lenticule position based on individual corneal topography and iris shapes.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

  • Expertise: Chief Director Chung is a first-generation ICL doctor in Korea (since 2002) and an 'ICL Expert Surgeon'.
  • Zero-Toric ICL: Possesses know-how to secure rotational stability of the lens for astigmatism correction.
  • Safety Assurance: Meticulous attention to lens sizing to minimize corneal endothelial cell damage and emphasizes long-term post-operative observation.

Presbyopia and Cataract Surgery

  • Multifocal Intraocular Lenses: Offers various premium intraocular lenses (PanOptix, Vivity) selected according to patient's lifestyle.
  • Young Presbyopia Clinic: Actively introduces correction methods utilizing Viva ICL for the increasing number of 'young presbyopia' patients (early 40s).
  • Cooperative System: Specialists in cornea/vision correction and retina/cataract provide comprehensive care from pre-operative examination to post-operative complication management.

Reputation and Patient Review Analysis

Positive Evaluations

  • High Expertise and Trust: Strong trust in Chief Director Chung Eui-sang's distinguished career and academic authority (SMILE LASIK introduction).
  • Meticulous Examination and Counseling: Systematic examination process with doctors meticulously checking eye conditions, proactively suggesting Avellino DNA tests for safety.
  • Excellent Surgical Results: Numerous reviews report fast visual recovery and minimal pain after SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro surgeries.

Considerations and External Reputation

  • Cost: Surgical costs are in the upper range (SMILE LASIK ~2M-3M KRW, SMILE Pro ~4M KRW), reflecting university hospital-level equipment and staff.
  • Waiting Time: Appointments can be difficult to book, and waiting times may occur for popular medical staff.
  • External Recognition: Chief Director Chung was selected as one of Korea's Top 100 Doctors by Weekly Sisa Magazine. The clinic has international recognition, receiving visits from overseas scholars like the president of the German Ophthalmological Society.
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Conclusion and Comprehensive Analysis

SNU Eye Clinic is solidifying a 'premium' position in the Korean vision correction market, driven by Chief Director Chung Eui-sang's strong academic leadership and clinical experience. The historical significance of the domestic introduction of SMILE LASIK and the technological edge through the preemptive adoption of SMILE Pro (VisuMax 800) are its greatest competitive advantages.

The operational philosophy, which prioritizes 'Bespoke Surgery' tailored to individual eye characteristics and 'Safety' over simply increasing surgical volume, acts as a major attractive factor for patients with high myopia/astigmatism concerned about side effects.

Recommended for:

  • Patients seeking safe vision correction surgery from verified medical staff and using the latest equipment.
  • Patients with complex eye conditions such as high astigmatism or corneal asymmetry.
  • Patients who prioritize the quality of surgery and stability of post-operative care over cost.
  • Patients desiring university hospital-level care without the long waiting times and complex procedures of traditional university hospitals.
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