In the realm of ophthalmology, the fusion of clinical expertise and scientific inquiry often leads to groundbreaking advancements. Prof. Jeong-Hun Kim, a clinician-scientist for inherited retinal disease (IRD) and retinopathy and distinguished pediatric retina specialist, serves as a Professor at Department of Biomedical Sciences & Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and a pediatric ophthalmologist at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. Recently, Megan Webber, co-founder of KnowTheGlow, together with Notre Dame interns Jaden Kim and Michael Yun, had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Kim, learning more about his insights into the world of pediatric vision care in Korea and research contributions to the field.
Prof. Kim’s journey is marked by a commitment to addressing pediatric eye diseases and inherited ocular conditions. At the heart of his practice are patients grappling with congenital cataracts, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), retinoblastoma and variable IRD’s. He also treats approximately 95% of the nation’s most severe pediatric retinal oncology cases, retinoblastoma. His dual roles as both a clinician and scientist afford him a unique perspective, allowing for a seamless integration of cutting-edge research and patient care.
One of Prof. Kim’s primary concerns surrounds ensuring early detection and intervention for congenital eye diseases, particularly among pediatric populations. While accessibility to ophthalmological care is relatively high in South Korea, he emphasizes the importance of proactive screening, advocating for newborn retinal imaging and fundal reflex tests at birth. By identifying ocular anomalies as close as possible to their inception, Prof. Kim believes that more timely and effective treatments can be administered, minimizing or even potentially eliminating long-term visual impairments.
While we were heartened to hear him share that in South Korea, most children do visit eye clinics again at the age of two or three for an additional screening, he was clear that more education and awareness are still needed especially for new parents as well as for the nation’s young adults, the parents of tomorrow.
With this in mind, in addition to his clinical practice, Prof. Kim is deeply involved in education and outreach initiatives, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry among aspiring young minds. He regularly visits high schools across South Korea, inspiring students to pursue careers in medical research. This dedication stems from his upbringing, and a family history based in academia and medicine.
Despite his illustrious career, Prof. Kim remains acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the challenge of ensuring the continuity of his pioneering work. Looking ahead he recognizes that as one of the few retinal specialists in the country who can manage these complex cases, he grapples with concerns regarding the succession of his clinical endeavors and the preservation of his legacy. Moreover, he recognizes the pivotal role of advocacy in securing governmental support for emerging treatments such as gene therapy, leveraging the collective voices of patient advocacy groups to effect change.
Looking ahead, Prof. Kim remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing pediatric eye care, buoyed by a dedicated team of researchers and clinicians. His tireless efforts underscore not only the remarkable strides made in the field of ophthalmology but also the enduring impact of collaborative innovation in healthcare.
In a landscape marked by great change and uncertainty, Prof. Jeong-Hun Kim stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a future where sight knows no bounds.
