Following the Japan leg of the Hanita Lenses Lecture Tour 2026, Prof. Gerd U. Auffarth continued the program across South Korea, participating in scientific symposiums and visiting leading ophthalmic centers to exchange knowledge on the latest developments in refractive cataract surgery.
Throughout the tour, discussions focused on clinical experience with the Intensity® Pentafocal IOL, advances in premium intraocular lens (IOL) technology, ocular surface disease management, and the integration of dry eye treatment into refractive cataract care to optimize patient outcomes.
The Korean program opened in Seoul at the 25th Catholic Refractive Surgery Symposium at the Catholic University of Korea. Invited by Prof. Ho Sik Hwang and with sessions moderated by Prof. Chul Young Choi and Prof. Lee Do Hyung, the symposium brought together leading ophthalmologists to discuss the latest developments in presbyopia-correcting IOLs, including Hanita’s Intensity® Pentafocal IOL.
The tour then continued with visits to leading ophthalmic centers throughout the country, providing valuable opportunities for scientific exchange with experienced cataract surgeons.
In Cheonan, Prof. Auffarth met with Dr. Do-hyun Jung at Cheonan Kim Eye Clinic to discuss clinical experience with the Intensity® Pentafocal IOL and the evolving role of premium IOLs in modern cataract practice.
In Gwangju, Prof. Auffarth visited Central Yoon Gil-Joong Eye Clinic, where Dr. Giljoon Yoon hosted a lecture on ocular surface disease management, dry eye treatment, and the importance of optimizing the ocular surface to maximize outcomes following premium IOL implantation. The discussions highlighted the role of JETT® plasma technology as part of a comprehensive refractive cataract surgery approach.
The program continued in Busan, where Prof. Auffarth visited Kim Wan Soo Eye Clinic with Dr. Wan Soo Kim and GM St. Mary’s Eye Clinic with Dr. Jin Yong Park. Scientific discussions focused on cataract surgery practice patterns, clinical workflows, and differences between the German and South Korean healthcare systems. The day concluded with a well-attended symposium chaired by Prof. Jong-Soo Lee, featuring presentations by Prof. Auffarth and Dr. Junhun Lee on the Intensity® Pentafocal IOL and the growing importance of dry eye management in refractive cataract surgery.
Returning to Seoul, Prof. Auffarth visited several of South Korea’s leading ophthalmic centers, where discussions centered on premium cataract surgery, patient expectations, surgical technologies, and evolving clinical practice. Participating clinics included Yes Eye Clinic (Dr. Youngsub Eom), Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic (Dr. Kwan Hoon Lee and Dr. Young Seob Lee), First Samsung Eye Clinic (Dr. Sung Ho Choi and Dr. Sung Jin Na), Glory Seoul Eye Clinic (Dr. O Sub Koo), Bright Eye Clinic (Dr. Sung Woo Ha), GS Eye Clinic (Dr. Mu Yan Kim and Dr. Sung Wook Park), and Keye Eye Clinic (Dr. Hyung Gu Kwon).
Beyond the scientific program, the tour also provided valuable insight into South Korea’s highly advanced ophthalmic ecosystem. The concentration of specialized eye clinics, innovative patient pathways, and the country’s growing reputation as a destination for premium ophthalmic care underscored its leadership in refractive cataract surgery and premium IOL adoption.
The South Korea leg of the Lecture Tour concluded with a final symposium dedicated to the Intensity® Pentafocal IOL and the combined JETT® + Intensity® approach to refractive cataract care, bringing together surgeons from across the region to discuss clinical experience, knowledge sharing, and best practices for maximizing patient outcomes.
The Hanita Lenses Lecture Tour 2026 reinforced the importance of international scientific collaboration and clinical exchange in advancing cataract surgery. We sincerely thank all the participating surgeons, clinic teams, and partners throughout South Korea for their warm hospitality, scientific contributions, and commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation and collaboration.
