482 Retina & Macula Clinics in Seoul: A Public-Data Comparison for International Patients

We do not recommend or endorse any clinic. No rankings, ratings or reviews — only verifiable public information.

Key facts

482 clinics in Seoul are registered with HIRA with ophthalmology in their name or listed specialties.
This list consists of clinics using the registered name "…Eye Clinic (안과의원)" (481). Under Korean medical law only board-certified specialists may open a clinic under that name, so the sign alone is a verifiable signal. General clinics that merely list ophthalmology as a practice area are not included.
Among 478 clinics that disclose staffing, the average is 1.9 doctors and 144 have two or more.
By nearest station, clinics cluster around 강남역 (28) · 신논현역 (11) · 압구정역 (9).
This page does not rank or recommend clinics. Use the checklist below to compare them yourself.

Retina and macula conditions encompass a broad range of issues — from age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to retinal detachment and macular holes — that can significantly affect central vision and overall quality of life. These conditions are typically managed through a combination of diagnostic imaging, intravitreal injections, laser procedures, or surgical intervention depending on the individual's diagnosis and disease progression. People often begin researching clinics when they notice symptoms such as distorted vision, a blind spot in the center of their visual field, or sudden floaters.

Because retinal and macular treatments involve delicate structures at the back of the eye, verifying the qualifications of the treating physician is a foundational step. In South Korea, a clinic operating under the name 안과의원 (an-gwa-eui-won) is legally required to be led by a board-certified ophthalmologist (전문의, jeon-mun-ui), which provides one verifiable starting point — though clinic name alone does not confirm who will actually perform your procedure or injection. Confirming that the physician who consults you is the same one who will carry out the treatment is a separate and equally important check.

The comparison table on this page organizes publicly available information across clinics — such as equipment, subspecialty focus, and available procedures — not as a ranking but as a reference to help you form specific questions before your consultation.

How this was compiled

We took every clinic in HIRA open data whose address or nearest-station tag falls in Seoul and whose name or listed specialties include ophthalmology (482 clinics).
Columns are: registered name type (signal of a board-certified founder), number of doctors, area and nearest station, website, phone, and published hours — all public data. We do not use reviews or ratings.
"Clinics covered" are those with the most public information available (ties broken by most recently verified); this is not a ranking. The full list is in Korean alphabetical order.

At a glance

Clinic	Registered name	Doctors	Nearest station	Area	Website	Phone
건양의료재단 김안과병원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	61	영등포시장역	영등포구	Open	1577-2639
누네안과병원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	30	선릉역	강남구	Open	02-1661-1175
실로암안과병원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	12	등촌역	강서구	Open	02-2650-0700
365밝은안과의원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	6	신림역	관악구	Open	02-878-3650
41타워안과의원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	2	오목교(목동운동장앞)역	양천구	Open	02-6959-4107
강남밝은명안과의원	Eye Clinic (안과의원)	1	강남역	서초구	Open	533-9400

"Clinics covered" are those with the most public information available (ties broken by most recently verified); this is not a ranking. The full list is in Korean alphabetical order.

Retina & Macula clinic checklist

1Board-Certified Ophthalmologist Confirmation
Ask directly whether the physician who will treat you holds a specialist certification in ophthalmology (전문의), and request to see that credential if needed. The clinic's legal name (안과의원) indicates the presence of at least one certified ophthalmologist, but it does not automatically confirm who performs each procedure.
2Retinal Subspecialty Experience and Equipment
Ask whether the clinic has a physician with a subspecialty focus in retinal disease, and what diagnostic tools are available on-site — such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, or fluorescein angiography. Access to these imaging modalities directly affects how thoroughly your condition can be evaluated before any treatment decision is made.
3Intravitreal Injection Protocol and Sterility Standards
For clinics offering intravitreal injections (a common treatment for macular conditions), ask about the specific sterile procedure environment used and how injection intervals are determined for each patient. Injection frequency and drug selection vary by diagnosis and individual response, so the protocol should be explained in writing before you consent.
4Written Estimate and Informed Consent
Request a written cost estimate before any procedure, as fees for retinal treatments can vary considerably depending on the drug used, number of sessions required, and whether additional imaging is included. A written informed consent document should clearly describe the procedure, its intended purpose, known risks, and alternatives.
5Follow-Up Schedule and Adverse Event Policy
Ask how follow-up appointments are structured after treatment, and what the clinic's process is if you experience unexpected symptoms such as increased floaters, pain, or sudden vision changes. Confirm in writing how the clinic handles complications or situations that require referral to a hospital with surgical facilities.

Warning signs

1Consultation Conducted by Non-Physician Staff
If the person explaining your diagnosis, treatment options, or injection plan is not a licensed physician, that is a significant concern in a subspecialty as complex as retinal disease. Medical advice, treatment planning, and informed consent discussions must be conducted by the treating doctor, not by coordinators or assistants.
2Same-Day Payment or Package Pressure
Be cautious if you feel pressured to pay for a multi-session injection package or surgical plan during or immediately after your first consultation. Retinal conditions require ongoing monitoring, and an appropriate treatment plan is typically established after diagnostic imaging and a thorough evaluation — not on the same day.
3Refusal to Provide Written Estimate
Any clinic that declines to give you a written breakdown of expected costs before treatment should prompt further questions. Given that retinal treatments may involve repeated procedures over months, understanding the full cost structure in advance is a reasonable and standard expectation.
4No Clear Protocol for Emergency or Surgical Escalation
Certain retinal emergencies — such as acute retinal detachment — require prompt surgical intervention that may not be available at all outpatient clinics. Ask clearly whether the clinic has a defined pathway for referring patients to a facility with vitreoretinal surgical capability if the situation requires it, and confirm this in writing.

FAQ

How long does recovery typically take after intravitreal injection treatment for macular conditions?

Recovery experience after intravitreal injections varies by individual, and most patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and eye rubbing for a short period following each injection. Your physician should provide specific post-injection instructions tailored to your situation, including what symptoms — such as increased redness, pain, or sudden vision loss — warrant immediate contact with the clinic. General timelines discussed online may not reflect your individual circumstances.

How are injection intervals decided, and will they be the same for every patient?

Injection intervals for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema are not uniform — they are typically guided by treatment response, imaging findings, and the specific drug being used. Some protocols involve fixed intervals initially and then transition to monitoring-based scheduling, while others differ from the start. Your treating physician should explain which approach applies to your case and why.

What should I do if I experience unusual symptoms after a retinal procedure?

Symptoms such as sudden changes in vision, significant eye pain, increased floaters, or light flashes after any retinal procedure should be reported to the clinic promptly — do not wait for a scheduled follow-up if the symptoms feel acute. Before your procedure, confirm with the clinic how to reach a physician after hours and what steps to take if you cannot be seen immediately. Having this information in writing before treatment begins is advisable.

How can I verify that a clinic's physician is a certified ophthalmology specialist?

In South Korea, you can request to see the physician's specialist certificate (전문의 자격증) directly, which clinics are generally expected to make available upon reasonable request. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) and related public databases also provide some verifiable information about physician credentials. Confirming this before committing to a treatment plan is a straightforward step that any reputable clinic should support.

Why do costs for retinal treatments vary so widely, and how can I get a reliable estimate?

Cost variation in retinal treatment often reflects differences in the specific drug used for injections (which differ substantially in price), the number of sessions anticipated, the imaging performed at each visit, and whether the procedure qualifies for national health insurance coverage. Ask for a detailed written estimate that distinguishes between insured and non-insured items, and clarify what happens to the cost structure if additional sessions become necessary. A verbal estimate alone is not a reliable basis for financial planning in multi-session treatments.

482 clinics in Seoul are registered with HIRA with ophthalmology in their name or listed specialties?

482 clinics in Seoul are registered with HIRA with ophthalmology in their name or listed specialties. This list consists of clinics using the registered name "…Eye Clinic (안과의원)" (481). Under Korean medical law only board-certified specialists may open a clinic under that name, so the sign alone is a verifiable signal. General clinics that merely list ophthalmology as a practice area are not included.

Closing note

Choosing a clinic for retinal or macular treatment is a decision that benefits from direct verification rather than general reputation — use the checklist above to guide specific questions during your consultation and compare what each clinic provides in writing. The comparison table on this page reflects publicly available information and is intended as a starting point, not a recommendation. Any treatment decision should be made in direct consultation with a qualified physician who has reviewed your diagnostic imaging and understands your individual condition.

This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Decide on any procedure only after consulting a doctor. Results vary between individuals.