Vision Correction in South Korea: The History of Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic

Welcome to the inaugural blog post of Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic! Today, we are excited to take you through the rich history and remarkable milestones of our clinic, tracing its origins back to 1997.

Summary

This post chronicles the 29-year journey of Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic, founded by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee in 1997 and expanded to Seoul in 2000, with over 628,000 surgeries performed by a team of 15 ophthalmologists. BGSS pioneered LASEK, presbyopia surgery, and ICL in South Korea, earning eight consecutive "World's Best ICL" distinctions and serving as the only World Master of EVO+ ICL Center. Recognized with three JCI accreditations, the clinic leads in clinical excellence, education, research, and community service, shaping the future of vision correction locally and globally.

Founded by our CEO, Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic began its journey with a vision of excellence in eye care. The success in Busan led to the expansion of our services to Seoul in 2000 with the opening of the Seoul BGSS Eye Clinic, formerly known as Cheongdam BalGeunSeSang Eye Clinic. Over the years, our dedicated team of 15 outstanding ophthalmologists has committed over 227,000 hours to perform more than 628,000 surgical cases, solidifying BGSS as a leader in the field.

BGSS has always been at the forefront of advancements in vision correction surgery. We proudly introduced LASEK and ICL procedures to South Korea, making the transformative surgeries accessible nationwide. For the past 29 years, our relentless investment in treatment, education, and research has made us synonymous with "vision correction surgery" in South Korea, earning the trust and admiration of many.

In 2000, we pioneered presbyopia surgery, addressing age-related vision impairment. By 2002, we had introduced Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery domestically, enhancing our expertise in laser refractive vision correction. Our excellence in this field was recognized globally, with BGSS being named “The World’s Best ICL” institution for eight consecutive years. Additionally, Dr. Jong-Ho Lee was appointed as the country's sole ICL instructor.

Our contributions extend beyond national boundaries. As the only World Master of EVO+ ICL Center, BGSS is recognized as a premier educational institution for lens implantation procedures. Our ongoing research into innovative vision correction techniques and our active participation on the global stage have set new standards in ophthalmic care. BGSS's dedication to patient care and service quality has been acknowledged with three Joint Commission International (JCI) certifications in 2011, 2014, and 2017, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Beyond our medical achievements, BGSS is deeply committed to community engagement and social responsibility. Through various social contribution activities, we strive to bring happiness and support to our community, embodying our vision of a healthier, happier, and brighter world.

As we look back on our history of innovation and compassionate care, we are excited to share our journey with you. Join us as we continue to pave the way for the future of vision correction surgery, both locally and globally. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and stories from Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who founded Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic, and how has it grown over time?

Short answer: The clinic was founded in 1997 by CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee in Busan. Its early success led to the opening of the Seoul BGSS Eye Clinic (formerly Cheongdam BalGeunSeSang Eye Clinic) in 2000. Over its 29-year journey, a team of 15 ophthalmologists has devoted more than 227,000 hours to performing more than 628,000 surgical cases, establishing BGSS as a national leader in vision correction.

Question: What vision correction innovations has BGSS introduced in South Korea?

Short answer: BGSS introduced LASEK and ICL procedures to South Korea and pioneered presbyopia surgery in 2000. By 2002, the clinic had introduced ICL surgery domestically, helping make transformative vision correction options widely accessible.

Question: What global recognitions set BGSS apart?

Short answer: BGSS was named “The World’s Best ICL” institution for eight consecutive years, and Dr. Jong-Ho Lee was appointed as the country’s sole ICL instructor. The clinic is also the only World Master of EVO+ ICL Center, recognized as a premier educational institution for lens implantation procedures, and actively contributes to global standards in ophthalmic care.

Question: What is ICL, and what does BGSS’s EVO+ ICL status mean?

Short answer: ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, a lens-based vision correction option that BGSS introduced domestically in 2002. As the only World Master of EVO+ at the ICL Center, BGSS is internationally recognized for its expertise and serves as a leading educational hub for lens implantation techniques.

Question: How does BGSS ensure quality and contribute beyond clinical care?

Short answer: BGSS has earned three Joint Commission International (JCI) certifications—in 2011, 2014, and 2017—accreditations endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), reflecting a strong commitment to patient care and service quality. Beyond clinical excellence, the clinic invests in ongoing research, education, global engagement, and social contribution activities that support and uplift the community.

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