Analysis Report
In-depth Analysis of Representative Director Choi Han-nui
B&VIIT Eye Center originates from Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic, founded in 1994, and is one of the largest specialized vision correction hospitals in Gangnam, Seoul. It possesses over 29 years of history and surgical data on over 500,000 eyes.
A Master of Medicine from Korea University Medical School and an ophthalmology specialist, he currently serves as the Representative Director and Head of the Lens Implantation Center at B&VIIT. Recognized globally for his authority in the ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) field, he was the youngest recipient of the 'Young Ophthalmologist' award, given to the ophthalmologist under 45 with the most surgical experience.
The hospital's most distinguishing feature is its 'AI Vision Correction Prediction System,' trained via machine learning on cumulative surgical data of over 500,000 cases. This technology analyzes patient test data to suggest feasibility and optimal surgical methods with 98% accuracy, and has been published in Nature Digital Medicine.
SMILE, SMILE Pro, Lens Implantation (ICL), LASIK/LASEK, cataract surgery, etc. It conducts ongoing clinical research specifically focused on astigmatism correction.
Director Choi obtained a Master's in Medicine from Korea University Medical School and completed his ophthalmology residency and specialist course at Korea University Anam Hospital. Afterward, as part of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning's Physician-Scientist Overseas Training Program, he completed training at Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital in the US.
"Since vision correction surgery is not disease treatment but surgery to improve quality of life, safety is the top priority."
- Director Choi Han-nui
B&VIIT Gangnam Bright World Eye Clinic (B&VIIT Eye Center) is a medical institution that shares the history of vision correction surgery in Korea. Starting as 'Kim Jin-kook Eye Clinic' established by Representative Director Kim Jin-kook in 1994, it continues a history of about 31 years as of 2025.
After opening in Busan in 1994, B&VIIT expanded to Seocho-dong, Seoul in 1998, opening the Gangnam era in earnest. It has played a leading role in the Korean ophthalmology medical field, such as introducing presbyopia surgery in 2000 and fully implementing Avellino DNA testing in 2008.
Currently located on the B2 floor of GT Tower near Gangnam Station, it possesses a treatment space of about 1,300 pyeong (approx. 4,300 sq meters) and over 170 specialized personnel, the largest scale for a single eye clinic in Korea.
“ B&VIIT's core philosophy is "objective and safe surgery based on data." This goes beyond relying on individual medical staff's experience or intuition, materializing into a system that suggests the most suitable surgical method for patients by analyzing over 500,000 eyes' worth of surgical data accumulated over decades using AI.
The biggest differentiator of B&VIIT is its self-developed AI system, trained on over 500,000 surgical data points accumulated since 1994 and over 60 types of precision examination data using machine learning algorithms.
When a patient's test results are input, the AI cross-references with big data to predict surgical feasibility, the most suitable type of surgery (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, ICL), and even expected visual acuity after surgery.
This system proved its reliability by being listed in the world-renowned academic journal 'Nature Digital Medicine' for the first time among Korean eye clinics.
SMILE LASIK: A surgery that separates only the lenticule through a minimal 2mm incision without creating a corneal flap, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. B&VIIT has been designated as a 'Premium SMILE Center' by ZEISS.
SMILE Pro: A surgery performed by introducing the latest equipment, 'VISUMAX 800'. Laser irradiation time is reduced to under 10 seconds, reducing the burden on patients and minimizing the risk of infection.
Director Choi presented research results on the high astigmatism correction effect of SMILE LASIK at the ARVO conference, proving that SMILE surgery is also effective for astigmatism patients.
A surgery that inserts a special lens inside the eye without shaving the cornea, suitable for patients with high myopia or thin corneas.
Director Choi serves as the Center Head and holds a unique position in Toric ICL surgery for astigmatism correction.
Continuing safety research, such as publishing a paper in the SCI-grade journal JCRS by comparing and analyzing the effects of lens implantation and laser vision correction on corneal endothelial cells.
As a large-scale hospital, B&VIIT has a highly systematized treatment process. This is explained as a 'Double-check System' where optometrists, counselors, and doctors cross-verify to prevent misdiagnosis. The AI system further minimizes human error by providing objective data.
Many reviews express satisfaction with the systematic examinations and fast progression speed, highlighting the efficiency of a systematized large-scale operation and double-check processes.
Some patients feel it is like a "factory-style hospital" because the staff in charge of consultation, examination, surgery, and post-care are divided, or express regret over mechanical responses. This may not suit patients who prefer a 'primary physician' method where one doctor cares for them from start to finish.
Estimated Surgery Costs (as of 2024-2025):
*Note: Prices are subject to change depending on events, discounts, and patient's eye condition.
B&VIIT Eye Center is a hospital symbolizing the large-scale and high-tech nature of Korean ophthalmic care. The vast clinical data accumulated over nearly 30 years and the AI system analyzing it are powerful competitive advantages that other hospitals cannot easily imitate.
Representative Director Choi Han-nui is a key figure leading the high-value surgical areas of Lens Implantation and SMILE LASIK upon this system. Being selected as a 'Reference Doctor' at international conferences despite his young age proves that his clinical skills are world-class.
“ In conclusion, B&VIIT and Director Choi are analyzed to be contributing to increasing the accuracy and safety of vision correction surgery through the "combination of data science and clinical medicine," and are solidifying their position as a global vision correction center beyond Korea.