Areas of Expertise
- Cornea and External Eye Diseases
- Cataract Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine (Corneal Endothelium, Stem Cell Therapy)
Academic Appointments
- Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center (1989-2023)
- Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center (2002–2008)
- Director, Cell Aging Research, Biomedical Research Center, Asan Medical Center (2020)
- Leader, Medical Service Volunteer Group, Asan Medical Center (2013-2023)
Professional Leadership
- President, Asia Dry Eye Society (Current)
- Chairman, Korea Foundation for Prevention of Blindness (Current)
- President, Korean Ophthalmological Society (2018–2020)
- President, Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2009–2011)
- Head, Korean Corneal Disease Study Group (2007–2009)
- Regional Secretary, Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO)
- Treasurer, APACRS (2012-2020)
Research Metrics
- H-index: 25, SCI Publications: 119, Citations: 1,885
Selected Publications
- Tchah H* et al. ROCK inhibitor and MSC-conditioned medium on corneal endothelial cells. Cells. 2021
- Tchah H* et al. Keratometry accuracy for multifocal IOL calculation. Sci Rep. 2021
- Tchah H* et al. Femtosecond laser vs microkeratome LASIK. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006
- Tchah H* et al. Glaucoma surgery and mortality. Sci Rep. 2021
- Tchah H* et al. Cell sheet harvesting biomaterials. Biomater Sci. 2018
Innovations and Contributions
- Development of artificial cornea (C-clear)
- First introduction of allogenic limbal stem cell transplantation in Korea
- Pioneer of femtosecond laser applications in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery
- Early clinical application of mitomycin C in refractive surgery
Education and Training
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine, Seoul National University, Graduate School, 1990
- Medical Doctor, Seoul National University, Medical College, 1982
- Research fellow. University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, 1987- 1989
- Resident, Seoul National University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, 1983-1986
- Board certified ophthalmologist, 1986
Humanitarian Work
- Medical volunteer missions in Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, and Vietnam
- Leader, Medical Service Volunteer Group, Asan Medical Center
- Board Member, Vision Care (global vision charity)
Awards and Honors
- APACRS Gold Medal (2022)
- APAO Outstanding Service in Prevention of Blindness Award (2019)
- APAO Achievement Award (2013)
- APACRS Lim Lecture Award (2013)
- APAO Distinguished Service Award (2012)
- APACRS Appreciation Award (2011)
- APACRS A.C.E Award (2007)
- Research to Prevent Blindness Fellowship (1988)
Professional Summary
Professor Hungwon Tchah is an internationally recognized ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. He has made pioneering contributions in femtosecond laser surgery, corneal stem cell therapy, and advanced intraocular lens techniques, while actively leading academic societies and global ophthalmic education initiatives.