Dr. Kim Ki-Soo Offers Free Lasik Operation For Firefighters

``If I can give a little help for firefighters who risk their lives to fight against the fierce fire, there is nothing more I want.``

Dr. Kim Ki-Soo (41, photo), an ophthalmologist who runs the `New-world Virgin Mary Ophthalmological Clinic` at Ildo 2 Dong, Cheju City, offers free Lasik operations for firefighters with bad eyesight.

Since last March, Dr. Kim has been offering Lasik operations for firefighters including 119 rescue workers who have to perform dangerous duties at the fire scenes wearing glasses. Thus far, 15 firefighters, 12 from Cheju Fire Station and 3 from Seoguipo Fire Station, got their eyesight back through the operation offered by Dr. Kim.

After getting the Lasik operation, in which laser beam is used to peel the cornea, the firefighters, whose eyesight used to be 0.1 ~ 0.3, have recovered back their eyesight of higher than 1.0. Before the operation, it was very inconvenient for them since they had to take off their glasses to wear the oxygen masks.

Dr. Kim said that after last March’s Hongjedong tragedy during which six firefighters lost their lives, he held a family meeting and decided to offer the free surgery.

Dr. Kim said, ``I was deeply moved by the self-sacrifice spirit of firefighters who protect people’s lives and properties risking their own lives.`` ``I will continue this free operation for firefighters to give back their normal vision``, he added.

Im Jae-Young jy788@donga.com