Kyung-Sun Na, MD, PhD is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Catholic University of Korea and the current Director of the Eye Hospital at Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea. She received her medical degree in 2003 and her doctorate in 2013 from the Catholic University of Korea, where she also completed her residency training in ophthalmology. She subsequently pursued fellowship training in cornea and external eye diseases at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, as well as advanced fellowship training at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, USA.
Dr. Na’s clinical practice focuses on external eye diseases, cataract surgery, and contact lens–related complications and therapeutics. In particular, she has built her expertise in the diagnosis and management of ocular surface disorders, with an emphasis on dry eye disease, keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal transplantation. Her dedication to patient care is coupled with a strong commitment to translational research, where she has contributed to advancing the field through innovative approaches that bridge basic science and clinical application.
Her research interests center on regenerative medicine and nanotechnology, particularly their application to corneal disease. She has published extensively on the use of stem cell–based therapies, bioengineered scaffolds, and nanomaterial-based diagnostics for ocular surface disorders. Through this work, she has aimed to develop novel therapeutic strategies for corneal regeneration and to explore next-generation diagnostic technologies for tear film and ocular surface assessment. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized in both national and international ophthalmic communities, and her work continues to provide new insights into the mechanisms and management of ocular surface disease.
Beyond her academic and clinical roles, Dr. Na has been actively engaged in professional leadership and service. She has served as an executive board member of several major societies, including the Korea Cornea Society, the Korea Contact Lens Society, the Korea Dry Eye Society, and the Korea Myopia Society. These positions have allowed her to contribute to the advancement of ophthalmology in Korea, to foster education and training for young ophthalmologists, and to promote collaborative research both domestically and internationally.
On the global stage, Dr. Na plays an important role in advancing understanding and awareness of ocular surface health. She is an ambassador for the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), where she has contributed to the TFOS Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) II and helped disseminate its recommendations for diagnosis, management, and future research directions. She also serves as a council member of the Asia Cornea Society, contributing to regional initiatives that aim to improve patient care and scientific exchange across Asia. These roles highlight her dedication to harmonizing clinical practice guidelines, fostering international cooperation, and shaping future directions in ocular surface disease management.
Dr. Na’s career is distinguished by her ability to integrate clinical excellence, innovative research, and active leadership. As a clinician-scientist, she continues to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that are expected to improve outcomes for patients with corneal and ocular surface diseases. As a leader in the field, she has helped build bridges across societies and regions, creating opportunities for collaboration and harmonization in the global ophthalmology community.
Through her work, Dr. Na remains committed to advancing the science and practice of ophthalmology, nurturing the next generation of eye specialists, and ultimately improving vision and quality of life for patients worldwide.
