SMILE Pro Eye Surgery in Busan, Korea
The newest generation of flapless laser vision correction. The ZEISS VisuMax 800 shapes the lenticule in under 10 seconds with automatic centring and rotation alignment, and most patients return to daily life the next day.
SMILE Pro, explained in one minute
SMILE Pro is flapless laser vision correction on the ZEISS VisuMax 800. The laser creates a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which the surgeon removes through a small incision, reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Compared with the earlier SMILE platform, SMILE Pro is about two and a half times faster and adds automatic, robot-assisted centring (CentraLign) and eye-rotation alignment (OcuLign), which helps precise astigmatism correction.
BGSS introduced the VisuMax 800 in 2023 and has performed more than 160,000 SMILE and SMILE Pro procedures.
Benefits of SMILE Pro
Results from 49 SMILE Pro patients treated at BGSS in September 2023.
93% 20/20 next day
93% of patients saw 20/20 or better the day after surgery.
96% astigmatism control
96% had residual astigmatism within 0.5 dioptres.
73% went home alone
73% could travel home on their own, with vision recovering within about an hour.
No corneal flap
A small incision instead of a flap, popular with active people.
Automatic alignment
CentraLign and OcuLign help the laser treat exactly where planned.
The Lounge
A calm recovery area after surgery, with a Fast Track system for your visit.
What changed with the VisuMax 800
Both are flapless ZEISS procedures. SMILE Pro is faster and more automated.
| ZEISS SMILE Pro | ZEISS SMILE | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser platform | VisuMax 800 | VisuMax 500 |
| Operation | Smart robotic assistance | Manual |
| Pulse rate | 2 MHz | 500 kHz |
| Laser time | 10 seconds or less | 25 seconds or less |
| Eye fixation time | 13 seconds or less | 27 seconds or less |
| Centration | Automatic | Manual |
| Rotation alignment | Automatic | Manual |
| Energy range | 75–260 nJ | 100–260 nJ |
Figures from BGSS’s ZEISS comparison. Compare with SMILE LASIK and LASIK.
Who SMILE Pro suits
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are 18 or older with a stable prescription
- Are nearsighted, with or without astigmatism
- Have healthy corneas of sufficient thickness
- Have no active eye disease or infection
- Want a quick return to work, sport or travel
Final eligibility is decided only after a comprehensive eye examination at BGSS.
Your SMILE Pro trip to Busan
BGSS is a registered facility for international patients. Our coordinators speak English and Chinese and arrange your schedule before you arrive. Appointments are by reservation only.
Send your prescription or medical records and travel dates on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. A coordinator replies with a suggested schedule.
Detailed diagnostic tests and a consultation with your doctor, who confirms the safest option for your eyes.
About 10 seconds of laser time per eye. Most of your visit is preparation and a short rest in The Lounge.
Your doctor checks healing and vision, explains your eye drops, and confirms when you can travel home.
How long to stay in Busan depends on your exam results and the follow-up your doctor recommends. Please confirm your flight dates with your coordinator before booking.
What recovery after SMILE Pro looks like
Follow your doctor’s personal instructions; this timeline is a general guide.
Mild watering or light sensitivity. Many patients notice clearer vision within an hour.
First follow-up check. Most patients return to daily routines.
Avoid rubbing your eyes and keep water and dust out. Use your prescribed drops.
Vision continues to stabilise. Follow-up can be arranged with your doctor at home.
Founded BGSS in 1997 and helped introduce LASEK and presbyopia surgery to Korea. Fellowship at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Trusted in Busan since 1997
- Korea’s first generation of vision correction BGSS opened in Busan in 1997 and has performed more than 628,000 procedures in Seoul and Busan, including 330,000+ in Busan.
- Every major option under one roof SMILE Pro, SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, ICL, cataract and presbyopia surgery, so your doctor can recommend what truly suits your eyes.
- Advanced diagnostics Pentacam, CASIA2, Galilei G4, OCT, UBM and more are used to measure your eyes before any treatment.
- Government-recognised Designated by Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare as an advanced regenerative medicine institution, and registered for international patients.
- Central Seomyeon location Ion City Building, near Seomyeon Station Exit 7, with care in English and Chinese.
SMILE Pro in Busan: frequently asked questions
What is SMILE Pro eye surgery?
SMILE Pro is flapless laser vision correction on the ZEISS VisuMax 800. A lenticule is created inside the cornea in under 10 seconds and removed through a small incision to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Is SMILE Pro available in Busan, Korea?
Yes. BGSS Eye Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan performs SMILE Pro and introduced the VisuMax 800 in 2023.
How long does SMILE Pro take?
The laser time is 10 seconds or less per eye and eye fixation 13 seconds or less. Allow extra time for preparation and recovery at the clinic.
How fast is recovery after SMILE Pro?
In a BGSS study of 49 patients, 93% saw 20/20 or better the next day. Most patients return to daily routines from the next day.
What is the difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro uses the newer VisuMax 800: faster laser time (10 vs 25 seconds or less) and automatic centring and rotation alignment instead of manual.
Is SMILE Pro better than LASIK?
SMILE Pro avoids a flap and uses a small incision; LASIK treats a wider range of prescriptions including farsightedness. Your doctor recommends the right option after your exam.
Can international patients have SMILE Pro in Busan?
Yes. Coordinators support you in English and Chinese, from your first message to follow-up.
Book your SMILE Pro consultation
Send us your prescription and travel dates. Our international team will reply with a suggested schedule.
Appointments are by reservation only. We do not accept walk-in patients.
- Address
74 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Ion City Bldg 8–11F · Seomyeon Station Exit 7 - International Desk +82-10-7632-8782
- Busan Clinic +82-51-805-1100
- Mon · Tue · Thu · Fri 09:00 – 18:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00)
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Wed · Sun · Holidays Closed
