B&VIIT Eye Center · Kim Jin-kook Analysis Report

Executive Summary

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 systematic system and data-based diagnosis are well-received, mixed feelings exist regarding waiting times and mechanical treatment processes.

Kim Jin-kook

Representative Director

First-generation specialist AI Healthcare Leader

Director Profile

Education & Career

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine.
Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School.
Ph.D. in Ophthalmology from Dong-A University Graduate School.
Ophthalmology specialist at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University.
Opened 'Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic' in Busan in 1994.

Major Achievements

**1999 LASEK Introduction:** First to introduce LASEK surgery to Korea.
**2000 Presbyopia Surgery Introduction:** Introduced presbyopia surgery to Korea.
Active member of AAO, ASCRS, and ESCRS.

Management Philosophy & AI Vision

Director Kim Jin-kook is a 'Digital Healthcare' leader who believes "objective data is more important than a doctor's subjective judgment." He digitized over 20 years of surgery data and established Visuworks, a medical AI solution startup, leading the development of the AI vision correction prediction system with a goal to expand into a global medical platform.

Hospital Overview & Infrastructure

History & Scale

**Establishment:** Started as 'Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic' in Busan in 1994.
Expanded to Seocho-dong, Seoul in 1998, growing into the current 'B&VIIT Gangnam Bright World Eye Center'.
**Location:** Located on B2 of GT Tower, 411 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Directly 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 combines the external perception of being 'factory-style' with an internal goal of 'systematized precision treatment'.

**Specialized Medical Staff:** Tests, counseling, surgery, and post-care are thoroughly divided for efficiency, though this can make continuous care from a dedicated doctor difficult.
**15 Steps, Over 60 Precision Tests:** Extensive pre-surgery DNA genetic testing (Avellino) and other tests block potential side effects in advance.

Core Technology: AI Vision Correction Prediction System

Technical Principles and Data: Utilizes over 500,000 accumulated surgery data points since 1994, trained on Machine Learning algorithms. The AI analyzes past surgery results of similar eye conditions to present suitable surgical methods and expected corrected vision.

Academic Achievements (Nature Digital Medicine): This system was published in 'Nature Digital Medicine' in 2019, proving its ability to diagnose surgery feasibility with 98% accuracy. This highlights the hospital's academic research capabilities.

Major Procedures & Cost Analysis

SMILE Pro & SMILE LASIK

**Technology:** Performs 'SMILE Pro' surgery using the advanced VisuMax 800.
**Features:** Reduced laser irradiation time (within 10 seconds), Oculign & CentraLign for automated astigmatism axis correction and visual axis alignment. Ideal for high astigmatism.
**Cost:** SMILE LASIK: Mid-to-high 2 million KRW. SMILE Pro: High 3 million KRW to over 4 million KRW.

LASIK & LASEK

**Description:** Traditional vision correction surgeries.
**Recommendation:** Applied to patients with sufficient corneal thickness or those prioritizing cost-efficiency.
**Cost:** Low 1 million KRW to 2 million KRW, more economical than SMILE surgery.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

**Method:** Inserts a special lens inside the eye without corneal cutting.
**Recommendation:** For ultra-high myopia or patients with thin corneas.
**Innovation:** B&VIIT uses AI for intraocular space measurement and optimal lens size prediction, minimizing complication risks.
**Cost:** High price, mid-4 million KRW to over 5 million KRW (for Toric lenses).

Reputation, Reviews, & Side Effects

Positive Reputation

**System Reliability:** Strong perception of "safe surgery based on data" due to numerous surgery cases and the AI diagnosis system.
**Efficiency:** Systematized process from testing to surgery allows for quick procedures, including 'one-day surgery'.
**Accessibility and Facilities:** Centrally located at Gangnam Station, praised for pleasant, spacious waiting areas and state-of-the-art equipment.

Negative Reputation & Complaints

**'Factory-style' Treatment Controversy:** Criticism includes long waiting times and mechanical doctor consultations due to high patient volume. Patients may meet their surgeon for the first time on surgery day.
**Lack of Post-care:** Some complaints regarding negligent post-surgery management compared to extensive pre-surgery consultation, with "wait and see" responses to side effect concerns.
**Side Effect Cases:** Reports of severe dry eye syndrome (even after SMILE LASIK), 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, and Lee In-sik, are trusted for their extensive experience and academic achievements. However, patients should consider that receiving surgery directly from the representative director may incur additional costs or longer waiting times, and employed doctors (pay doctors) may change frequently.

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

B&VIIT Eye Center is evolving beyond a simple hospital into a "Data-based Vision Correction Platform." The AI system under Director Kim Jin-kook's leadership and the introduction of VisuMax 800 provide a significant technological edge.

Overwhelming Data

30 years and over 500,000 eye cases form the foundation for AI prediction accuracy.

Leading Technology Adoption

Highly active in adopting new technologies from LASEK to SMILE Pro and AI diagnosis.

Systematized Treatment

Provides efficient, standardized medical services, but can be a weakness in personalized emotional care.

Suggestions

B&VIIT Eye Center is a suitable option for patients seeking "safe and verified standardized surgery." Especially for those with high astigmatism or complex eye conditions, the technological benefits of AI analysis and SMILE Pro are significant. However, if a patient prioritizes 'close communication with the doctor and detailed 1:1 care,' they should fully understand the treatment system's characteristics and actively request designated director treatment.

Ultimately, B&VIIT Eye Center represents a successful model combining 'scaling up' and 'high-tech' in the Korean medical market, with Representative Director Kim Jin-kook solidifying his position as an innovator fusing clinical practice and technology.