Ophthalmology Faculty / Medical Staff >

The Department of Ophthalmology at the Samsung Medical Center is the biggest ophthalmologic hospital in Korea with over 110,000 outpatients and 6,000 procedures annually, and the best medical personnel provide the finest medical service.

Major areas of treatment / Clinics

We are subdivided into the retinal, anterior segment, glaucoma, oculoplastic surgery, and pediatric/strabismus/neuro-ophthalmology sections

Strong points

1. Retinal Section

The Retinal Section provides medical care to more than 25,000 patients annually, and boasts first-rate treatment in Korea. We are equipped with top-class devices, such as spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein fundus photography, ultrasonography, and wide-field fundus imaging devices to improve our diagnostic accuracy, and pattern scanning lasers such as the PASCAL laser to reduce pain and maximize the effect of laser treatment for various retinal disorders. Also, we perform surgery of the retina and vitreous body using micro-incisions and non-suture procedures to achieve shorter hospitalization due to reduced post-operative pain and rapid recovery. In addition, we provide specialized medical care for macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and myopic macular degeneration, with excellent treatment results. Our treatment results for retinopathy of prematurity in extremely premature babies are also first- class.

2. Anterior Segment Section

The Anterior Segment Section performs more than 2,000 cataract operations, over 400 eyesight correction procedures, and approximately 70 cases of corneal transplantations annually, and boasts the most surgical cases and success rates in the nation. We perform cataract surgery with the most advanced technology including astigmatism correction or presbyopia correction to achieve the best visual acuity. In the eyesight correction center, we performed LASIK, LASEK, and phakic intraocular lens implantation surgery. We are equipped with cutting-edge equipment and perform safe and effective correction for myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia to meet the best possible target eyesight. In the field of corneal transplantation, we perform penetrating keratoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty such as DALK or DSEK, etc. We apply various customized corneal transplantation methods and treatments to fit various diseases and the patient’s status to achieve good results.

3. Glaucoma Section

The Glaucoma Section treats over 15,000 outpatients annually and has the most patients and surgical cases in Korea. We perform the most number of procedures for glaucoma in the nation, and also perform surgery for intractable and congenital glaucoma. We provide medical care for various diseases including normal tension glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, chronic angle closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma in our clinic. We are equipped with up-to-date glaucoma testing devices and provide the best medical care for glaucoma patients who need long-term follow-up with our broad experience and know-how.

4. Oculoplastic Surgery Section

Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized field of ophthalmology which includes various surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, and the face. As plastic surgery of the periorbital region requires consideration of not only aesthetic aspects but also eyesight and various functions of the eye for treatment, a board-certified ophthalmologist performs oculoplastic surgery. The Oculoplastic Surgery Section provides care for over 10,000 outpatients and performs more than 1,000 cases of surgery annually, which are first-class in Korea. Also, we run a separate Filler and Botox Injection Clinic to provide medical service to patients who want treatment for functional ophthalmologic disorders such as blepharospasms and aesthetic treatment.

5. Pediatric/Strabismus/Neuro-ophthalmology Section

The Pediatric/Strabismus/Neuro-ophthalmology Section provides medical care to over 17,000 patients and performs over 600 procedures for strabismus annually, which is one of the biggest in the nation. With experience in various surgical procedures we perform safe and precise surgery for various strabismus patients based on our techniques and know-how.
Proper correction of the most common ophthalmologic disorders such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia in childhood is very important in the development of eyesight. At the Samsung Medical Center we provide treatment and preventive management of amblyopia through early diagnosis and treatment of ametropia. We also provide comprehensive medical care for various neuro-ophthalmologic diseases including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, hereditary optic neuropathy, and papilledema through close co-operation with relevant departments, and provide accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.