Kiyoung Kim, MD, PhD

What is a recent project or case you have worked on that excited you?

I am currently deeply excited about a project focusing on advanced retinal imaging, particularly the development of AI based biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy and high resolution imaging of the choroid. Diabetic retinopathy is a multifactorial disease, and predicting prognosis using a single imaging modality such as OCT is often insufficient. Because its progression is influenced by various systemic factors and requires the integration of multimodal imaging including FA, OCTA, and even systemic biomarkers, AI has become an essential tool in organizing and interpreting this complexity. What fascinates me most is the era we are living in. High resolution, high speed, ultra widefield OCTA is advancing at an extraordinary pace, allowing us to detect microvascular changes that were previously invisible. In addition, adaptive optics SLO and Doppler OCT expand our capability to measure dynamic blood flow changes in both the retina and the choroid. These advancements enable earlier, more accurate, and more refined detection of microcirculatory disturbances than ever before. Even more inspiring is that these technologies extend beyond diagnosis. They provide a foundation for validating new therapeutic agents for early diabetic retinopathy by using quantitative OCTA based biomarkers. The idea that we can objectively measure subtle microvascular responses to treatment, and possibly identify early responders before structural damage occurs, is incredibly motivating. It truly feels like precision imaging is beginning to transform therapeutic development.

In addition, I am actively involved in myopia control research, which is rapidly expanding worldwide. I am currently working on developing new therapeutic devices that use photobiomodulation and OLED based light sources to selectively blur specific wavelengths of visible light, thereby slowing the progression of myopia. This combination of optics, retinal physiology, and clinical innovation represents one of the most exciting frontiers in ophthalmic research today.

Who has been a mentor or role model for you in ophthalmology, and what is the best advice they have given you?

I have been fortunate to learn from Professor Seung Young Yu, the current chief of our ophthalmology department. She has guided me for more than a decade, from my residency years through my clinical fellowship, and has been a true mentor in every sense. During my second year of residency, she supervised the research that led to my first first author publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. That experience established my academic foundation and encouraged me to pursue more ambitious research. She continuously encouraged me to attend international conferences early in my career, which broadened my perspectives and enabled me to form global collaborations without a formal overseas fellowship. A particularly meaningful experience was my collaborative research with Philip Rosenfeld at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute on polyp detection in PCV using swept source OCTA. This experience became a cornerstone of my later work in imaging research for AMD.

Since 2014, Professor Yu and I have also hosted the APRIS meeting in Korea every year, which has allowed us to interact with many domestic and international specialists. The opportunities and networks I gained from these experiences are among the greatest assets she has passed on to me.

The best advice she gave me was to treat the patient, not just the image. In an age of rapidly advancing imaging technologies, it is easy to become absorbed by pixels and patterns. She reminded me that every image corresponds to a real human being, and that our work must always return to clinical relevance and empathy. This mindset continues to guide all my research and clinical decision making.

How do you support or mentor younger members or trainees in the field?

I strongly believe in an open door culture and in giving trainees a true sense of ownership. I involve residents and fellows from the earliest stages of research projects, not only in data collection but also in conceptualizing ideas, defining problems, building hypotheses, and designing studies. This helps them develop into independent, critical thinkers rather than passive participants. I also make it a priority to discuss career resilience, research ethics, and work life balance. Ophthalmology is a long professional journey, and I want trainees to build meaningful, sustainable careers rather than produce only short term achievements. Watching them present their own work at national and international conferences and seeing their confidence grow year after year is one of my greatest sources of pride.

What advice would you give to new members joining the society?

Do not stay on the sidelines. The senior members of this society are truly approachable and genuinely appreciate fresh perspectives. My advice is to take initiative. Ask questions at the microphone, submit your challenging cases, engage actively during poster sessions, and use social events to build real professional friendships. The network you form here will support you both professionally and personally for many years. Many of the most innovative ideas arise not during lectures but during coffee breaks, evening conversations, or spontaneous discussions in the hallway. Be curious, be bold, and immerse yourself fully in this community.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that I am an enthusiastic runner and a passionate lover of wine. Clinical work demands precision, control, and calm concentration, but running offers me something different. It gives me a sense of freedom and allows me to focus purely on challenging my own limits. I also appreciate that running is an activity where consistent effort is directly reflected in improvement, without the need for special equipment or techniques.

Regarding wine, I make it a habit to visit local wineries whenever I attend international conferences. Whether it is France, the United States Napa Valley, or less famous wine regions around the world, I enjoy discovering the unique personality of each country, region, and vintage. The only downside is that the more wines I taste, the more I tend to appreciate the slightly more expensive ones. Still, exploring diverse wines and understanding the subtle differences between them has become one of the most enjoyable and enriching parts of my life.