B&VIIT x Creatrip Myopia Correction Surgery
YOU
4 days ago
It was originally just a Korea travel itinerary, but because my friend wanted to “take advantage of a free slot” and get vision correction surgery while we were there, I did a ton of research and watched a bunch of laser surgery videos, then I got tempted. So I followed right behind my friend and joined the vision correction club too.
On 6/25, I went to B&VIIT, planning to spend as little as possible to get the SMILE procedure that can cost up to NT$100,000 in Taiwan. But my prescription was over -8.00 (not including astigmatism), so every laser option was rejected. I was honestly shocked and frustrated at the time. (But my friend’s tests were fine, and SMILE was an option for them.)
(Various certificates displayed in the ophthalmology clinic)
Still, after the staff explained everything and I compared my options, I really felt that Korea is indeed more conservative than Taiwan when it comes to decision-making for high myopia, I’d seen so many Taiwanese videos recommending laser surgery even for prescriptions over -10.00. In the end, I decided to do EVO+ICL implantable contact lens surgery the next day. It was quite a bit more expensive, but after seeing that it can cost close to NT$200,000 in Taiwan, I felt a lot better about it.
(Some of the eye exam results for me and my friend)
On the day of surgery, I took off my glasses and walked into the operating room in a blur, then got more than 20 drops total of dilating drops and pre-op anesthetic eye drops. The moment I lay down, I felt surprisingly calm because the doctor was operating on two people, and the person next to me went first. I couldn’t see, but I could tell they were extremely nervous. The Chinese-speaking coordinator kept comforting them, it felt like my nervousness got sucked right out of me.
When it was my turn, I noticed how the light in front of me bloomed as the procedure started, and the swelling sensation as the lens was implanted. There was some dizziness when they rotated and adjusted the lens, but surprisingly there was no pain. In about 5 to 8 minutes, both eyes were done smoothly.
(On the day of surgery, furiously dripping dilating drops before the procedure)
The moment I opened my eyes, there was a watery haze, but I could see very clearly, everyone’s faces, the whole operating room. Then I went into the recovery room and lay down for 30 minutes. After checking my eye pressure, I left B&VIIT without any issues.
(EVO+ICL certification card)
After surgery, I set a bad example, I didn’t go back to the hotel to rest, I went straight to COEX to shop.
(Gangnam Style street view outside COEX)
Even with sunglasses, I still felt a bit light-sensitive when I arrived, but after 1 to 2 hours of eating and a visit to the Starfield Library, the swelling and discomfort eased a lot, so I ran off to Seongsu-dong for ice cream and more shopping… All I can say is, don’t copy me, go back and rest like you’re supposed to.
(The Starfield Library inside COEX)
As for my thoughts on B&VIIT, I found this clinic through Creatrip. Price and professionalism are basically a given, so I evaluated it more based on its scale and environment. I was especially interested in their AI diagnosis, and the whole experience, from pre-op exams to the surgery process and the staff service, was excellent. The place doesn’t feel like a traditional clinic, it’s more like a large hospital system.
I especially want to praise the quality of the Chinese interpretation service. They carefully analyzed my situation and advised me not to force a laser procedure. Even though the environment feels like a big hospital, the communication wasn’t cold and mechanical like some major hospitals can be, it genuinely made me feel at ease.
(The building outside the ophthalmology clinic, window washers were working high up, B&VIIT is located on Basement Level B2)
(Photo booth promotional stand inside B&VIIT)
(Waiting area of the consultation rooms at B&VIIT)
Finally, at my follow-up the day after surgery, I got perfect vision of 1.2+ in both eyes! I’m very satisfied with B&VIIT’s medical expertise, advanced technology, and service quality. Thank you to Dr. Ryu for the superb skills that helped me completely break free from contacts and glasses.
This Korea trip, B&VIIT was absolutely one of my most satisfying “itinerary items” in Korea.
