SNU Eye Clinic touts global lead in SMILE and ICL surgery

By AI, Created 10:31 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul says its international vision-correction program is built on early leadership in SMILE surgery and implantable collamer lens procedures. The clinic is expanding multilingual, same-day care for overseas patients as Dr. Chung Eui Sang adds another global ranking to his profile.

Why it matters: - SNU Eye Clinic is positioning itself as a destination for international patients seeking laser vision correction and implantable lens procedures. - The clinic says its combined SMILE and ICL experience supports faster recovery, broader treatment options and shorter medical travel for patients coming to Korea. - Dr. Chung Eui Sang’s global recognition adds credibility for patients comparing surgeons and clinics across markets.

What happened: - SNU Eye Clinic said it is strengthening its international patient care system around SMILE surgery and implantable collamer lens, or ICL, treatment. - Dr. Chung Eui Sang, chief director of SNU Eye Clinic, was selected as one of 11 Global Investigators during SMILE’s development in 2010. - Dr. Chung later contributed to clinical trials of SMILE Pro. - Dr. Chung introduced and performed Korea’s first Toric Implantable Collamer Lens implantation. - Dr. Chung was named an ICL Expert Instructor by STAAR Surgical. - Dr. Chung was recently listed on The Ophthalmologist Power List 2026 as one of the world’s 50 most influential ophthalmologists and is the first and only Korean doctor on the ranking.

The details: - SMILE is described as a minimally invasive vision-correction surgery performed through an approximately 2 mm incision. - The procedure is designed to reduce corneal disruption while supporting faster recovery and long-term stability. - SMILE Pro is presented as the next-generation evolution of SMILE surgery. - The clinic says the Toric Implantable Collamer Lens expanded treatment for patients with high myopia and astigmatism. - The ICL Expert Instructor title is limited to a small number of surgeons worldwide, with only eight ophthalmologists in Korea holding the qualification. - The designation allows certified instructors to train other surgeons. - SNU Eye Clinic says it operates a dedicated SMILE Center that offers one-to-one Bespoke SMILE procedures. - The clinic says its ICL team handles evaluation, coordination, surgery and long-term follow-up. - SNU Eye Clinic says comprehensive examination and surgery can be completed in a single day. - The clinic provides interpretation services in English, Chinese and Mongolian.

Between the lines: - The clinic is using surgeon reputation, one-stop workflow and multilingual support to compete for international patients. - Dr. Chung’s role as both a surgeon and instructor is meant to signal technical authority and teaching credibility. - The emphasis on same-day care suggests the clinic is targeting medical travelers with limited time in Korea. - The announcement frames clinical depth and operational convenience as the clinic’s main differentiators.

What’s next: - SNU Eye Clinic plans to expand international patient services. - The clinic also plans to keep advancing research and clinical development in SMILE surgery, SMILE Pro and ICL treatment. - Dr. Chung said the clinic will continue to provide medical services based on global standards of safety and precision for patients from around the world.

The bottom line: - SNU Eye Clinic is betting that early procedural expertise, global surgeon recognition and streamlined care will keep it competitive in the fast-growing vision-correction market.