While living in Korea I came across a great deal for Lasik surgery.
I had been switching between glasses and contacts for the lat ten years, dealing with very frustrating blind spots that they would create, along with slipping down my nose, and the occasional misplacement. I decided that I would do a little research about lasik in Korea, as it was much more inexpensive than having it done in America.
I settled on Glory Seoul Eye Clinic. Below is the advertisement:
*Special Offer on Group Lasik :
1) Get 5% off For 2 persons
2) Get 10% off For 3 persons
To book Free eye Check -up : 010-7191-9769
cataract surgery : 200,000 won (with ARC & Health insurance),
800,000won (without ARC & Health insurance)
3)Special Offer for expat members living out of town]
For those of you visiting Eye glory clinic all the way from out of Seoul for LASIK (LASEK excluded),
we will offer you free accommodation at a hotel for 1nights 2days.
To schedule, please inform us a week before surgery.
please note we only provide this free chance to those who have confirmed to come back to our clininc next day for follow-up after LASIK.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE :
1)'Hit'Going on the event page :
For more information :http://www.seouleyegroup.co.kr/event/ck/ck.html
Scheduling and having the surgery was very simple. I called to make an appointment and to my surprise than man who introduced himself as "James Bond" in a jokingly manner spoke great English. I believe his name was Jeff.
My appointment was set for a Saturday afternoon, and I planned on staying in Gagnam for the night. To my surprise, my husband came up to Gagnam for the weekend and booked us a room at Yongsan Army Post. He came along with me on Saturday to hold my hand and be a great support system.
To learn how to get to Seoul Eye Group from the subway Gagnam exit, Click Here
We took a taxi from Post to Seoul Eye Group. (apparently the building holds other eye clinics, but Seoul eye group, on the second floor is the clinic I chose) Its a little difficult to find the building, so I called Jeff and gave the taxi driver the phone. We were there in no time. We began registration, and the eye checks took around 35 minutes. I was told that I had been cleared for surgery, and chose to have Lasik since the recovery time was quick, and the surgery less painful.
To learn more about the differences, Click Here
I believe the 600,000 price is just to lure you in, because my price was 1.3 million won (about $1,100). after talking with other expats, they too said that they didn't know anyone who paid under 1.3.
After I paid my fee, I was given clinic tag to go around my neck, and whisked away with my husband to another floor where the surgery would take place. when we arrived, the nurses escorted me to the first table and told me to lay down, as they partially covered my face and sterilized it. My eye doctor, Koo Ho Seob, who is also the director of seoul eye clinic, gave me directions on what would happen first, and then he began.
I had to focus on a light, while he inserted something that would go around my eyeball. He told me that I would feel pressure, and suddenly lose my sight, and yes... everything went exactly as he said. I just tried not to panic and held my husband's hand tightly. The Dr. said he was cutting the top layer of my eye, and making a flap. When all was done on both eyes, I was escorted to the next "bed", where they surgery wold then take place. I was warned to focus on the tiny green light at all times, but after layer and layer was being peeled, the little green light turned into a green blob. The laser itself didn't hurt, it just has a slight burning smell. Around 8 minutes later, I was finished. Contacts were placed in my eye to help with the overnight healing process, i was given some medication, and told to return the next day for check up.
My afternoon and night was filled with pain meds and drawn blinds, but I could already "see" the results.
The next day (Sunday), I returned to have the contacts taken out. I was given an appointment for the following week to check my improvement. I was to take medicated drops every 30 minutes and artificial tears when my eyes would get blurry or dry i came back the next week and I took a quick eye test, and BOOM! I had 20/20 vision :) I was given more antibiotics and artificial tears. I was suppose to come back the next week, but I would be back int he U.S.A by then :( Yet and still... everything is looking more beautiful than ever! One and a half months in, and no complaints!
I would suggest the surgery, especially if you are in Korea and can get this great price!!
The facilities are clean, modern and everyone is very friendly.
Until next time- Try "seeing" the world differently! -CeCe
