Here are frequently asked questions (FAQ) about different healthcare-related topics for international residents living in South Korea.
Eye Health
Frequently Asked Healthcare Questions about Optometry and Opthalmology in Korea Korea
SOUTH OF SEOUL ANSWER: Here are the relevant terms you should use when searching for an ophthalmologist:
Ophthalmologist/Eye Doctor: 안과 의사 (an-gwa ui-sa)
Ophthalmology Department: 안과 (an-gwa)
Eye Hospital: 안과병원 (an-gwa-byeong-won)
Eye Clinic: 안과의원 (an-gwa-ui-won)
When searching on Naver or Kakao Maps, you can use:
안과 (an-gwa) – This is the most common and straightforward term for ophthalmology
For more specific searches, you could use:
안과 전문의 (an-gwa jeon-mun-ui) – Ophthalmology specialist
눈 검사 (nun geom-sa) – Eye examination
Remember, you can copy and paste these Korean terms directly into search engines or map applications to find relevant results.
Additionally, when using the NHIS website or other search tools, look for these terms in the specialty or department sections.
If you need help with pronunciation or translation during your search or visit, consider using translation apps like Papago, or seek assistance from BBB Korea or the 1330 tourism helpline.
SOUTH OF SEOUL ANSWER: To search for an ophthalmologist in South Korea, you can follow these steps based on the information provided in the training data:
Use the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) website:
– Go to the Korean version of the NHIS website. The Korean version has more information than the English version.
– Use Google Translate extension for the Chrome browser to translate the site.
– Look for the “Find Hospitals/Clinics” (검진기관/병원찾기) section.
Searching on the NHIS website generally includes the following information:
– STEP 1: Select your province (do)
– STEP 2: Select your city (si/gun/gu)
– STEP 3 (Optional): Choose your neighborhood (eup/myeon/dong)
– STEP 4: Select the type of screening (in this case, look for “ophthalmology” or “eye care”)
– STEP 5: Click the search button
Review the search results:
– The results will show information about each hospital or clinic.
Look for details like the hospital name, address, and contact information.
Additional resources:
– Use translation services like BBB Korea or Papago for your visit, especially if the clinic doesn’t have English-speaking staff.
– Consider using the 1330 tourism helpline for assistance in finding medical services. Remember to do this during regular business hours for the best results.
International healthcare centers:
– Some hospitals, like St. Vincent’s Hospital mentioned in the training data, have international healthcare centers that can assist foreign patients.
– These centers often have English-speaking staff and can help with appointments in different departments.
Local expat groups:
– Check local expat groups or forums for recommendations of eye doctors who are experienced in treating foreign patients.
Military resources:
– If you’re associated with the U.S. military, your base may have a list of recommended local ophthalmologists.
Remember, in Korea, it’s common to get eye exams (optometry) at optical stores when purchasing glasses, and these exams are often free. However, for more comprehensive eye health concerns, seeking an ophthalmologist at a hospital or specialized clinic is recommended.
Always verify the credentials and specialization of the doctor, especially when dealing with specific eye conditions or concerns.
SOUTH OF SEOUL ANSWER: Based on the information provided in the training data, here’s how you can find an optometrist and get glasses in South Korea:
Optical Stores:
– Korea has numerous optical stores that make getting glasses easy and affordable.
– These stores typically have optometrists on staff who can perform eye exams.
Eye Exams:
– Eye exams are often free when you purchase new frames or lenses.
– Exams can usually be completed in about 15 minutes.
Quick Service:
– In many cases, you can get your glasses finished in about 15 minutes.
– Sometimes prescription lenses can take up to 7 days, but same-day service is also common.
Cost:
– You can usually find a nice pair of glasses for around 60,000 – 80,000 won.
– The affordability often allows people to purchase two pairs if desired.
Search Terms:
– To find optical stores, you can search for “안경점” (angyeongjeom) on Naver or Kakao Maps.
Language Assistance:
– If you need language support, consider using translation apps like Papago or services like BBB Korea.
International Clinics:
– Some larger hospitals with international clinics may also offer optometry services, though this might be more expensive than local optical stores.
Recommendations:
– You can ask for recommendations in local expat groups or forums.
Remember, the process of getting glasses in Korea is generally straightforward and efficient. Many optical stores in urban areas are accustomed to serving international customers, so you shouldn’t face significant difficulties.
If you have a complex prescription or specific needs, you might want to visit a larger optical chain or a hospital-based optometry department for more specialized service.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring your current glasses or prescription if you have them, as this can help ensure you get the correct prescription for your new glasses.
SOUTH OF SEOUL ANSWER: To find a children’s ophthalmologist in South Korea, you can follow these steps:
Search Terms:
Use these Korean terms when searching:
– 소아안과 (so-a-an-gwa) – Pediatric Ophthalmology
– 어린이 안과 (eo-rin-i an-gwa) – Children’s Ophthalmology
– 소아 안과 의사 (so-a an-gwa ui-sa) – Pediatric Ophthalmologist
Use Naver or Kakao Maps:
– Input these Korean search terms (not in English) to find nearby pediatric eye clinics or hospitals with pediatric ophthalmology departments.
National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Website:
– Use the Korean version of the NHIS website and not the English version.
Follow the steps to search for hospitals/clinics:
– STEP 1: Select your province
– STEP 2: Select your city
– STEP 3: (Optional) Choose your neighborhood
– STEP 4: Select “ophthalmology” or “pediatric ophthalmology” if available
– STEP 5: Click the search button
International Healthcare Centers:
– Larger hospitals often have international healthcare centers that can assist in finding pediatric specialists.
– For example, St. Vincent’s Hospital (mentioned in the training data) has an international healthcare center.
Local Expat Groups:
– Ask for recommendations in local expat forums or groups, especially those focused on families or parenting in Korea.
1330 Korea Travel Hotline:
– Use this helpline for assistance in finding medical services, including pediatric
ophthalmologists.
BBB Korea or Papago:
– Use these translation services if you need language assistance during your search or visit.
Military Resources:
– If you’re associated with the U.S. military, check with your base for recommended pediatric eye doctors.
Remember, pediatric ophthalmology is a specialized field, so you may need to visit larger hospitals or specialized clinics rather than regular optical stores. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to confirm that the clinic or hospital can accommodate children and has experience with pediatric eye care.
When making an appointment, be prepared to provide information about your child’s age and any specific eye concerns or conditions they may have.
