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Bangladesh Crisis Can Hit Medical Tourism Inflow By 10-15% In 2024: Report

Bangladesh is the leading contributor to medical tourism among neighbouring countries and accounts for 50-60 per cent of India's total medical tourism inflow, says the report released on Wednesday.

Contribution of medical tourism to entire Indian hospital sector is about 3 to 5 per cent. (File)

The socio-political unrest in Bangladesh has impacted the medical tourism inflow from the neighbouring country and if the turbulence persists the total footfall from the country may drop by 10-15 per cent this year, a report has said.

Current internal challenges in Bangladesh have impacted the flow of patients as a considerable number of these travellers have either cancelled or postponed their visits, according to a report by knowledge-based analytical group CareEdge Ratings.

According to CareEdge Ratings, if the unrest persists, the footfall is likely to decline by 10-15 per cent from Bangladesh during 2024.

The contribution of medical tourism to the entire Indian hospital sector is about 3 per cent to 5 per cent.

Considering the drop in footfall from Bangladesh along with its gradual revival to normalcy by the end of 2024, the sector will see minimal impact, according to the report.

"The effect on individual hospitals will vary depending on their reliance on Bangladeshi medical tourists. Hospitals with a high dependency on these tourists may experience revenue declines in the second and third quarter of FY25, while larger, multi-location hospitals in India are likely to see a relatively minor impact.

"Most Indian industry players appear to be largely unaffected by the crisis, supported by their strong financial resilience and robust cash accruals," CareEdge Ratings Associate Director D Naveen Kumar added.

In recent years, medical tourism in India has been on a gradual upward trend, driven by the relatively low cost of surgery, high-quality critical care, hospitals with advanced technology, and the expanding e-medical visa facility.

Although 2021, saw some growth in medical tourism following the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic the previous year, it remained subdued due to the ongoing travel restrictions in parts of that year.

However, 2022 marked a significant comeback, with medical tourism nearly returning to pre-Covid levels, and the trend continued in 2023, showing a 33 per cent year-on-year growth.

The government's initiative to extend the e-medical visa facility to nationals from 167 countries is expected to further boost medical tourism in the coming years, said the report.

This particularly benefits the hospitals in metro cities the most as they are prime beneficiaries of international patient flow, said the report adding that nearly 70-80 per cent of medical tourists arriving in India are from Bangladesh and Middle East countries.

India ranks among the top 10 countries for medical tourism globally and is especially preferred amongst South-Asian, African and Middle East countries.

Bangladesh stands out as the leading contributor to medical tourism among neighbouring countries, surpassing the Middle East, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

However, recent socio-political instability in Bangladesh poses a risk to this flourishing segment of the industry as the current internal challenges have shown signs of affecting the flow of patients.

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The hospital sector in India was valued at around Rs 5.8 lakh crore in FY23, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 12 per cent over the next three years. Each year, an estimated 3 to 3.5 lakh individuals from Bangladesh seek medical treatment in India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Medical Tourism

Leading countries for lasik and advanced eye care.

The medical tourism industry has seen a significant rise in patients traveling abroad for LASIK and advanced eye care procedures. With technological advancements and varying healthcare costs globally, choosing the right destination for eye treatment is crucial. This article explores the leading countries in this field, focusing on their healthcare systems, technological prowess, and patient care standards.

South Korea: A Hub of Ophthalmological Innovation

South Korea has emerged as a leader in advanced eye care, particularly in LASIK surgery. The country's investment in cutting-edge technology and a high standard of medical training makes it an attractive destination. South Korean clinics are known for their state-of-the-art facilities and use of advanced laser technologies, ensuring high precision in vision correction procedures.

Germany: Excellence in Eye Care Quality

Germany's reputation for medical excellence extends to its eye care services. German ophthalmology clinics are renowned for their meticulous approach to patient care and use of sophisticated technology. The country's stringent healthcare regulations ensure that patients receive top-notch treatment, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quality and precision in eye care.

United States: Pioneers in LASIK Technology

The United States has been a pioneer in LASIK technology and procedures. With numerous well-established eye care centers, the U.S. offers a wide range of options for patients. The American approach to eye care is characterized by personalized treatment plans and the use of advanced laser technologies, contributing to its high success rates in vision correction surgeries.

India: Cost-Effective and High-Quality Eye Care

India is increasingly recognized for providing high-quality eye care at comparatively lower costs. The country's eye care hospitals are equipped with modern technology and staffed by skilled ophthalmologists. India's blend of quality service and affordability makes it a go-to destination for medical tourists seeking cost-effective LASIK and other eye treatments.

Thailand: Combining Eye Care with Hospitality

Thailand is not just a popular tourist destination but also a rising star in medical tourism for eye care. Thai eye clinics offer a range of advanced eye care services, including LASIK, in a hospitable environment. The focus on patient comfort, combined with affordable prices and high-quality medical standards, positions Thailand as an attractive option for medical tourists.

Singapore: Advanced Healthcare System and Eye Care

Singapore's healthcare system is one of the most advanced in Asia. The country's eye care facilities are at the forefront of medical technology, offering a range of sophisticated treatments. Singapore's emphasis on research and development in ophthalmology ensures that patients have access to the latest advancements in eye care.

Spain: A European Leader in Eye Health

Spain has gained recognition for its high standards in ophthalmology. Spanish eye care centers are equipped with modern technology and staffed by experienced professionals. The country's focus on comprehensive eye care, from diagnostics to post-surgery follow-up, makes it a top choice for medical tourists from Europe and beyond.

Japan: Precision and Innovation in Eye Treatments

Japan is known for its precision and innovation in medical technology, including eye care. Japanese eye clinics utilize advanced technologies for LASIK and other refractive surgeries. The meticulous attention to detail and the high standard of patient care in Japan ensure successful and satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Brazil: Growing Expertise in Eye Care Services

Brazil's healthcare sector has seen significant growth in eye care services. With a focus on adopting the latest technologies and techniques, Brazilian eye care centers offer a range of high-quality treatments. The country's commitment to improving its healthcare services makes it a promising destination for medical tourists seeking eye care.

Canada: Excellence in Patient-Centered Eye Care

Canada is known for its patient-centered approach to healthcare, including eye care services. Canadian eye clinics prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, employing advanced technologies for various eye treatments. The country's high healthcare standards and focus on patient comfort make it a favorable destination for eye care.

Choosing the right destination for LASIK or advanced eye care involves considering various factors such as technology, healthcare standards, patient satisfaction, and cost. The countries listed above have distinguished themselves in these aspects, making them leading destinations in the field of ophthalmology and medical tourism. Each offers a unique combination of quality, innovation, and patient care, catering to the diverse needs of medical tourists worldwide.

This comprehensive look at the top countries for LASIK and advanced eye care highlights the importance of informed decision-making in medical tourism. The destinations discussed offer a blend of technological sophistication, high-quality care, and patient satisfaction, making them ideal choices for those seeking the best in eye care globally.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

For those seeking medical care abroad, we highly recommend hospitals and clinics who have been accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA). With a strong emphasis on exceptional patient experience, GHA accredited facilities are attuned to your cultural, linguistic, and individual needs, ensuring you feel understood and cared for. They adhere to the highest standards, putting patient safety and satisfaction at the forefront. Explore the world's top GHA-accredited facilities here . Trust us, your health journey deserves the best.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

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Opinion: When food is medicine, standards and…

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Opinion Commentary

Opinion: when food is medicine, standards and community matter , people with severe, complex, or chronic illnesses will benefit.

We’ve all had sick days where a bowl of chicken noodle soup made everything better. Food provides comfort — but it can do so much more. The medical community is rapidly recognizing the idea that food is medicine, and the medically tailored meal intervention can support improved health outcomes for people with severe, complex, or chronic illnesses.

Nonprofit providers of the medically tailored meal intervention, like Mama’s Kitchen, have been vital to this movement and worked tirelessly to ensure their service models meet clients’ medical needs. Yet, only in recent years have we seen national recognition of the power of medically tailored meals. For instance, in 2022, the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health publicly endorsed the food is medicine movement . Since then, health care organizations and meal providers have sprinted to embrace medically tailored meals and express their commitment to the movement.

The Food is Medicine Coalition , a national collective of community-based organizations with more than 40 years of experience in this field, has long championed the value of medically tailored meal intervention. The increased attention, though, creates an urgent need for standards outlining what it means to be an effective and qualified provider of medically tailored meals.

If patients are expected to receive medical treatment that is proven effective through empirical evidence, then medically tailored meal intervention should be no different. With so many stakeholders aligning themselves with the food is medicine movement, it’s getting more difficult for patients, providers and health plans to decipher which medically tailored meal providers they can trust to deliver interventions with a real, measurable effect.

That’s why accreditation, like the one recently launched by the Food is Medicine Coalition and awarded to Mama’s Kitchen, is so vital. The true goal of accreditation is to ensure adherence to the proven high quality medically tailored meal intervention and instill a sense of confidence in an agency’s services. This accreditation also considers the unique role nonprofit providers play in the field, acknowledging that these organizations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Mama’s Kitchen, for example, sources food from local providers and growers, runs their own kitchen in the community, and has a robust volunteer program. Community-based organizations throughout the country are lining up to undergo the Food is Medicine Coalition’s six to 12-month accreditation process — a process that is entirely voluntary, transparent and appropriately rigorous.

Voluntary accreditation shows that an agency has opened itself to intense scrutiny without any external pressure, all so it can achieve the distinction of meeting uniform, high standards. Transparency is also imperative — neither those seeking accreditation, nor the general public, are going to trust an organization with a process they can’t understand. Additionally, any meaningful accreditation has to be rigorous, showing that the accredited agency holds itself to a particularly high standard.

Nobody understands the importance of these factors more than Mama’s Kitchen, who became the second organization in the country to receive the Food is Medicine Coalition Accreditation after Washington, D.C.’s Food & Friends . By examining Mama’s Kitchen’s nutritional quality, meal packaging and labeling, delivery model, volunteer and client services, and food safety practices, the accreditation verifies its status as a provider of the high quality medically tailored meal intervention.

Nonprofits like Mama’s Kitchen rely heavily on philanthropic funds to operate — an increasingly challenging task when they are experiencing rapidly growing demand. This accreditation helps demonstrate to potential clients, health care partners, health plans and donors that their services are high quality, backed by empirical evidence, and, above all, effective in improving people’s lives.

As the “food is medicine” movement continues to grow, more organizations than ever are embracing the role of medically tailored meals in the management and treatment of complex and chronic medical conditions. Now, and in the future, accreditation standards will be essential to maintaining trust in the field. It’s imperative to support initiatives like the Food is Medicine Coalition’s Accreditation and agencies like Mama’s Kitchen, who are willing to hold themselves to the high standards of quality that their clients deserve, all while putting community and mission first.

Matthews is the CEO of Mama’s Kitchen and lives in North Park. Wassung is the executive director of the Food is Medicine Coalition and lives in New York. 

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North Korea to restart international tourism in December. Should you go?

North Korea will resume international tourism to its northeastern city of Samjiyon in December, and possibly the rest of the country, tour companies said on Wednesday.

The move is a sign that the reclusive country is readying to reopen borders to bigger groups of foreign tourists after years of strict COVID border controls.

"We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024," the Beijing-based Koryo Tours said on its website.

International flights in and out of North Korea resumed last year and a small group of Russian tourists flew to North Korea for a private tour in February. Top foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have been visiting the country.

But North Korea has not been fully open to international tourists since 2020.

"Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again," the firm said, adding its local partner would confirm itineraries and dates in coming weeks.

The State Department still has a level four "do not travel" advisory for U.S. citizens considering a visit to North Korea, saying there is a "serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals."

North Korea has been building what it called a "socialist utopia" in Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border, and "a model of highly-civilized mountain city" with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.

Leader Kim Jong Un in July fired or demoted some senior officials for their "irresponsible" handling of his flagship Samjiyon project.

Another travel agency, KTG Tours, also announced that tourists would be able to go to Samjiyon from this winter.

Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY

Medical Tourism in Korea (SMILE / LASIK eye surgery)

Looking for something specific? Jump to a section using the links below.

What is medical tourism, should i try medical tourism, what is the best country for medical tourism, why travel to korea for medical tourism, what is smile eye surgery.

• SMILE vs. LASIK
• How much do SMILE and LASIK cost in Korea?
• Is it worth flying to Korea for SMILE (LASIK)?
• Is SMILE safe?

How to book SMILE eye surgery in Korea

• Day of eye surgery itinerary (everything you should know)

What is the SMILE eye surgery exam consultation like?

Rather watch than read .

Checkout our Youtube video all about SMILE eye surgery medical tourism in Korea!

The quick answer is that it’s exactly what it sounds like: traveling for medical care. This can look a lot of different ways, but the idea is always the same: people from countries with expensive and/or subpar medical care can travel overseas for elective or planned procedures, often at a fraction of the cost. Some people decide to make a vacation out of medical tourism while others travel only for the procedure.

In the USA our medical care is excellent but it comes at a cost. While America often gets a negative reputation for medical care, that’s largely in reference to the costs and accessibility associated with the practice. The USA still leads the world in cancer survival rates as well as lower heart attack and stroke mortality rates compared to other comparable nations. I say all this to say, medical care in America is really good, but it’s very expensive.

America is most known for its innovation and medical education systems, which means a lot of what America thrives at can be found overseas for a much lower cost.

For example, we’ve been to various doctors overseas for everything from dental care and eye surgery to stomach bugs and ear infections. What did all of those doctors' visits have in common? All of the physicians were educated and trained in the USA and spoke English. Granted, some spoke better English than others, but generally speaking, the communication was wonderful and the care was equal to what we’d receive at home for a much higher cost.

Medical tourism is a wonderful option for some, but still not plausible for others. I’m by no means suggesting that medical tourism is a fix for the broken healthcare system in the USA, but it is an option for some, but still too expensive for others.

There are four main things we’d recommend considering before giving medical tourism a go.

• What procedure are you looking to have performed? Certain countries are better at some procedures than others. We recommend researching medical tourism practices to get the best care and price possible.
• What will the downtime be for your procedure? Simple procedures such as SMILE or LASIK have very little downtown (~24 hours), whereas more invasive procedures such as a hip replacement will consist of hospital time, physical therapy, and a much more uncomfortable plane ride home. Consider whether or not you’d mind being in a foreign country and an unfamiliar apartment or hotel for your recovery process. I know for me, if it were to be a very invasive surgery, I might rather pay more just to be in the comfort of my own home for recovery.
• How much time can you afford to travel overseas for your procedure? Will your job allow you to take sick time for medical tourism? Are you traveling strictly for the procedure and not as a way to see a new place, too? Time is invaluable and there never seems to be enough of it. When you’re considering medical tourism, don’t just allow for the procedure and care, but allow for a cushion in case recovery takes longer than you anticipate, the procedure gets rescheduled, delayed flights, etc.
• Is medical tourism really going to be less expensive than at home in the USA? Again, that depends on what you’re hoping to have done, where you’re flying to, and if you’re planning on combining the medical care with a vacation. Thinking broadly will allow for the best savings.

There is no one best country for medical tourism, Canada, Singapore, and Japan regularly rank at the top of the list, but less expensive options such as Mexico and Costa Rica are also popular destinations for Americans. It all depends on what sort of medical care you’re interested in. If you’re based in the USA like we are, we’ve heard great things about dental care in Mexico. Considering Mexico’s close proximity and low cost of living, this makes a great vacation/medical trip destination for lots of various procedures. If you’re looking for orthopedic surgeries, consider heading to India, Spain, or (yes) Mexico. We had a wonderful experience with eye surgery in Korea (SMILE or LASIK), and we’ve also heard great things about plastic surgery in Korea if that’s something you’re after. Do your research for specific countries and practices. You can never be too careful when choosing a physician and hospital, so do your research. We recommend starting with websites such as medicaltourism.com .

As we’ve said before, oftentimes physicians all over the world are educated and trained at the same universities in the USA. But, like every college, someone has to be at the bottom of the class, so read reviews, talk to other travelers, and find out who has a great reputation based on skill and bedside manner.

Korea is a rapidly developing country on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. For many Americans, Korea is a mystery and oftentimes what first comes to mind is k-pop, k-drama, the Korean War, or some other non-medical related topics. Here are the reasons why Chris decided to get SMILE eye surgery in Korea.

• Korea is on the cutting edge and affordable. The SMILE eye surgery procedure is much newer and less invasive than traditional LASIK surgery. Korea’s price for this procedure is a fraction of what we’d pay in the states!
• Korea has an excellent reputation for good hygiene and cleanliness. I don’t know about you, but sanitation when it involves a medical procedure is a top concern. Korea is one of the cleanest and hygienic countries making it the perfect place for a medical procedure.
• Modern offices and amenities for a comfortable procedure and recovery. Maybe it’s just us, but when we walk into a doctor’s office, appearance is important. You want to see evidence of new technology, cleanliness, and professional staff. Korea offered all of this. Not to mention, in the off chance something went wrong with the procedure and the recovery process took a bit longer than anticipated, Chris would have a comfortable hotel to recover in surrounded by modern conveniences.
• Korea is a fascinating place to visit. Sure, when most people think of visiting Asia they think Bali or Bangkok or Tokyo before Korea, but Korea has so much to offer and is well worth a visit, especially if it’s your first trip to Asia.

We’re all pretty familiar with LASIK eye surgery, so think of SMILE as being the newer, better, and less invasive form of that. The procedure was developed in Germany and has been available to patients since 2007. Yes, it’s newer than LASIK, but it’s not new. It’s been readily available for interested patients for almost 16 years!

SMILE vs. LASIK eye surgery

I’m not a scientist, so I’d rather refer you to this article and this article written by much more knowledgeable people than myself. Here’s my brief explanation though…

LASIK involves a corneal incision that essentially flips the cornea open with a laser then uses another laser to reshape the “underlying stroma by removing the appropriate corneal tissue for vision correction”( source ). 

SMILE on the other hand doesn’t flip the cornea open , but rather creates an almost keyhole type incision that the laser enters through to reshape the cornea. 

SMILE is still the more expensive option since it’s newer, and it’s best suited for nearsighted patients. LASIK is less expensive but a better fit for farsighted patients as well as available to nearsighted patients.

One thing they mentioned to us while at the doctor’s office in Korea is that SMILE holds up better over time for people who regularly put their bodies through high-impact activities (running, soccer, etc.). My basic understanding from what they were saying is that overtime the cut that was made and flipped back on the cornea during LASIK can become damaged over time and impact, but SMILE holds up better since there was only a hole instead of a flip on the eye.

How much does SMILE LASIK eye surgery cost in Korea?

All in for both eyes including the pre-procedure office visit, pre and post treatment care (eye drops, antibiotics, etc.), check up appointment the following day, and full time English translator, we paid ~$2,100 USD. I’m rounding that number because while we were there, the USD was really strong (about .71 for every 1000 won), so it might be slightly more today or when you visit. Note, that’s for both eyes which were nearsighted and had a severe astigmatism. Not too bad in our opinion!

In the USA this same procedure would have cost $2,000-$3,000 USD per eye ! ($4,000-$6,000 total)

Is it worth flying overseas to have LASIK (SMILE) performed?

In our case, it was well worth the money to go overseas to have the procedure performed. Here’s how we justified the plane tickets… 

Y’all know we travel as part of our jobs and we’re always looking to visit a new country and Korea has been on our wishlist for a long time now. But, tickets to Asia aren’t cheap! We waited until we saw a good deal come available and snagged it. Here’s a very basic overview of our budget for 3 weeks in Korea. Keep in mind that you can travel there for a much shorter trip and save a significant amount of money. We’re digital nomads so we like to travel slower and enjoy living/working in a new place for a longer amount of time than we’d be there for just a vacation.

Plane tickets: We flew Delta round trip from Nashville (BNA) which cost ~$1,100 per person . 

Hotel: The short answer is that we ended up staying at one of Marriott's smaller properties in the Gangnam neighborhood. It was safe, very clean (and I’m usually super picky about hotels!), and just about a mile from the eye center. We were able to get an extended stay discount (reservations for two weeks or longer) which brought down our average nightly rate to ~$75/night for our three week reservation. 

Food: When you eat like the locals, you save a lot of money. We generally skip breakfast and just opt for coffee so our budget might be less than yours if you like breakfast, but for two meals a day (generally mom and pop Korean restaurants) + coffee in the morning, we spent ~$40/day on food and drink.

Entertainment and tours: We purchased two tours while in Korea: a DMZ tour and a Gwangjang Market food tour . We’d highly recommend both as a small splurge while in Korea. The DMZ tour with TIP Tours cost ~$64 per person and the food tour cost $75 per person. Total we spent $278 on entertainment. 

Transportation: Transportation is super safe and very affordable in Korea! We took the subway as often as possible, which ran ~$1 per trip. We also used Uber a good bit since we were staying so far away from many of the neighborhoods we most enjoyed. Sometimes it was just easier (and faster) to Uber. Each Uber ride cost between $10-20 which was a fair payoff in our opinion when the alternative was standing on a subway for over an hour during rush hour. Sometimes we’d Uber one way then Subway back to save money. Total spent on transportation was ~$325  (this includes rides to and from ICN airport).

SMILE eye surgery procedure: The procedure cost $2,100 for both eyes. This included all examinations and medications for post-procedure care.

Other: We’re not big souvenir people so we didn’t buy anything on the trip past a couple of postcards. We did pay for a dog sitter a few times during our longer outings to places that weren’t dog friendly (DMZ, food tour, etc.) which ran ~$40/day (note: I’m not going to figure that into this budget though since most people won’t be traveling with a dog.)

Total = $7,318

Okay, I know that sounds like a lot, but that was the total cost for two people in Korea for three weeks including the eye procedure cost . Like I said before, it would have cost $4,000-6,000 to have the same procedure performed in the USA. We already wanted to visit Korea, so for us it made sense to spend that much money. It might not for you though! It all depends. Keep in mind that you could spend significantly less money than us if you were to find cheaper plane tickets and go for less time.

The way we looked at it was that we were going to visit Korea anyway and LASIK had been in the plans for a couple of years now, so if you assume that LASIK would have cost $6,000 in the states and we were already going to do it anyway, that means we only spent $1,318 more dollars to go to Korea. I know, that might seem like a stretch, but that’s how we decided to go ahead and splurge! 

Is SMILE eye surgery safe?

Absolutely. SMILE has been widely available since 2007 and has been proven to be both incredibly successful and safe! In fact, today statistics show that SMILE has fewer complications than LASIK, and can be more successful in correcting vision ( source ).

While the idea of booking a medical appointment in a foreign country can sound a bit daunting, don’t be intimidated. You can 100% do it! I can’t vouch for every practice around the world, but our experience at BGSS Eye Clinic in Korea was incredible.

Let me start by saying that for international patients, BGSS Eye Clinic will connect you with their translator through an app to do all the scheduling and arrangements. Now that might not sound legitimate for us as Americans, but I assure you, it is. Koreans are incredibly tech savvy and when you’re dealing with a language barrier, text is much easier for both parties to save from any miscommunications. The translator you’re connected with in the app will be the same one you walk with through all office visits and the procedure. 

Important note: Korea doesn’t use Google. They have their own version of communication apps, search engines, and more. While much of the world uses What’sApp or text messages, Korea most commonly uses an app called KAKAO TALK . You’ll see this app used all over the country, so just trust me, download it before you even head on over to Korea.

The translator we worked with (Devon) was incredible, had perfect English, and made the process so smooth. Booking a SMILE appointment was very easy. If you know you’re going to want to do SMILE eye surgery in Korea, even before you head over, you can most definitely contact and schedule your appointment ahead of time. If you’re in Korea already and decide you’d like to try and give eye surgery a go while you’re there, still contact BGSS Eye Clinic. They regularly take last minute appointments (sometimes even at a discounted rate!).

Day of eye surgery schedule

The day Chris went in for his SMILE eye surgery was a breeze. The office who completed the procedure was offering a discount for same day procedures which might sound sketchy, but it’s completely normal, especially considering how routine the procedure is. The main thing to note is that your entire day will be devoted to your SMILE surgery so plan accordingly. 

9:00 am: Initial consultation with the physician as well as examining the eyes

11:00 am: Finish consultation 

1:30 pm: Head in for final check-in before procedure and review exam results and learn the post-procedure care instructions.

2:00 pm: Procedure begins

2:45 pm: Procedure is finished, head home

The rest of the day will be spent caring for eyes and sleeping/laying down.

To confirm that you’re a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery you’ll be put through a very thorough consultation process. The entire consultation will run about 2-2 ½ hours, but keep in mind that all of the analyzing and reviewing that they’re doing is to ensure that your eyes will respond well to the procedure. Here’s a quick outline of what you can expect during your SMILE eye surgery consultation.

*Heads up: There’s a lot of medical jargon in the section below. This is verbatim what the walk-through sheet said that the clinic sent over about Chris’ procedure. I am not a medical professional so I will not try paraphrasing it just in case I say something wrong.

• You’ll fill out a questionnaire with medical history information which the medical staff will review before running any tests.
• Testing your corneal DNA is essential to make sure that your eyes will respond well to the procedure. The DNA sample will be gathered from the inside of your mouth so you can expect to have to gargle with a solution before they take a small swab inside your cheek. 
• Finding out the refraction error using an ARK (Auto Refractometer) machine.
• Checking intraocular pressure (IOP) without making contact using the Non-contact tonometry machine.
• Multi area specular microscopy to check the count for endothelium cells using a Specular Microscope.
• Analyze the corneal topography and tomography (shape and thickness) via the modular and mobile Dual Scheimpflug and Placido system for refractive and cataract surgery.
• Non-contact examination that photographs the surface of the eye (shape and thickness) using an “Oculus Pentacam.”
• If the prescription of your glasses and actual data from the test have big differences, another optometrist will be cross-checking the data (visual acuity test).
• Cross-checking your refraction errors using the machine once more (auto-ref / Keratomoeter).
• Checking the pupil size at night using the Pupil Meter.
• Checking the thickness of cornea using ultrasound probe (Corneal Pachymetry).
• Panoramic digital image of the retina (Optomap).
• After completing all of the tests, you’ll meet with the ophthalmologist to discuss if you’re a prime candidate and what the procedure will look like for your specific care.

Final thoughts

Medical tourism for elective procedures can be a wonderful way to save money and to experience a new culture. If you’re considering LASIK SMILE (or any LASIK procedure), Korea is a wonderful place to travel to. Chris said he'd 100% have the procedure performed in Korea again. The process was seamless, easy, and painless (with the exception of slight eye discomfort for 24 hours after the procedure). 

Would you travel overseas for elective and/or cosmetic procedures? If so, let us know where you’d go in the comments below! 

Like this article? Checkout our other travel guides from Korea!

• Gwangjang Market - What to eat, when to go, and more
• 16 Must Try Foods in Korea
• Complete Guide to Planning Your First Trip to Seoul, South Korea
• Medical Tourism in Korea (SMILE / LASIK Eye Surgery)
• Renting a Hanbok and Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

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Medical Tourism

Medical tourism for vision correction procedures.

When it comes to medical tourism for vision correction procedures, there are several factors that patients should consider before making a decision. While cost savings and access to state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained surgeons are significant benefits, patients must also carefully weigh the potential risks and drawbacks. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Language Barriers and Cultural Differences: One of the biggest risks of seeking medical treatment abroad is the potential for language barriers and cultural differences. Patients must ensure that they can communicate effectively with their medical team and understand the procedure and potential risks. Additionally, different cultural norms and practices may impact the patient's experience and expectations.

Varying Medical Standards: Medical standards can vary widely between countries, and patients must ensure that their medical tourism provider meets the highest standards of care. Patients should research the medical tourism provider's credentials, facilities, and track record before committing to a procedure.

Limited Recourse: Patients may have limited recourse if something goes wrong during or after the procedure. Patients should carefully consider the legal and regulatory environment in the country they are considering and ensure that they understand their rights and options in case of complications.

Post-Operative Care: Many medical tourism providers offer all-inclusive packages that include transportation, accommodations, and post-operative care. However, patients must ensure that the level of post-operative care provided meets their needs and expectations. Patients should also consider the impact of travel on their recovery and follow all instructions provided by their medical team.

While medical tourism for vision correction procedures offers many benefits, it's essential for patients to do their due diligence before committing to a procedure. Patients should research and vet potential providers carefully, consider the potential risks and drawbacks, and weigh the benefits and costs of seeking medical treatment abroad.

When it comes to specific procedures, LASIK is the most popular vision correction surgery offered through medical tourism. LASIK has a high success rate and minimal recovery time, making it a popular choice for patients seeking a quick and effective solution for their vision problems. Cataract surgery is also a common procedure offered through medical tourism, particularly for older patients experiencing clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Refractive lens exchange is another option for patients seeking to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

In terms of popular destinations for medical tourism for vision correction procedures, Thailand, India, and Mexico are all known for offering high-quality eye surgeries at a fraction of the cost of procedures in the US or Europe. Turkey has also emerged as a popular destination in recent years, thanks to its cutting-edge healthcare facilities and highly trained surgeons.

In conclusion, medical tourism for vision correction procedures offers a range of benefits and risks that patients should carefully consider. Patients should research and vet potential providers, consider the potential risks and drawbacks, and weigh the benefits and costs of seeking medical treatment abroad. With the right preparation and care, patients can achieve improved vision and quality of life through medical tourism.

To receive a free quote please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/

It is recommended that consumers do not share their personal and confidential information on random medical tourism platforms as they may not be secure. Consumers must be cautious when disclosing their private information as some organizations may not protect their privacy and could misuse their information. Additionally, there are agencies that may prioritize their commissions over the well-being of the patients. Consumers should avoid choosing the cheapest price and instead make a thorough comparison across multiple facilitators to make an informed decision.

Unveiling the Power of Social Media Marketing in Medical Tourism

Korea: turning the focus to an emerging global leader in medical tourism, exploring the surge of cosmetic tourism: trends and considerations in aesthetic procedures abroad, holistic healing: exploring integrative medicine and wellness retreats, meeting the surge: the growing demand for knee replacement surgeries and advances in the field, bridging culture and care: insights from dr. heitham hassoun, chief executive of cedars-sinai international, mastercard and the medical tourism association join forces to revolutionize cross-border healthcare payments, in pursuit of excellence: ceo spotlight with ms. artirat charukitpipat, stem cells show promise for hair thickening, stem cell injection for back and neck pain, continue reading, south korea, a medical tourism leader pioneering the future of medicine  , best countries for stomach cancer treatment: a global perspective, ponderas academic hospital: elevating medical tourism with jci accreditation and personalized care, featured reading, medical tourism magazine.

The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Conventional Lasik

Stem cell orthopedics, stem cell anti-aging, stem cell fertility, steps involved in ivf:, frequently asked questions, what actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries.

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope ©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

Orthopedics Stem Cell

Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.

Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.

If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.

Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell

Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.

Facial Anti-Aging

Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.

Fertility Stem Cell

Endometrial prp.

The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.

Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)

The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.

Punta Mita Hospital

Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell

Almater Hospital SA de CV

Mexicali, Mexico

Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud

República Dominicana, Dominican

Memorial Health Group

Istanbul, Turkey

Schneider Regional Medical Center

St. Thomas, United States

Indiana University Health International

Indianapolis, United States

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals

Karnataka, India

MedicalTourism.com

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.