Cataract surgery with IOL replacement in the Republic of Korea typically costs from AUD $3,095 to AUD $7,737. Prices depend on the chosen lens technology, the surgical technique, and the clinic location in hubs like Seoul, Busan, or Incheon. Australians save approximately 41% on this procedure compared to the Australian average of AUD $5,205. Quotes generally include pre-operative diagnostics, the intraocular lens, surgeon fees, and initial post-surgical medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a specialised private clinic often provides better value than large university hospitals without sacrificing quality. For instance, BGN Eye Hospital in Busan has performed over 340,000 vision correction surgeries and offers advanced ICL implantation. Specialists like Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol have performed over 30,000 procedures, providing high-volume expertise. This experience often leads to more efficient care and competitive pricing for international patients.
| Republic of Korea | Thailand | Turkey | |
| Cataract surgery with IOL replacement | from AUD $3,095 | from AUD $1,688 | from AUD $2,110 |
Professor Sungwon Cho is a US-educated ophthalmologist who serves as the Director of Refractive Surgery at the Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Seoul.
Pe Chong E is a dedicated ophthalmology specialist who has performed 1,100 successful treatments at BGN Eye Hospital.
A certified ZEISS SMILE Excellent Surgeon, Dr Yoonjung Jo leads the Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Seoul with a focus on precision vision restoration.
Dr. Nam Sanghyu is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Asan Medical Center. He is a Clinical Specialist and Clinical Professor. His practice focuses on cataract and presbyopia. He also treats cornea and ocular surface disease, including dry eye, external eye disease, and tear duct problems. He manages retina and glaucoma disorders, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Accreditations: Full Member of KOS, KDES, KCDS, KSCRS, and the Korean Contact Lens Study Society. Regular Member of ASCRS, ESCRS, and APACRS.
Publications: Scientific Reports (2022) on big data linking air pollution and conjunctivitis. Ophthalmologica (2021) on OCTA after repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society (2021) on blue light and polyphenolic protection.
Suitable patients can receive cataract surgery on both eyes during one session in South Korea through Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS). Specialist surgeons often perform these as two separate procedures, minutes apart. This maintains sterile conditions and removes the need for multiple theatre visits.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Small clinics often advertise same-day surgery for convenience. In contrast, major Seoul hospitals like Samsung Medical Centre focus on staging. They prefer checking the first eye's refractive result before the second surgery. This makes the intraocular lens power 100% accurate for their specific vision needs.
Patient Consensus: Rushing into same-day surgery can compromise lens accuracy. Patients in South Korea recommend staying 4–6 weeks to complete all mandatory check-ups and allow the eyes to normalise safely.
Seoul is a global hub for ophthalmology, featuring specialised facilities like Bright Eye Clinic and Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic. These centres utilise laser systems such as Catalys and Zeiss technology. Top hospitals like Samsung Medical Centre provide accredited, high-volume care. They handle complex cataract cases with intraocular lens replacement.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Private boutiques in Gangnam are popular. However, major multidisciplinary centres like Samsung Medical Centre handle significantly higher surgical volumes. These hospitals are often preferred by locals for intraocular procedures. They provide integrated support for potential underlying conditions like glaucoma or retinal issues.
Patient Consensus: Patients in South Korea value the rapid 24-hour visual recovery. However, they suggest staying in Seoul for four weeks. This allows essential follow-up checks at one, two, and four weeks to confirm the lens is perfectly positioned.