Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)
The cost of vitrectomy in South Korea typically ranges from $4,500 to $8,200. Prices vary depending on the type of vitrectomy (pars plana, anterior), the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the retinal issue, and the hospital’s reputation. In the United States, the average cost is $9,800 (per AAO). That means vitrectomy in South Korea can cost about 35% less than in the U.S.
Korean hospitals usually include pre-op eye exams, the surgical procedure, local or general anesthesia, use of advanced surgical equipment, standard medications, and follow-up visits in the price. In the U.S., the base price often covers only the surgeon’s fee, with anesthesia, facility charges, and follow-ups billed separately. Always confirm which services are included before scheduling treatment.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for vitrectomy?
Access advanced Vitrectomy solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Vitrectomy | from $4,500 | from $3,000 | from $4,500 |
| Vitreolisis | - | from $523 | from $900 |
| Retinopathy of prematurity surgery (ROP surgery) | - | from $3,500 | from $9,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Vitrectomy upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Vitrectomy and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Vitrectomy journey.
Day 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Day 3 - Vitrectomy
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Week 1 to 6 - Rehabilitation
Please note, each patient"s recovery may vary. The above timeline is a general guideline and may be adjusted based on individual healing progress.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
Ophthalmologist. Specialist in laser vision correction
Recommended clinics for vitrectomy in South Korea include top-tier university hospitals like Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, and Severance Hospital. These JCI-accredited facilities in Seoul specialize in complex vitreoretinal surgery, offering advanced digital imaging and sutureless techniques for retinal detachment.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While private clinics in Gangnam offer more immediate access, university hospitals like Severance and SNUBH maintain higher quality control for complex cases. Data shows these centers manage significantly higher surgical volumes, which is critical for successful vitrectomy outcomes. Patients should prioritize these tertiary centers despite potentially longer wait times for non-emergency retinal repairs.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that success depends on the individual surgeon's specific case count rather than clinic branding. Many advise staying in Seoul for 2–4 weeks to complete the intensive post-operative follow-up schedule required.
International patients should plan to stay in South Korea for 14 to 21 days after a vitrectomy. While the surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, recovery requires intensive monitoring. The timeline depends strictly on whether your surgeon uses a gas bubble or silicone oil for retinal tamponade.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing JCI-accredited centers like Severance Hospital or Gangnam Severance provides access to advanced digital imaging and experienced ophthalmologists. While the procedure in Korea costs $4,500 to $8,200, the primary recovery challenge is positioning. Patients often benefit from booking specialized recovery chairs in Seoul to maintain the necessary prone posture comfortably during the first week.
Patient Consensus: Many patients recommend booking flexible return tickets because bubble resorption rates vary individually. Daily check-ins are common during the first 10 days to monitor infection risk and ensure the retina remains stable before long-haul flights.
Seoul is the premier hub for vitrectomy, hosting 78% of South Korea's international medical tourists. The city provides the highest density of Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals, specialized retinal centers, and dedicated international health offices with professional English-speaking coordinators for complex eye surgeries.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While top-tier Seoul hospitals like Severance and Samsung Medical Center offer superior English coordination, the scale of these volume-heavy institutions is immense. Severance Hospital alone manages 1.6 million outpatients annually. Patients should book consultations weeks in advance to secure time with senior specialists who handle these high surgical volumes.
Patient Consensus: Patients recommend hiring an independent medical translator for regional hospitals where English support is inconsistent. Seoul-based teaching hospitals are preferred for initial consultations because many offer efficient pre-visit video calls in English.
In South Korean surgical cohorts, diabetic retinopathy is the primary condition leading to vitrectomy, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Other frequent indications include rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, epiretinal membranes, and macular holes, with the highest surgical frequency observed in patients aged 60 and older.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Korean centers like Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center lead in 23G and 25G micro-incision vitrectomy. Data suggests these smaller incisions significantly reduce recovery time. Surgeons here often use advanced gas bubbles to stabilize the retina, which can eliminate the need for traditional face-down positioning.
Patient Consensus: Patients report faster visual recovery and reduced discomfort with micro-incision techniques. Many noted that high myopia was their primary risk factor for needing urgent retinal detachment surgery.
International patients undergoing vitrectomy in South Korea are protected by the Medical Service Act and mandatory registration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. These laws guarantee informed consent in a patient-understandable language, access to medical malpractice insurance, and a specialized government-led dispute resolution process through the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many focus on basic legal rights, the BESTcare system at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) offers a unique technological protection. This proprietary digital system is designed specifically to prevent medical errors during complex surgeries like vitrectomy. Choosing a digital-first hospital provides an additional layer of safety beyond standard legal requirements by minimizing human error in surgical records.
Patient Consensus: Many patients recommend having a translator present during all consultations to ensure consent forms are fully understood. Experienced travelers also suggest securing independent medical evacuation insurance before traveling for surgery to cover any unexpected long-term recovery needs.