Ophthalmology & Eye Care in Korea

Korea has ophthalmology departments and specialized eye centers providing diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of vision and eye conditions.

International patients should choose a medical institution according to their specific condition and the expertise required.

MAJOR AREAS OF EYE CARE

Specialized ophthalmology services may include:

• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Retinal Diseases
• Corneal Diseases
• Dry Eye
• Diabetic Eye Disease
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Strabismus
• Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastic Surgery
• Refractive Surgery
• Other complex eye conditions

Available specialties vary by institution.

ADVANCED EYE EXAMINATIONS

Depending on the condition, examinations may include:

• Visual acuity testing
• Intraocular pressure measurement
• Slit-lamp examination
• Retinal imaging
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Visual field testing
• Corneal examinations
• Other specialized diagnostic tests

CATARACT & RETINAL CARE

Major eye centers may provide specialized surgical treatment for cataracts and diseases affecting the retina.

Patients with existing diagnoses should bring previous examination results and relevant imaging when available.

LASIK, LASEK & VISION CORRECTION

Korea also has clinics providing refractive procedures for appropriate patients.

However, not every patient is suitable for laser vision correction.

A proper ophthalmic examination should determine whether a procedure is medically appropriate and which option, if any, is suitable.

COMPLEX EYE CONDITIONS

For serious retinal disease, glaucoma, eye tumors, complex corneal disease, or neurological vision problems, a major hospital or specialized ophthalmology center may be appropriate.

The relevant subspecialty is often more important than simply choosing the largest hospital.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS

Before traveling for planned eye treatment, confirm:

Specialist & Procedure

Pre-Operative Examinations

Expected Recovery Period

Follow-Up Schedule

Language Assistance

Travel Restrictions After Treatment

Some procedures require follow-up examinations before international travel.

PREPARE YOUR RECORDS

When relevant, bring:

• Previous diagnosis
• Eye examination results
• Retinal or OCT images
• Previous surgery information
• Current eye medications
• Glasses or contact lens prescription
• General medication and allergy information