Samsung Medical Center Ophthalmology: Guide for International Patients
What does Samsung Medical Center's eye department offer?
Samsung Medical Center (SMC) describes its Department of Ophthalmology as a tertiary referral centre with five divisions. Its English page lists:
| Division | What the hospital lists |
|---|---|
| Anterior Segment | Cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses and femtosecond laser-assisted surgery; corneal transplantation (DALK, DMEK, PKP) |
| Retina | Macular and vitreoretinal disease; anti-VEGF therapy, sutureless vitrectomy, gene therapy (LUXTURNA) |
| Glaucoma | Open-angle, angle-closure and congenital glaucoma; MIGS, tube shunts, filtration surgery |
| Oculoplasty | Eyelid, orbital and lacrimal surgery |
| Pediatric / Strabismus / Neuro-ophthalmology | Amblyopia, refractive error in children, strabismus surgery, optic neuropathies |
Laser vision correction: the page mentions "refractive surgery" only in general terms and does not name LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL. If refractive surgery is your goal, confirm with the International Healthcare Center whether it is offered to visitors. For a straightforward myopia correction, see our Gangnam LASIK clinic guide and private clinic vs university hospital.
What equipment does the hospital name?
SMC names spectral-domain OCT, widefield angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, a femtosecond laser and premium IOLs. It also states that its Glaucoma Division manages the largest national caseload and that the department runs clinical studies including AI-assisted diagnostics. No device model names are given.
How do international patients book?
SMC's International Healthcare Center (IHC) is the point of contact for overseas patients. The hospital describes the steps as:
- Open "Request an Appointment" on the English site.
- Choose a consultation form (or a health screening form).
- Complete the online form – the hospital says it takes about 10 minutes and requires personal information.
- Wait for a reply: SMC states requests take 3–5 business days to process.
The IHC says it coordinates care across departments and can arrange video consultations that connect overseas patients and their local doctor with SMC physicians, after eligibility review. The pages we reviewed do not list staff languages or office hours, so ask when you contact them. See also booking a medical interpreter in Seoul.
Where is it and how do I get there?
SMC is at 81 Irwon-ro in Irwon-dong, in the south-east of Gangnam-gu – not in the central Gangnam Station area, so allow travel time if you stay near Gangnam or Sinsa.
| From | Route stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Irwon Station (Line 3), Exit 1 | About a 5-minute walk |
| Suseo Station (Line 3, SRT, GTX-A) | Hospital shuttle loop to Irwon Station: weekdays 07:30–17:30 every 8 min; Sat 07:30–12:30 every 15 min; no Sunday/holiday service |
| Incheon Airport | Airport limousine bus 6009 (T1 1F Exit 4; T2 B1 Transit Center stop 15) |
What does it cost?
SMC does not publish eye-surgery prices on the English pages we reviewed. Request an estimate through the IHC. For typical Seoul ranges, see cataract surgery cost in Korea and multifocal lens surgery cost.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which division and doctor will handle my case, and is interpretation provided during the consultation?
- Is the procedure I am considering available to international patients, and which pre-operative tests are needed?
- Which lens options (monofocal, toric, multifocal) are offered, and what does each cost?
- How long should I stay for follow-ups, and can I receive English records for my home ophthalmologist?
Read questions to ask your eye surgeon and follow-up care after returning home. All eye surgery carries risk; a full examination and an ophthalmologist's advice are essential.
Sources
Clinic at a glance
- Type: Tertiary referral hospital, Department of Ophthalmology
- Address: 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Nearest subway: Irwon Station (Line 3), Exit 1 – about 5 minutes on foot
- Foreign patients: International Healthcare Center, +82-2-3410-0200, ihs.smc@samsung.com
- Booking: Online form; the hospital says requests take 3–5 business days
- Compare: Cataract surgery clinics in Gangnam
Related guides
Independent profile. Facts are taken from the clinic's own website and official listings on the review date shown above. Inclusion is not an endorsement and we accept no payment from clinics. Confirm prices, equipment and doctors directly with the clinic before booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Samsung Medical Center do LASIK?
Its English ophthalmology page mentions refractive surgery only generally and does not list LASIK, SMILE or ICL. Ask the International Healthcare Center (ihs.smc@samsung.com) to confirm before you travel.
Does Samsung Medical Center offer premium lenses for cataract surgery?
The hospital states that it offers premium intraocular lenses and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Lens choice depends on your eye exam.
How long does an international appointment request take?
SMC says online requests take 3–5 business days to process.
What is the nearest subway station to Samsung Medical Center?
Irwon Station on Line 3, Exit 1, about a 5-minute walk.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.