South Korea has rapidly emerged as a global leader in advanced eye care, particularly for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery—a safe, effective alternative to LASIK for vision correction. If you’re considering traveling to Korea for this life-changing procedure, careful planning can help ensure a smooth, successful experience from consultation to recovery.
This guide covers all the essential steps you need to take before, during, and after your ICL surgery in Korea.
1. Research and Choose the Right Clinic
- Look for clinics specializing in ICL surgery with experienced ophthalmologists and modern technology like 3D eye imaging.
- Read verified patient reviews and testimonials, especially from international patients.
- Check for international patient services, such as English-speaking staff, online consultations, and concierge assistance.
- Consider top cities like Seoul, Busan, or Daegu, which are known for high-quality eye care.
2. Schedule an Initial Online Consultation
- Contact your chosen clinic for an online consultation.
- Provide your current eye prescription, previous eye exams, and any relevant health history.
- Ask about your candidacy for ICL, expected results, costs, and surgery scheduling options.
- This step helps tailor a treatment plan and book surgery dates before you arrive.
3. Arrange Your Travel and Accommodation
- Book flights to Korea, preferably arriving a few days before surgery for pre-operative exams.
- Choose accommodation close to your clinic for convenience, especially if you need follow-up visits.
- Many clinics partner with hotels or guesthouses to offer special rates for medical tourists.
- Confirm your visa requirements—most tourists can enter Korea visa-free or obtain a medical visa depending on your nationality and length of stay.
4. Prepare Your Medical Documents and Finances
- Bring all relevant medical records and test results related to your eye health.
- Confirm the total treatment cost, including consultation, surgery, medications, and follow-ups.
- Ensure you have a reliable payment method accepted by the clinic (credit card, wire transfer, cash).
- Ask about any insurance claims or reimbursement procedures if applicable.
5. Understand the Pre-Surgery Instructions
- Clinics typically advise avoiding contact lenses for 1-2 weeks before surgery.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or lotions on surgery day.
- Arrange for someone to accompany you or help you on surgery day if possible.
- Follow any prescribed pre-surgery medications or eye drops as instructed.
6. What to Expect on Surgery Day
- Arrive early for your appointment and complete any required paperwork.
- The surgery itself is quick, usually 20–30 minutes per eye.
- Local anesthesia via eye drops will be applied, so the procedure is painless.
- You may have one eye operated on per session or both eyes on the same day, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
- Post-surgery, rest at the clinic briefly before heading back to your accommodation.
7. Post-Operative Care and Recovery in Korea
- Use prescribed eye drops (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory) as directed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and exposure to dust, swimming pools, and heavy exercise for at least a week.
- Attend scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and vision stability.
- Many international patients stay for 5–7 days to complete follow-ups comfortably.
8. Returning Home and Long-Term Care
- Before leaving, obtain a full medical report and detailed aftercare instructions.
- Arrange for virtual follow-ups or coordinate care with your local eye specialist.
- Continue regular eye exams to ensure the implanted lenses remain in good condition.
- Report any unusual symptoms to your local ophthalmologist immediately.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical tourism.
- Learn a few Korean phrases or use translation apps for smoother communication.
- Plan for some leisure activities or sightseeing around your medical trip to balance treatment with relaxation.
- Keep emergency contacts handy, including your clinic’s international patient coordinator.
Final Thoughts
Planning your ICL surgery trip to Korea well in advance helps reduce stress and enhances your overall experience. With its world-class eye care services, transparent pricing, and patient-centered approach, Korea is an excellent destination for international patients seeking clear vision and quality medical travel.
