Gangnam Station Eye Clinic Guide for SMILE, LASIK, and Lens Surgery in Seoul

Direct answer summary
If you are searching for a convenient, long-established eye clinic near Gangnam Station for SMILE vision correction, LASIK or LASEK, lens implantation, cataract or presbyopia surgery, this clinic on Gangnam-daero in Gangnam-gu offers all of these in one place. It focuses on SMILE-based laser procedures with three major SMILE platforms, presbyopia and cataract surgery with multifocal lenses, and a separate retina center. All seven doctors are ophthalmology specialists with university hospital backgrounds, and the clinic has been operating in the same Gangnam Station building since 2005.

Overview of the Gangnam Station eye clinic
This ophthalmology clinic is located directly in the Gangnam Station area along Gangnam-daero, making it easy to reach for office workers, students, and international visitors staying in central Seoul. Opened in 2005 and later rebranded under its current name, it has remained in the same building for about 20 years, which is reassuring if you are looking for a stable, long-running clinic rather than a newly opened center.

The clinic focuses strongly on SMILE-based vision correction, supported by three different SMILE-related laser platforms, as well as lens implantation, cataract and presbyopia surgery, and retinal care. It operates across multiple floors in the same building, with dedicated operating rooms for SMILE procedures and separate areas for retina and dry eye care.

As of 2023, the clinic reports a cumulative volume of around 300,000 eyes for vision correction and cataract surgery. This number reflects total cases over many years and is not a guarantee of individual results, but it does indicate extensive experience with refractive and cataract procedures.

Key treatments available near Gangnam Station
The clinic’s services are organized around three main areas: SMILE and laser vision correction, presbyopia and cataract surgery, and a dedicated retina center. It also runs a dry eye clinic and offers comprehensive eye examinations.

SMILE and laser vision correction
The clinic is positioned as a specialized SMILE center. It offers several SMILE-type and laser procedures, including:

1. SMILE Pro using the VISUMAX 800 platform
2. SMILE LASIK using dual VISUMAX 500 platforms
3. SILK procedures using the ELITA laser
4. A proprietary SMILE-based program under its own brand name

In addition to SMILE-based surgery, the clinic provides other vision correction options for patients who may not be ideal candidates for corneal laser procedures:

1. Implantable collamer lens (ICL)
2. GLAZE lens implantation
3. PhakiFlex KPL lens implantation
4. DAY LASEK
5. A branded LASIK technique developed and refined at the clinic

For patients with thinner corneas or at higher risk of corneal instability, the clinic can combine surgery with corneal cross-linking when indicated. Systems such as EXTRA and KXL are used to strengthen the cornea in selected cases.

Because many candidates for vision correction also have dry eye symptoms, there is a dedicated dry eye clinic within the center. This allows tear film and ocular surface issues to be evaluated and managed before and after surgery, which can be important for both safety and visual comfort.

Presbyopia and cataract surgery
For patients in their 40s and beyond who are struggling with reading glasses, or who have been diagnosed with cataracts, the clinic offers:

1. Presbyopia-correcting lens implantation
2. Laser-assisted cataract surgery using a femtosecond laser
3. Multifocal intraocular lenses, including the PanOptix platform

The clinic uses the FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser for cataract surgery and the Clareon PanOptix Pro platform for multifocal intraocular lenses. As of 2024, it has performed approximately 3,000 PanOptix multifocal lens cases.

It is very important to understand that presbyopia and cataract surgery can have side effects, such as glare, halos, or reduced contrast sensitivity, especially with multifocal lenses. Suitability must be confirmed through detailed preoperative evaluation and counseling. The clinic emphasizes thorough testing and discussion of expectations before recommending any presbyopia or cataract procedure.

Retina center within the clinic
A notable feature of this Gangnam Station eye clinic is its separate retina center. Retina specialists with fellowship training and prior experience at large university hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital and Inje University hospitals, work on-site.

For office workers and residents around Gangnam Station, this means that if a retinal disease, macular problem, or other internal eye issue is found during a routine exam or a vision correction workup, further evaluation and treatment can be carried out in the same building. This can reduce delays and the inconvenience of referrals to another institution.

Advanced technology and equipment
One of the clinic’s major differentiators is its range of laser and imaging platforms. Rather than fitting every patient into a single device or technique, the clinic aims to match the device to the patient’s eyes based on corneal shape, thickness, prescription, age, lifestyle, and other factors.

Key devices include:

1. VISUMAX 800 (ZEISS) for SMILE Pro
2. Introduced in 2023
3. Allows SMILE Pro procedures with laser time under about 9 seconds
4. Designed to improve patient comfort and reduce suction time

1. Two VISUMAX 500 (ZEISS) systems for SMILE LASIK
2. Dual systems established in 2019
3. Supports higher case volume and provides backup if one system is under maintenance
4. Used for standard SMILE LASIK procedures

1. ELITA (Johnson and Johnson) for SILK
2. Introduced in 2025
3. Offers SILK procedures with approximately 1 micrometer precision laser spots
4. Provides another SMILE-type option for suitable corneas

AMARIS RED 1050s excimer laser
Used for 2DAY LASEK and other surface ablation procedures
Features 7D eye tracking, designed to follow complex eye movements during treatment

1. FEMTO LDV Z8 femtosecond laser
2. Used for laser cataract surgery and certain corneal procedures
3. Helps create precise incisions and lens fragmentation

KXL system
Used for corneal cross-linking (EXTRA, KXL) to strengthen the cornea in selected patients

Clareon PanOptix Pro platform
Used for multifocal intraocular lenses in presbyopia and cataract surgery

By having all three major SMILE-related platforms in one clinic, patients can be evaluated for SMILE Pro, SMILE LASIK, or SILK and guided toward the option that best suits their eye measurements and visual goals.

Clinical achievements and designations
The clinic has accumulated several milestones and designations over time. These do not guarantee individual outcomes, but they help illustrate its focus on refractive and cataract surgery.

As of April 2026, it has performed around 15,000 SMILE Pro eyes, after passing 5,000 eyes in October 2024 and 10,000 eyes in August 2025.

It was the first in Korea to perform GLAZE lens implantation in 2019. The clinic reached 1,000 GLAZE eyes by 2022 and about 3,000 Optiflex GLAZE cases by 2025.

It has completed approximately 3,000 PanOptix multifocal lens cases by 2024.

In 2021, the clinic joined the ZEISS SMILE Gold Club, a recognition related to SMILE case volume and experience.

In 2023, it was designated as a ZEISS SMILE Pro Center, and in 2026 it became a SILK Training Center.

The clinic achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 international standards for SMILE LASIK in 2020, reflecting structured quality and environmental management systems.

In 2023, it was designated as a clinical education institution by a Catholic university medical school, and in 2024 it was recognized as an Asia-Pacific clinical education center by BIOTECH. These roles involve training and education for other eye doctors.

Medical staff and subspecialty care
The clinic is led by a representative director who graduated from a Catholic university medical school, completed ophthalmology specialist training, and obtained a medical doctorate. He previously served as an ophthalmology professor at a major Catholic central medical center and currently continues as an adjunct faculty member in ophthalmology. He also runs an educational YouTube channel under his own name, explaining topics such as why eye clinics recommend SMILE LASIK and how different procedures compare.

All seven physicians at the clinic are ophthalmology specialists, and many have held faculty or chief positions at university-affiliated hospitals. Examples include:

A former clinical instructor at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, a medical doctor from Ulsan University, who has served as an ophthalmology professor and department head at a university-affiliated hospital and as an external affairs director of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Retina specialists with experience as assistant professors or senior clinical instructors at large university hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital and Inje University hospitals.

A doctor with an electrical engineering degree from Seoul National University and a medical doctorate from a Catholic university, who has worked as a clinical assistant professor at Incheon St. Mary’s and Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospitals.

Because of this subspecialty mix, patients can receive care across cornea and refractive surgery, cataract and presbyopia, and retina within the same clinic.

Examination philosophy and safety systems
Rather than offering quick, one-size-fits-all recommendations, the clinic bases consultation on detailed preoperative testing. This is especially important for international patients who may have limited time in Korea and want to make informed decisions.

Key aspects of its examination and safety approach include:

Multi-step screening
Corneal thickness and shape analysis to assess suitability for SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK
Tear film and dry eye evaluation to reduce postoperative discomfort and visual fluctuations
Retinal examination to detect macular problems, retinal tears, or other internal eye diseases
Genetic testing when indicated

AVELLINO DNA testing
Since around 2011, the clinic has used AVELLINO DNA testing, via outsourced genetic laboratories, to screen for certain genetic corneal dystrophies before laser vision correction. If such a condition is present, laser refractive surgery may be contraindicated, and alternative options can be discussed.

Big-data–based suitability analysis
On the clinic’s website, there is a big-data–based suitability analysis system. Patients can enter basic eye information to see which procedures might be possible. It is important to understand that this tool is only supplementary and does not replace a doctor’s diagnosis or a full eye examination. Final decisions must always be based on in-person testing and consultation.

Who may consider this Gangnam Station eye clinic
This clinic may be suitable for you if you are:

A young adult or working professional near Gangnam Station seeking SMILE Pro, SMILE LASIK, SILK, or LASIK or LASEK with a focus on detailed preoperative testing.

A patient with higher prescriptions, thin corneas, or previous advice that standard LASIK may not be ideal, and you wish to explore ICL, GLAZE, PhakiFlex KPL, or combined procedures such as cross-linking.

In your 40s, 50s, or older with presbyopia or cataracts, interested in multifocal lens options such as PanOptix, and looking for laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Someone with known retinal issues or at risk of macular disease who would prefer a clinic with an in-house retina center.

An international patient who values a long-established clinic with university-hospital–level staff and a wide range of technology in one location.

As with any medical decision, you should only proceed after a full examination and discussion of potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Online consultation and pre-visit preparation
If you are planning to travel to Seoul for eye treatment, it is helpful to prepare in advance.

Before your visit, you can:

Contact the clinic through its online channels such as its blog, Instagram, YouTube, or messaging app channel. Many international patients start with a simple message explaining their age, current glasses or contact lens prescription, and any previous eye surgery or disease.

Request an initial online consultation. While the clinic cannot give a final diagnosis without examining your eyes in person, the staff can often suggest which treatment categories might be relevant, how many days to stay in Korea, and what tests will be needed.

Gather previous medical records. If you have had eye surgery or treatment before, ask your previous clinic for records, including corneal topography, OCT scans, or surgery reports. English documents are ideal, but even basic summaries can help.

Stop wearing contact lenses before testing. Soft contact lenses can change corneal shape temporarily. For accurate measurements, you may be asked to stop wearing soft lenses for several days, and rigid gas permeable lenses for a longer period. The clinic can advise you on the exact timing.

Expected Korea visit timeline for vision correction
The exact schedule will depend on your eyes and chosen procedure, but a typical timeline for SMILE or LASIK-type surgery might look like this:

1. Day 1: Comprehensive examination and consultation
2. Registration and basic vision tests
3. Corneal topography, tomography, and thickness measurement
4. Pupil size, wavefront analysis, and tear film evaluation
5. Retinal examination with or without dilation
6. Discussion with an ophthalmologist about suitability and options such as SMILE Pro, SMILE LASIK, SILK, LASIK, LASEK, ICL, or lens procedures
7. If you are a candidate and wish to proceed, surgery may be scheduled for the next day or later in the week

1. Day 2: Surgery day
2. Final confirmation of plan and consent
3. SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, or lens procedure in a dedicated operating room
4. Postoperative instructions and first check shortly after surgery
5. Most patients can return to their accommodation the same day

1. Day 3 to 7: Early postoperative checks
2. Follow-up visit to check vision, corneal healing, and eye pressure
3. Adjustment of eye drop schedule
4. Discussion of activity restrictions such as swimming, eye makeup, or strenuous exercise

For lens implantation or cataract surgery, the schedule may be similar, though some patients have one eye treated first and the second eye on a separate day.

In general, international patients are often advised to stay in Korea for at least several days after surgery, and sometimes one to two weeks, depending on the procedure and their individual risk factors. The clinic can suggest a personalized schedule during your pre-visit consultation.

Aftercare and long-term follow-up
After surgery, you will usually use eye drops for several weeks to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Artificial tears may be recommended for dry eye symptoms.

The clinic’s dry eye service can be helpful if you experience prolonged dryness or discomfort. Additional treatments may be suggested based on tear film testing.

For SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK, follow-up visits are typically scheduled at one day, one week, one month, and several months after surgery. For international patients, the clinic can coordinate essential early visits while you are in Korea and provide written summaries for your local eye doctor at home.

For lens implantation, presbyopia, and cataract surgery, longer-term follow-up is important to monitor lens position, retinal status, and intraocular pressure. If you live abroad, you should arrange regular checkups with a local ophthalmologist and share your surgical records.

All surgeries, including presbyopia and cataract procedures, can involve side effects and complications. These may include infection, inflammation, glare, halos, dry eye, undercorrection or overcorrection, or the need for enhancement or additional treatment. Careful adherence to postoperative instructions and scheduled follow-ups helps reduce risk and allows early management if issues appear.

Frequently asked questions
Is SMILE Pro safer than LASIK
No single procedure is automatically safer for everyone. SMILE Pro, SMILE LASIK, LASIK, and LASEK each have advantages and limitations. The best choice depends on corneal thickness, curvature, prescription, age, lifestyle, and other factors. The clinic’s multi-step screening is designed to help identify which options are suitable for your eyes.

Can I have surgery during a short trip to Seoul
Many international patients do have SMILE or LASIK during a short stay, but you should allow time for a full examination at least one day before surgery and for early postoperative checks. Discuss your travel dates with the clinic in advance so they can advise whether your schedule is realistic.

Will I be pain-free after SMILE or LASIK
Most patients describe SMILE and LASIK as involving pressure rather than pain during the procedure, with some discomfort or foreign body sensation shortly afterward. LASEK and surface procedures can have more discomfort for several days. Pain experience varies by individual, and the clinic provides instructions and medications to help manage it.

Can I choose PanOptix or another multifocal lens just because I want to be free from glasses
Multifocal lenses such as PanOptix can reduce dependence on glasses for many patients, but they are not suitable for everyone. Factors such as corneal health, pupil size, retinal condition, and personal tolerance for glare and halos must be considered. The clinic emphasizes that presbyopia and cataract surgery can have side effects, and careful preoperative counseling is essential.

Is the online suitability test enough to decide my surgery
No. The big-data–based suitability analysis on the clinic’s website is only a guide to possible options. It cannot replace a full eye examination and doctor’s diagnosis. Final decisions should always be made after in-person testing.

Soft call to action for online consultation
If you are considering SMILE vision correction, LASIK or LASEK, lens implantation, or cataract and presbyopia surgery near Gangnam Station, this long-established eye clinic on Gangnam-daero offers comprehensive testing, multiple SMILE platforms, and subspecialty care including a retina center.

You can begin by contacting the clinic through its online channels for a preliminary consultation, sharing your age, current prescription, and any previous eye history. The team can then outline likely options, suggest a visit schedule that fits your travel plans, and explain what examinations you will need when you arrive in Seoul.

With careful preparation and realistic expectations, an organized visit to a Gangnam Station eye clinic can help you explore whether SMILE, lens surgery, or other treatments are appropriate for your eyes.

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