Professor Taewoo Kim of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Wins "Myung Gok Clinical Medical Award"

Recognized for Research on Precision Diagnosis and Customized Treatment of Glaucoma
Studies on Mechanisms of Optic Nerve Damage and Prognosis Prediction

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital announced on August 12 that Professor Taewoo Kim of the Department of Ophthalmology has received the Grand Prize at the 5th Kim's Eye Hospital Myung Gok Clinical Medical Award. This honor was given in recognition of his research achievements in precision diagnosis and customized treatment of glaucoma. The award ceremony was held during the 24th Kim's Eye Hospital Symposium at the Myung Gok Hall of Kim's Eye Hospital on August 9.

Professor Taewoo Kim, Department of Ophthalmology, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. Bundang Seoul National University Hospital

The Kim's Eye Hospital Myung Gok Clinical Medical Award was established in 2022 to recognize medical professionals who have contributed to the advancement of clinical medicine in ophthalmology. The award considers not only research accomplishments, such as publications, but also practical experience and contributions in clinical practice.

Professor Kim was acknowledged for his extensive research into precision diagnosis and tailored treatment for glaucoma, particularly for his development of diagnostic and prognostic prediction indicators that can be utilized in clinical settings.

Professor Kim has conducted research on the microstructure and microvascular abnormalities of the lamina cribrosa, which is involved in optic nerve damage. More recently, he has expanded his research scope to include prognosis prediction—developing models to identify patients at high risk of rapid glaucoma progression and presenting quantitative markers that assess the degree of optic nerve damage in patients with myopia.

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by progressive narrowing of the visual field due to optic nerve damage, which, in severe cases, can lead to blindness. Because disease progression speed and treatment response vary among patients, early diagnosis and establishing individualized treatment strategies are crucial.

In his commemorative lecture, Professor Kim addressed the "Pathogenesis of Glaucoma," explaining the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical significance of factors such as intraocular pressure, structural and biomechanical changes in the optic nerve, and microvascular abnormalities that contribute to the onset and progression of glaucoma.

Professor Kim stated, "Since the progression rate and treatment response differ for each patient, identifying the appropriate treatment timing and method for every individual remains a challenge going forward." He added, "I will continue research on precision diagnosis and personalized treatment in the future."

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