B&VIIT Eye Center · Dr. Lee In-sik Analysis Report

Key Highlights

Institution Overview

B&VIIT Eye Center has a history of about 31 years since its opening in 1994 and is one of the largest specialized vision correction hospitals in Korea. The cumulative number of vision correction surgeries exceeds 600,000 eyes.

Director Lee In-sik

Holds a Ph.D. from Yonsei University and is a regular member of ASCRS. He is particularly famous for personally performing vision correction surgery on his immediate family, giving high trust to patients.

Technological Edge (AI)

The clinic possesses an 'AI Vision Correction Prediction System' developed in-house over 580,000 surgery data points. Research was published in *Nature Digital Medicine* for the first time among domestic ophthalmology clinics.

Reputation & Traits

While views on the 'factory-type' system are mixed, it's largely evaluated for emphasizing safety through systematic examinations and AI-based conservative surgery judgment. Covers SMILE LASIK, lens implantation, and cataract surgery.

Leadership & Expertise

Representative Director Lee In-sik

Education & Major Career

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine (MD, MS, Ph.D.).
Completed Ophthalmology specialist course at Severance Hospital.
Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at Yonsei University Severance Hospital.
Concurrent Professor at KAIST Pappalardo Medical Center.
Regular member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
Former Section Chief at Siloam Eye Hospital.

Specialized Medical Fields

Cataract Surgery (Presbyopia, Advanced Cataracts)
SMILE LASIK (SMILE) & SMILE Pro
LASIK/LASEK (Laser Vision Correction)
Lens Implantation (ICL for High Myopia)

Medical Philosophy & Family Surgery Cases

“ "I do not recommend surgeries to patients that I cannot do for my family."

Director Lee In-sik embodies this philosophy by having personally performed vision correction surgeries on his immediate family, including his wife, daughter, son, and recently his son-in-law. This record serves as a powerful testament to his trust in the procedures and his own skill.

He prioritizes the patient's long-term eye health, adopting a conservative approach and recommending the safest method, even if it means suggesting LASEK over SMILE for certain conditions, to prevent unreasonable surgeries.

B&VIIT Eye Center Information

History & Scale

As of 2025, B&VIIT boasts approximately 31 years of history since its opening in 1994, growing into one of the largest single ophthalmology clinics in Korea.

**Cumulative Surgeries:** Over 607,000 eyes, forming a core asset for AI development.
**Medical Staff:** Approximately 12-13 resident ophthalmologists and a total staff of about 180.
**Facilities:** Separate examination and surgery centers. Features a 'Hopsital' concept with a large waiting space, cafe, and gallery for patient comfort.

Location & Accessibility

The hospital is conveniently located on the B2 floor of GT Tower, 411 Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. It offers excellent accessibility, directly connected to Exit 9 of Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 and Shinbundang Line).

This prime location attracts patients not only from the metropolitan area but also from local regions and overseas, providing a significant geographical advantage.

Hospital Philosophy

"B&VIIT has evolved beyond a simple primary medical institution into a research-oriented, data-based hospital, sharing the history of vision correction surgery in South Korea."

Major Procedures & Technological Features

SMILE LASIK & SMILE Pro

B&VIIT has performed over 100,000 SMILE LASIK surgeries since 2010 and received an appreciation plaque from ZEISS, Germany. They have also published a paper proving its effectiveness for high astigmatism.

The clinic introduced 'VisuMax 800' for 'SMILE Pro', drastically speeding up laser irradiation (within 10 seconds), reducing infection risk and improving recovery.

AI Vision Correction Prediction System (B&VIIT AI)

This in-house AI system applies machine learning to over 580,000 eyes' worth of surgical data, suggesting the optimal method for each patient. It was scientifically validated by publication in *Nature Digital Medicine*.

The system analyzes about 60 precision examination results to predict surgery feasibility, expected visual acuity, and potential side effects, offering unparalleled data-driven diagnosis.

Lens Implantation & Cataract Surgery

B&VIIT actively performs lens implantation (ICL) procedures, which do not cut the cornea, with medical staff recognized as ICL Expert Instructors.

For cataracts, they perform presbyopia cataract surgery using multifocal intraocular lenses and leverage the latest examination equipment from Alcon, USA, to ensure high surgical accuracy.

Reputation & Patient Review Analysis

Positive Evaluations (Pros)

**Systematic System:** Patients praise the highly systematic process from examination to surgery and post-care, including convenient management via the 'B&VIIT Smart Care' app.
**Data-Based Reliability:** The objective figures and AI diagnosis results provide patients with psychological stability and trust in the recommended surgical method.
**Conservative Surgery Recommendations:** The clinic avoids overtreatment by recommending the safest method (e.g., LASEK over SMILE) based on individual eye conditions like corneal thickness or astigmatism, even if recovery is slower.
**Medical Staff Proficiency:** High volume of surgeries and the notable cases of medical staff, including Director Lee In-sik, operating on their own families instill strong trust in their expertise and surgical safety.

Concerns (Cons)

**'Factory-type' System:** Due to its large scale, some patients describe the experience as 'factory-type', citing long waiting times and a mechanical feel to the treatment process.
**Short Consultation Time:** Many reviews express regret that optometrists conduct most examinations, leading to relatively short face-to-face consultation time with the doctors.
**Limitations of Personalized Care:** While designated director treatment is possible, patients may feel a lack of 1:1 close care compared to smaller clinics, experiencing issues like changing attending doctors during post-surgery outpatient visits or extended waits.

Summary of Actual Reviews

"One year after SMILE LASIK, I maintain 1.2 vision in both eyes, though individual differences mean I still experience some dry eyes and light glare."

"I initially wanted SMILE LASIK but was recommended LASEK due to severe astigmatism. Despite a longer recovery, I am satisfied that my vision was corrected safely."

"Surgery was received at a reasonable price through various discounts. The fixed prices and events are disclosed relatively transparently, which was helpful."

Comprehensive Analysis & Conclusion

B&VIIT Eye Center is a representative case that successfully combined 'large-scale' and 'high-tech' in the Korean ophthalmology medical market. Representative Director Lee In-sik demonstrates core leadership of the hospital through academic research, rich clinical experience, and trust building through family surgeries within this system.

Summary of Features

01

Overwhelming Data & AI

The AI diagnosis system utilizing big data of over 600,000 eyes over 31 years is the strongest weapon differentiating it from other hospitals.

02

Safety-Centered Conservative Approach

Despite being a large hospital, it does not insist only on highly profitable surgeries and shows adherence to medical ethics by recommending classic surgeries like LASEK depending on the patient's eye condition.

03

Systematized Medical Service

Management via apps and systematic examination flows are efficient, but possess a double-sidedness where patients may feel it is 'mechanical'.

Suggestions

B&VIIT Eye Center is a hospital suitable for patients who emphasize high technical skills and safety. Especially if desiring treatment from Representative Director Lee In-sik, it can be further recommended for patients with high-difficulty cases such as cataracts or high astigmatism. However, it is advisable to visit with sufficient time allowance considering waiting times and the atmosphere unique to large hospitals.

This report was written based on public information collected as of February 2025, and specific surgery costs or medical staff schedules may change depending on hospital circumstances, so direct inquiry is necessary.