Best Hospitals for Glaucoma treatment in Republic of Korea 2026

Top-rated glaucoma specialists in South Korea include Dr. Lee Young Seob, Dr. Lee Kwan Hoon, and Dr. Chong Gi Von. These board-certified ophthalmologists maintain memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and have performed thousands of complex microsurgeries at certified centers in Seoul and Busan.

• Dr. Lee Young Seob. Specialist at Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic with over 15,000 successful eye surgeries performed.
• Dr. Lee Kwan Hoon. Chief Director at Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic, fellowship-trained in retina and complex glaucoma care.
• Dr. Chong Gi Von. Chief Director at BGN Eye Hospital Busan who has treated 500,000+ international patients.
• Dr. Jinchul Kim. Specialist at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic with advanced clinical training from the Mayo Clinic.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Specialists at Seoul eye centers often hold unique patents for Asian biometric profile software. Dr. Jinchul Kim developed the first IOL calculation program specifically for Asian eye structures. This matters because glaucoma patients needing lens replacement require high precision to prevent sudden pressure spikes. Using a specialist who uses these localized tools can significantly improve long-term visual stability.

Patient Consensus: Patients find that university specialists explain progression risks simply using OCT scans, which helps reduce anxiety. Many noted that a conservative monitoring approach before choosing laser treatment helped preserve their vision without aggressive steps. Bringing prior medical records to your consultation is helpful for monitoring and can prevent a need for repeat tests.

English-speaking glaucoma specialists are readily available in South Korea at major facilities like Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic and Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic. Many hold board certifications and have trained in the USA, providing clear communication and research-backed treatments for international patients.

• International training. Many specialists like Dr. Sungwon Cho earned degrees from US institutions like Boston University.
• Clinical proficiency. Dr. Jinchul Kim completed advanced clinical training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
• Certified expertise. Doctors often hold memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for global standards.
• Research contributions. Dr. Jinchul Kim is a regular lecturer at major international conferences like the ASCRS.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While many Korean ophthalmologists speak English, specific doctors like Dr. Jinchul Kim at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic stand out by developing custom software for Asian eye biometrics. Patients benefit from specialists who combine Western training with local innovations, potentially leading to more accurate diagnostic results.

Patient Consensus: Patients find that eye doctors in Seoul often explain glaucoma procedures clearly in English. While doctors are fluent, some note that using translation apps helps when talking to administrative staff or pharmacists about post-operative care instructions.

During a glaucoma consultation in South Korea, ask about your specific subtype and target eye pressure. Inquire about advanced options like minimally invasive surgery or laser trabeculoplasty. Leading specialists like Dr. Chong Gi Von at BGN Eye Hospital have treated over 500,000 patients using these techniques.

• Subtype and genetics. Ask if your glaucoma relates to Asian genetics and how that affects your risk.
• Target pressure numbers. Request a clear explanation of your current intraocular pressure and your goal range.
• Diagnostic technology. Inquire about results from high-resolution OCT, which is a detailed 3D scan of your eye.
• Treatment alternatives. Ask if laser trabeculoplasty could replace daily eye drops to avoid side effects like dryness.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Many top Korean specialists possess dual expertise in both retina and glaucoma care. For example, Dr. Lee Kwan Hoon at Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic is fellowship-trained in retina. This matters because specialized retina knowledge helps doctors better monitor and protect the optic nerve during complex glaucoma treatments.

Patient Consensus: Patients recommend asking for a numbered urgency scale from one to ten to understand how quickly surgery is needed. They also suggest using translator apps if medical terms become complex to ensure the long-term timeline is clear.

South Korean ophthalmologists treat normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) by lowering eye pressure even when it is within the normal range. Board-certified specialists like Dr. Lee Kwan Hoon at Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic often initiate medication immediately for 87–91% of patients to prevent vision loss.

• Early intervention. Doctors start treatment upon diagnosis to prevent optic nerve damage before it progresses.
• Advanced diagnostics. Specialists use OCT, which costs around $100 to $200, to map nerve changes.
• Specialized medications. Prostaglandin analogues are the primary choice to effectively lower internal eye pressure.
• Risk factor focus. Clinicians monitor corneal thickness and vascular health, including migraines or low blood pressure.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Coordination of care in Seoul often involves retina specialists like Dr. Lee Young Seob. Since NTG is the most common glaucoma type in Korea, these doctors integrate retina-specific imaging to detect subtle nerve fiber thinning that standard tests might miss. Using specialists with dual expertise in retina and glaucoma may lead to more accurate target pressure settings.

Patient Consensus: Patients often undergo 24-hour pressure monitoring to find their peak eye pressure levels at night. Many note that doctors aim for a target pressure below 15 mmHg to ensure long-term stability.

South Korea houses specialized glaucoma services at clinics like BGN Eye Hospital in Busan and Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic in Seoul. These centers provide advanced diagnostics and surgical care, including minimally invasive techniques and laser treatments, delivered by board-certified ophthalmologists with international fellowship training and memberships.

• Specialized surgical volume. Dr. Chong Gi Von at BGN Eye Hospital has treated 500,000+ patients.
• Retinal expertise integration. Dr. Lee Kwan Hoon brings retina specialization to manage complex glaucoma cases.
• Advanced diagnostic imaging. Clinics use OCT, which is a scan that maps the optic nerve accurately.
• Board-certified leadership. Specialists like Dr. Lee Young Seob have performed 15,000+ successful eye surgeries.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient data shows that top Seoul specialists often hold dual expertise in both glaucoma and refractive surgery. This allows them to offer tailored treatments for patients needing both pressure management and vision correction. For instance, Dr. Jinchul Kim at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic developed unique IOL power calculation formulas specifically for Asian eye anatomy.

Patient Consensus: Patients treated in Seoul often notice significant eye pressure drops within a week of laser treatment. Many were surprised by how high-tech imaging revealed damage that previous clinics missed. The smooth recovery after surgery and detailed explanations from specialists made them feel more confident about their long-term vision care.

Healthcare is the key development sector of the Korean government. The Korean authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 1 billion a year for medical tourists attraction.

According to Mark Britnell, hospitals dominate the health system. 94% of hospitals are privately owned.

In South Korea, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.

Today, South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 states. None visa is required for stays under 90 days or less. To stay longer in this country, you need a visa. What states need a visa for treatment in South Korea and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.

Visas for travel to South Korea require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:

• ID card
• confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
• certificate of income and availability of funds
• insurance policy for a stay in South Korea (original and copy)
• 2 photos (5x6)
• visa receipt
• booking of flight and hotel
• medical opinion about the need for treatment.

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• breast augmentation
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• rhinoplasty (nose job)
• eyelid surgery
• tummy tuck.

Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.