Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul | Vision Correction in Korea for Foreigners you can Trust
From advanced technology to highly educated medical professionals, healthcare services in Korea are known for their innovation, effectiveness, and affordability. This is especially true of eye clinics in Seoul, because pretty much everyone and their dog needs vision care here.
Vision care has been a part of my life since elementary school.
If you’re interested in vision correction in Korea for foreigners, like Lasik, ICL, or SMILE, Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam is undoubtedly one of the best options for tourists and locals alike.
The quality of their services is so trusted, it’s the ONLY eye clinic in Seoul certified for medical excellence by the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals serving Foreign Patients (KAHF).
Bright Eye Clinic is the ONLY KAHF-certified eye clinic in Korea.
Now that I’ve been to Bright Eye Clinic myself for a full eye examination and consult, I totally understand why. I’ll fill you in on all the gory details – because when it comes to something as important as your vision, I’m guessing you’ll want ALL the info possible.
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In this guide
- 1 Why get Vision Correction in Korea for Foreigners?
- 2 Planning a trip to Korea?
- 3 Where to Book Laser Eye Surgery in Korea?
- 4 Why I chose to book at Bright Eye Clinic
- 5 Special Services for Foreign Patients at Bright Eye Clinic
- 6 What to Expect at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul
- 7 What Vision Correction Surgeries are available at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul?
- 8 What happened during my Eye Exam at Bright Eye Clinic
- 9 How to Book at Bright Eye Clinic as a Foreinger?
- 10 How to Get to Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam
- 11 Final Thoughts | My Eye Exam Results
Why get Vision Correction in Korea for Foreigners?
Whether you come to Korea for dermatology, full health screenings, or dental work, you’re sure to be surprised by the quality, affordability, and advanced medical care available in Seoul. There’s a real reason why medical tourism is one of Korea’s fastest growing sectors.
Medical services in Korea are advanced and efficient.
I am not kidding when I say I can count on one hand, the number of Koreans I know that haven’t required any type of help with their vision, whether it’s getting glasses, dream lenses, or laser eye surgery.
The demand for these services is SO high, that the sheer number of optical stores and eye clinics in Seoul would leave your head spinning (don’t worry, I’m going to help you cut through the noise).
This city is full of people wearing glasses or contacts :p
I can tell you from personal experience that Seoul is the ideal place to get vision correction surgeries like Lasik, SMILE, or ICL – and in my case – it was the only option. Here’s why.
Glasses or contact lenses have been a sad part of my life since elementary school. It wasn’t until I moved to Seoul 15 years ago, that an eye clinic would even consider performing laser eye surgery on me, due to my incredibly high myopia (I’m talking -10).
This eye chart is a personal nightmare that’s haunted me since elementary school.
The reality was, that at the time, Canada just didn’t have the technology available to deal with my high prescription safely. This was definitely not the case in Korea, where eye clinics were not only able to do laser eye surgery for me – they even gave me perfect vision for many years.
Even though my vision has regressed a bit since I first had LASEK surgery in Seoul, I don’t regret doing it one bit. Today, I can actually function without glasses or contacts. And the difference it’s made in my daily life can’t be underestimated.
Being glasses free in Santorini was such a gift!
It’s safe to say that eye clinics in Seoul have seriously advanced diagnostics, the most cutting edge equipment, and trusted surgical outcomes from experienced eye surgeons. To add the cherry on the cake, it’s also incredibly affordable, with vision correction surgeries costing almost half of what you’d pay in Western countries in many cases.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery of any kind as a tourist or foreigner, Korea is definitely one of the best places in the world to do it.
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Where to Book Laser Eye Surgery in Korea?
You’re literally spoiled for choice when it comes to vision correction surgeries in Seoul. But when it comes to your eyes, you definitely want to go to a trusted eye clinic where you feel confident and comfortable.
You only have one set of eyes!
Medical services are challenging enough already, but add in a foreign culture and language, and it can be a recipe for major stress.
Fortunately, there are Korean eye clinics that are used to dealing with international visitors, and any difficulties they might encounter.
Choosing the right eye clinic in Seoul doesn’t have to be daunting.
As a foreigner considering vision correction in Korea, these are the things I’d personally look out for when choosing an eye clinic in Seoul:
- on-site translation services in multiple languages to decipher all tests and processes in real time
- certification from trusted agencies or regulatory bodies
- doctors that have a trusted record of experience and a high number of surgeries under their belts
- price is something I would factor in, but honestly, this would be the least of my concerns when it comes to getting vision correction surgeries like Lasik in Seoul
Laser vision correction in Seoul is some of the best in the world.
Why I chose to book at Bright Eye Clinic
When it comes to something as fundamental as my vision, I want the best, most trusted option possible.
That’s why I chose Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam. Now, I’m going to get all statistical on you here, but in this case, the numbers truly do matter.
Bright Eye Clinic has vast experience you can trust!
Bright Eye Clinic’s milestones and achievements include:
- Being the first eye clinic in Asia to introduce the SMILE VisuMax system in 2009.
- In 2022, they performed their 100,000th SMILE lasik eye surgery.
- In 2023, Bright Eye Clinic was 1 of only 4 clinics in the world to be recognized by ZEISS for surpassing 100,000 successful SMILE LASIK eye surgeries.
- In 2024, Bright Eye was recognized as the clinic with the world’s highest number of ArtiPlus presbyopia lens implantations.
- In 2025, they were designated by the Ministry of Justice of Korea as an Excellent Medical Tourism Institution.
- To date, have performed over 700,000 laser eye surgeries, with 130,000 of those being SMILE surgeries
Bright Eye has performed over 700,000 vision correction surgeries.
I don’t know about you, but anyone going anywhere near my eyes better have a ton of experience under their belt!
HOW TO BOOK AT BRIGHT EYE CLINIC | Booking your eye exam on Creatrip isn’t just easy, it comes with real benefits you can’t get by booking directly – including 100,000 won cashback. Check details and book a spot here.
Special Services for Foreign Patients at Bright Eye Clinic
If you’re not 100% fluent in Korean (like me), extra language support is not only helpful, it’s necessary. Because when it comes to medical services, it’s important to understand every detail fully. This is where Bright Eye Clinic really excels.
A dedicated coordinator was with me through the whole exam.
They have a fully integrated care system for foreign patients and tourists that makes the whole process as smooth and comfortable as can be.
This includes:
- priority reservation system for international patients on Creatrip, with special discounts not available with direct booking
- dedicated Bright Eye Clinic coordinators individually assigned to each patient
- 1:1 interpretation services in English, Chinese, Russian, French, Mongolian, and more
- transparent pricing and assistance with visa and insurance documentation
- free medical reports in English and other languages
- personalized explanations and treatment plans tailored to each patient
- post-operative care support
Bright Eye’s setup for foreigners is amazing!
SIDE NOTE: Bright Eye Clinic accepts US-based insurance claims from Cigna, United, and Tiecare. Make sure to consult with them about this in advance!
What to Expect at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul
As you can see, it’s not a stretch to say that Bright Eye Clinic is one of the top ophthalmology clinics in Korea.
It’s not only the biggest vision care clinic in Seoul, it’s also the only eye clinic in Seoul that’s been certified under the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals serving Foreign Patients (KAHF), by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Bright Eye is Seoul’s biggest vision care center!
Add in the 700,000+ vision correction surgeries they’ve performed, the many accolades from proven vision care companies, like Zeiss, and their top notch support for foreigners, and it’s easy to understand why Bright Eye Clinic is so trusted.
All you have to do is read the thousands of reviews from satisfied patients to know how true this is.
So many accolades for Bright Eye Clinic!
But what actually happens during an ophthalmological exam at Bright Eye Clinic?
Before having any Lasik, Lasek, or other eye surgery at Bright Eye Clinic, you’ll have a comprehensive pre-operative eye exam. This assessment of your eyes is a vital step in determining if you’re even a candidate for vision correction surgery in Korea.
A personal translator and patient care coordinator is assigned to every foreigner or tourist from the moment the first test is started, explaining each step of the process along the way.
These are just some of the diagnostic devices used for eye exams at Bright Eye.
The diagnostic eye exam at Bright Eye Clinic uses the most advanced technology and follows a precise 17-step system and triple-check method.
I must’ve been there for a few hours, doing all the different vision tests, meeting the ophthalmologist, and getting customized laser eye surgery recommendations.
The visual field test was kinda challenging!
When assessing your particular situation, the eye doctors at Bright Eye Clinic will check out and consider the following factors:
- Age and any signs of cataracts
- Corneal depth and overall eye health
- Whether you’re near or far sighted, have astigmatism, or other conditions
- Lifestyle factors
The exam at Bright Eye Clinic is incredibly in-depth!
The fee for these eye examinations is waived, if you choose to go ahead with any type of vision correction surgery at Bright Eye Clinic. Otherwise, it costs 200,000 won.
I’ll cover exact details about their diagnostic exams, laser eye surgeries, and costs in much greater detail below.
HOW TO BOOK AT BRIGHT EYE CLINIC | If you can’t speak Korean, it’s easiest to book through Creatrip. You’ll benefit with a 100,000 won discount, which isn’t offered when direct booking with Bright Eye. Best of all, it’s totally stress-free. Check full details here.
What Vision Correction Surgeries are available at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul?
Seoul eye clinics use laser surgeries to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related conditions like presbyopia and cataracts.
Surgery suites at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul © Bright Eye Clinic
Bright Eye Clinic has a number of specialized vision correction surgeries designed for each individual’s optic conditions. Ultimately though, the vision correction surgery you end up doing is determined by the state of your eye, not by your choice.
Laser Eye Surgery | What is it | Technology | Best For | Cost | More info |
LASIK | A corneal flap is cut to reshape the underlying cornea with a laser. | Amaris Red | Thicker cornea, moderate prescriptions. | 2,000,000 - 2,500,000 KRW (1,373 - 1,717USD) | |
LASEK | Corneal epithelium is removed, before laser shaping. | Amaris Red | Those with high myopia, thinner corneas or people involved in contact sports. | 1,700,000 - 2,200,000 KRW (1,166 - 1,511USD) | |
SMILE® LASIK | Minimally invasive, bladeless procedure, smaller incision than LASIK | ZEISS VisuMax 500 | Dry eye sufferers, those who want a quicker recovery. | 2,300,000 - 3,000,000 KRW (1,580 - 2,060USD) | |
SMILE® PRO | Upgraded version of SMILE using more advanced laser technology. | ZEISS VisuMax 800 | Those with higher budget that want the shortest surgery times and improved accuracy. | 4,000,000 - 5,900,000 KRW (2,747 - 4,052USD | |
ICL | A biocompatible lens is inserted inside the eye, in front of the natural lens. | Surgical procedure | Ideal for those with high prescriptions, and thin corneas where laser surgery isn’t suitable. | 4,400,000 - 4,700,000 KRW (3,02 - 3,228USD) | |
PRESBYOPIA | Lens implantation surgery or laser blended vision. | Surgical procedure or PRESBYOND laser treatment | Those with nearsightedness due to aging. | 4,800,000 - 5,800,000 KRW (3,245 - 3,920USD) | |
CATARACTS | Clouded lens is removed and an artificial one is inserted. | ZEISS Lumera 700, Centurion, Catalys, Pentacam, IOL Master | Those with clouded vision due to aging. | 2,000,000 KRW (1,352USD) to 10,000,000 KRW (6,760USD) |
A few things to note here:
- At Bright Eye Clinic, SMILE® Pro surgery is only performed by doctors with more than 10 years of experience in SMILE® surgery.
- Korean SMILE® LASIK is considered one of the best in the world
- In 2023 and 2024, Bright Eye Clinic was recognized as the leading global clinic for presbyopia lens implantation surgery
Bright Eye Clinic’s Chief Surgeon, Dr. Hyun Chul Cheon has performed more than 140,000 Vision Correction Surgeries! 😮
This is a quick summary of the eye surgeries available, but you can see more details about each one, as well as full pricing on Creatrip.
What happened during my Eye Exam at Bright Eye Clinic
Bright Eye Clinic has 140 separate criteria that they use to assess your eyes. I had so many different eye tests, it really put my mind at ease.
The eye exams at Bright Eye are so comprehensive!
These are the tests you can expect during your eye examination. None of them are painful, but make sure to budget enough time for them, and follow these guidelines for the most accurate assessment.
- It’s best to stop wearing soft contact lenses for 5 days, hard contact lenses for 2 weeks, and ortho-k lenses for 1 month before the eye examination.
- The diagnostic eye exam should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- It could be difficult to drive after the exam, so it’s safest to use public transportation or a taxi.
Bright Eye Clinic is in Gangnam, and easy to get to!
Eye Tests at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul
First up is the ARK (Auto Ref-Keratometer) exam. It measures refractive error and corneal curvature. It gives objective data for sphere, cylinder, and axis (refraction).
The IOP (Intraocular Pressure) test measures the pressure inside the eye.
So, this is what my eyeballs look like…
A Fundus examination examines the posterior segment of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula, and vessels. This test helps to detect retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, optic neuropathies, and any other eye health issues.
The thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer is assessed through a RNFL (Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer) examination. This is the layer that contains the ganglion cell axons that form the optic nerve.
All tech is set up right next to each other.
The MR (Manifest Refraction) test determines the subjective refractive error using patient responses.
A Pentacam analyzes corneal topography and the anterior segment of the eye. This is an ultra important test that measures corneal thickness, curvature, elevation maps, anterior chamber depth, and more.
All the different tests give a complete picture of the eye.
The OPTOS test provides ultra-widefield retinal images without dilation, and monitors retinal tears, detachment, diabetic changes, and vascular abnormalities.
The sensitivity of peripheral vision is checked using the Visual Field test. It’s also useful for glaucoma detection.
Bright Eye collects so much info!
And finally, the Slit-Lamp examines the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, and allows for detailed visualization of ocular structures.
How to Book at Bright Eye Clinic as a Foreinger?
It’s possible to book your premium eye exam at Bright Eye Clinic in Seoul directly, but why would you, when booking through Creatrip is actually cheaper and easier than booking independently.
It’s easier and cheaper to book on Creatrip.
While Bright Eye does offer on-site translators during the pre-operative diagnostics and surgeries, they are assigned to you AFTER your appointment is already made. While I’m sure some of the front desk staff there speak some english, it’s really so much less hassle to book your eye exam online on Creatrip.
Even better? You’ll get an additional 100,000 won off your treatment price by booking it there. And yes, this discount is only available when booking on Creatrip. You can’t get it by booking directly with Bright Eye Clinic.
Same amazing doctors and service, but cheaper on Creatrip © Bright Eye Clinic
SIDE NOTE: To ease your mind – Creatrip is a Korean-owned company that provides booking services to foreign visitors. You can really trust that they have the right ethos and partnerships, because Creatrip is the EXCLUSIVE booking agency for marquee Korean cultural experiences like the Gyeongbokgung Starlight tours.
If Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration trusts them, you bet you can too.
How to Get to Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam
Address: 15F, 17F Kyobo Tower, Gangnam-daero 465, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Bright Eye Clinic is located inside the iconic Kyobo Tower in Gangnam, Seoul.
It’s easily accessible using public transit, with the closest subway station being Sinnonhyeon Station on Line 9.
Bright Eye Clinic is right next to Sinnonyeon Station, Exit 8.
Once you arrive at Sinnonhyeon Station, use Exit 8. When you exit the subway station, Kyobo Tower will be right in front of you. It’s a tall red brick building, and you really cannot miss it.
If you want to soak up all the big city vibes of Gangnam, another option is take Line 2 to Gangnam Station. From here, use Exit 10, and walk straight down the street for about 10 minutes.
Gangnam Station is also walking distance to Bright Eye Clinic.
Once there, you’ll want to head up to the 15th floor to check in for your comprehensive eye exam. If you decide to go ahead with lasik or other vision correction surgeries, those happen on the 17th floor.
There’s plenty to see and do in the immediate vicinity of Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam, so you could easily spend an entire day exploring the area at the same time.
It’s always fun to explore the Gangnam area.
Final Thoughts | My Eye Exam Results
The result of my diagnostic testing was kinda sad, but not overly surprising. I’m in the early stages of cataracts, which happens more easily for people with extremely high myopia like me.
My final check with the ophthalmologist at Bright Eye Clinic.
It’s not a desperate situation, and I don’t really have any clouding of vision or other impacts yet, but it’s something I’ll definitely have to deal with eventually.
And well, let’s just say, I know exactly which eye clinic in Seoul I’ll be going to for my vision correction surgery in the future.
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Eye Clinics in Seoul: Essential Info
Bright Eye Clinic is a trusted name for laser eye surgery in Korea. Are you ready for perfect vision?
