The Department of Ophthalmology at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine has established itself as a prestigious leader in the field of ophthalmology in Korea, and continues to advance with a vision for the future.

The department traces its roots back to June 14, 1931, when the Catholic Youth Association of the Diocese of Gyeongseong initiated the establishment of a hospital to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Catholic mission in Korea. This led to the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital on May 11, 1937, the official approval of the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine on May 3, 1954, and finally the establishment of the Department of Ophthalmology on April 1, 1958. From 1966 to 1988, ophthalmology departments were successively opened at eight affiliated hospitals—Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Seongga Hospital (now Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital), St. Paul’s Hospital (now Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital), Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital—building the strong foundation that continues today.

Educational programs in ophthalmology began in 1958, and currently, the department provides lectures to fourth-year medical students during the first semester (1 credit). The curriculum aims to help students acquire fundamental knowledge of ocular structure and function, genetics, symptomatology, ophthalmic examination methods, and refractive errors, as well as to develop the ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of ophthalmic clinical conditions.

Dedicated to fostering future generations, the department has produced outstanding specialists through excellence in education, patient care, and research.