Cataract Surgery Chiang Mai - for info

[Mike Lister]

I just came back from Sriphat for a post op check and all is well. Whilst there I got a quote for cataract surgery using a standard IOL mono vison (I think)

 

To be clear, this is a procedure  only to resolve the cataracts, there is no vison correction involved (which is what I want).

 

THB 45k per eye, out patient, total cost. That compares with 27k at Prince Lamphun and 130k at Rutnin, just as a guide.

 

Just for information rather than debate or discussion.

[BKKKevin]

6 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

To be clear, this is a procedure  only to resolve the cataracts, there is no vison correction involved (which is what I want).

Why wouldn’t a standard mono vision cataract surgery give you basic vision correction?… I understand they would not be able to give you both near and far sighted correction (That would require a more expensive multi focal lense) but they should be able to give you one or the other…

[Mike Lister]

28 minutes ago, BKKKevin said:

Why wouldn’t a standard mono vision cataract surgery give you basic vision correction?… I understand they would not be able to give you both near and far sighted correction (That would require a more expensive multi focal lense) but they should be able to give you one or the other…

The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the natural lens, the surface of which has begun to break down, along with the accumulation of proteins under the lens. The replacement standard mono IOL is merely a like for like replacement, it is not designed to correct vision problems, merely to give you a new lens that is very similar to the old lens, except that it is in perfect condition. It is that condition of the new lens that improves vision, along with the removal of debris and build up under the lens. If you wore glasses to to correct a vision problem before the procedure, you will still need to wear glasses afterwards. Many people elect to use a more expensive lens that corrects vision and/or to have corrective laser surgery, at the same time as having cataract surgery. I was merely trying to distinguish between the two types and to say that the one I refer to is the standard lens.

[charleskerins]

14 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

I just came back from Sriphat for a post op check and all is well. Whilst there I got a quote for cataract surgery using a standard IOL mono vison (I think)

 

To be clear, this is a procedure  only to resolve the cataracts, there is no vison correction involved (which is what I want).

 

THB 45k per eye, out patient, total cost. That compares with 27k at Prince Lamphun and 130k at Rutnin, just as a guide.

 

Just for information rather than debate or discussion.

Damn   quite a difference

[Wrwest]

16 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

I just came back from Sriphat for a post op check and all is well. Whilst there I got a quote for cataract surgery using a standard IOL mono vison (I think)

 

To be clear, this is a procedure  only to resolve the cataracts, there is no vison correction involved (which is what I want).

 

THB 45k per eye, out patient, total cost. That compares with 27k at Prince Lamphun and 130k at Rutnin, just as a guide.

 

Just for information rather than debate or discussion.

Eyeglasses since 5th grade (now 76). In 2017 Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok removed the natural nearsighted lens and replaced with multi focal prescription lens. Now only glasses for computer/reading at less than an arms length. This was the cataract surgery I had done. The Rutnin price you cite covered both my eyes in 2017. I think I would check on what was proposed in the pricing. Here in Chiang Mai, I would check with St. Peter’s Eye Hospital. Our eye sight is nothing to be lowballing …

[Mike Lister]

43 minutes ago, Wrwest said:

Eyeglasses since 5th grade (now 76). In 2017 Rutnin Eye Hospital, Bangkok removed the natural nearsighted lens and replaced with multi focal prescription lens. Now only glasses for computer/reading at less than an arms length. This was the cataract surgery I had done. The Rutnin price you cite covered both my eyes in 2017. I think I would check on what was proposed in the pricing. Here in Chiang Mai, I would check with St. Peter’s Eye Hospital. Our eye sight is nothing to be lowballing …

I also am in my mid 70's and have worn glasses since I was 4 years old.

 

The 130k I cited for Rutnin is a very recent quote and that is the starting level and yes, that is for one eye. I see today that Rutnin of offering a package for cataract surgery, mono lens, 73K which is around 50k cheaper than normal so not a bad deal, if you live in Bangkok. But since I live in CM and Sripjhat is a teaching hospital that is part of Maharaj on the CMU campus, I don't think there's any need to go long distance on this. Plus, the choice of Opthamologist extends to several assistant professors so there is no shortage of talent. 

 

https://www.rutnin.com/en/promotion/detail.315.1.html

 

It's worth remembering that cataract surgery is one of the worlds most often performed procedures, everywhere in the world, often under very poor and unhygienic conditions plus it's a 20 minute affair rather than hours!

 

Lastly, I did visit the private hospital you mentioned and doing so was the catalyst for me to visit Rutnin. I was given a diagnosis that didn't pass my sniff test which the Rutnin later confirmed in spades!

 

https://www.rutnin.com/en/promotion/detail.315.1.html

 

 

Edited January 10 by Mike Lister

[TheFishman1]

St. Peter’s Eye Hospital. How much is the cost?

[Mike Lister]

1 minute ago, TheFishman1 said:

St. Peter’s Eye Hospital. How much is the cost?

I didn't check for cataract surgery and I don't believe I would, given the Sriphat option, perhaps others know.

[DiDiChok]

I had tri-focal lens implants because of cataracts back in 2021 at St. Peter's.  All my astigmatism and other focussing problems got corrected in one go.  I can now thread a needle, read four inches from my eyes, use a computer, read a newspaper and see in the far distance without glasses and I'm 74 now.  I'm well chuffed with the result and no longer have to deal with opticians.  Cost?  Well, to sort out my problems was ฿230,000 in total for everything (both eyes and all out-patient treatment) and I don't begrudge a satang of it.  I had thick lenses, astigmatism and poor eyesight since I was seven and now can see everything clearly and only need nice sunglasses.

 

If you look on their web site (Google St Peters Hospital Chiang Mai) and they quote per-eye starting prices of ฿48,850 for mono, ฿68,850 for mono foldable and ฿98,850 for multi focal.  With something as important as your eyesight, I can't imagine anyone not wanting to get everything sorted out properly in one go.  If I'd known in full beforehand how good it was going to be, I'd have sold my soul to the devil to get the result.  How did I end up at that hospital?  I asked the elderly (like me) in my little village where they went and what they'd had done.

 

My advice is to bite the bullet, find the money for them to do the best job for you and really enjoy the rest of your shuffle along the twig.  I know people who've now had this same implant surgery in their late forties, which the hospital does under the name "Prelex".

 

Slightly off topic, I was astounded to find someone who had discovered a German contact lens that uses the same multi-focus technology.  He hadn't got cataracts but now doesn't need reading glasses any more.  Technology is moving on so quickly these days.  You never know what's just around the corner.

[Mike Lister]

My last consult with Dr Roy at Rutnin advised that problems most frequently happen when patients correct their vison as well as clear the cataracts, at the same time. This is not a money thing, this is a risk issue, for me at least since I have two lasered retina's that tore. So, the answer for me is to follow Dr Roy's advice and keep it simple.

[Dellboy218]

I had the eye op in Sriphat nearly a year ago because of a cataract.   Nigh on perfect vision now with single focal lens, 47k Baht if I remember correctly.

Edited January 11 by Dellboy218

[Thailand]

Right eye multifocal lens about 15 years ago at St Peters even then it was around 60,000. Probably the best money I have ever spent.

Needed glasses for most things prior to the op.

Left eye still OK with only slight cataract in the lower level. Surgery not required yet.

[Mike Lister]

6 minutes ago, Thailand said:

Right eye multifocal lens about 15 years ago at St Peters even then it was around 60,000. Probably the best money I have ever spent.

Needed glasses for most things prior to the op.

Left eye still OK with only slight cataract in the lower level. Surgery not required yet.

Thanks, I like reading positive reports like yours, especially since I'm getting ready to have mine done! :)

 

I've worn glasses ever since I was 4 years old so I have no problem continuing to wear them. I like the physical protection they afford, they've prevented me from being poked in the eye many times in my life. I also like the UV protection aspect. This is why I'm only interested in the basic cataract procedure rather than changing my vision also. But yes, 60k, 15 years ago, was pricey back then.

[Mike Lister]

Just to wrap up the saga of cataract surgery:

 

It's been a pantomime, one Ophthalmologist said I need the op, another said I don't, so back and forth it went with the score being 2 -2. Eventually my thyroid surgeon, who I trust implicitly, referred me to an Ophthalmologist so I went to see her. No she says, they're only stage 2, you can wait a while. 

 

Eventually I went off to Vision Center, the one place I trust 100% when it comes to ophthalmology. I think I need new glasses I said but there's a problem with the cataracts. The wonderful man that owns the place tested my vison and my current glasses and concluded that a new prescription wouldn't help, because of the cataract. He used a penlight to inspect my cataract and accurately graded them form four feet away, no fancy equipment needed. Just wait he said, when they get to grade 3 or 4, then have the op. Meanwhile we talked about the Ophthalmologists in Chiang Mai....I'll say no more! Looking around his consulting room, the walls are adorned with these wonderful magnificent photographs that look like oil paintings, amazing quality photography that is is his hobby. All finished he wouldn't accept payment because I didn't need new glasses, I insisted but he laughed and said no......this was old school professionalism at its best. My wife is working on a gift as we speak.

 

If you have problems with your eyes, go see the Vision Center, before anyone else, you'll be extremely glad that you did.

[Dean1953]

I had cataract surgery at Rutnin on my left eye about 20 years ago.  I think it was less than 35,000 baht.   I have my right eye checked every couple of years and so far, Doctors have told me I don’t need it yet. Living in the U.S. with Medicare, I’ll be over my deductible by this Summer. I’d like to get a couple of elective surgeries done this fall, including cataract surgery on my right eye. In 2 years, I expect to retire in Chiangmai. 

[charleskerins]

On 1/10/2024 at 3:05 PM, Mike Lister said:

I also am in my mid 70's and have worn glasses since I was 4 years old.

 

The 130k I cited for Rutnin is a very recent quote and that is the starting level and yes, that is for one eye. I see today that Rutnin of offering a package for cataract surgery, mono lens, 73K which is around 50k cheaper than normal so not a bad deal, if you live in Bangkok. But since I live in CM and Sripjhat is a teaching hospital that is part of Maharaj on the CMU campus, I don't think there's any need to go long distance on this. Plus, the choice of Opthamologist extends to several assistant professors so there is no shortage of talent. 

 

https://www.rutnin.com/en/promotion/detail.315.1.html

 

It's worth remembering that cataract surgery is one of the worlds most often performed procedures, everywhere in the world, often under very poor and unhygienic conditions plus it's a 20 minute affair rather than hours!

 

Lastly, I did visit the private hospital you mentioned and doing so was the catalyst for me to visit Rutnin. I was given a diagnosis that didn't pass my sniff test which the Rutnin later confirmed in spades!

 

https://www.rutnin.com/en/promotion/detail.315.1.html

 

 

Mike -you prefer Sripjhat over St Peters?

[Mike Lister]

11 minutes ago, charleskerins said:

Mike -you prefer Sripjhat over St Peters?

Very much so, it's the only medical institution in the North where I've not had a bad experience. Plus, I had surgery there in November to remove my thyroid and I was wowed by the professionalism. I had a torn retina a couple of years ago and was advised by a small eye hospital to have a radical procedure that was not cheap. I became so concerned that I went to the Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok and saw Dr Roy who shook his head in disbelief and recommended I find a new Ophthalmologist. Sriphat gives me a choice of several Ophthalmologists, most Assistant or Associate Professors.  

[charleskerins]

6 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

Very much so, it's the only medical institution in the North where I've not had a bad experience. Plus, I had surgery there in November to remove my thyroid and I was wowed by the professionalism. I had a torn retina a couple of years ago and was advised by a small eye hospital to have a radical procedure that was not cheap. I became so concerned that I went to the Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok and saw Dr Roy who shook his head in disbelief and recommended I find a new Ophthalmologist. Sriphat gives me a choice of several Ophthalmologists, most Assistant or Associate Professors.  

I have an appointment in Chiang Mai  on Friday -this may change my plans.

[Mike Lister]

1 minute ago, charleskerins said:

I have an appointment in Chiang Mai  on Friday -this may change my plans.

The Optometrist at Vision Center is well worth consulting with, unless your eye complaint is of the nature that absolutely requires an Ophthalmologist. Whilst there, you might chat with him about the same things being discussed here. The Sriphat list of Ophthalmologist's is below:

 

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/service/detail/14

[charleskerins]

1 minute ago, Mike Lister said:

The Optometrist at Vision Center is well worth consulting with, unless your eye complaint is of the nature that absolutely requires an Ophthalmologist. Whilst there, you might chat with him about the same things being discussed here. The Sriphat list of Ophthalmologist's is below:

 

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/service/detail/14

thanks sent you a pm

[Njoku]

On 1/10/2024 at 4:40 AM, Mike Lister said:

The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the natural lens, the surface of which has begun to break down, along with the accumulation of proteins under the lens. The replacement standard mono IOL is merely a like for like replacement, it is not designed to correct vision problems, merely to give you a new lens that is very similar to the old lens, except that it is in perfect condition. It is that condition of the new lens that improves vision, along with the removal of debris and build up under the lens. If you wore glasses to to correct a vision problem before the procedure, you will still need to wear glasses afterwards. Many people elect to use a more expensive lens that corrects vision and/or to have corrective laser surgery, at the same time as having cataract surgery. I was merely trying to distinguish between the two types and to say that the one I refer to is the standard lens.

Just had cataract surgery not up with the terminology of what I got just took the docs recommendation after I asked a few questions, my long vision is pretty good now no need for glasses for driving walking around etc, but for reading yes, though its changed from before, will do the other eye next month and looking forward to it...

[jko]

Has anyone had cataract surgery done by Dr. Kessara Pathanapitoon?

She seems to be highly qualified, but no testimonials seen

Specialises mostly in glaucoma

Thanks for any info krub

[Jonpail]

I have a tiny 1mm scar on my cataract from years ago, and my vision isn’t too great in either eye, which is why I've had glasses for the past ten years.

 

I went to RAM for an initial checkup, and they mentioned cataract surgery as an option. However, I would need to visit a different location with a specialty machine for a scan and then return for a complete analysis and to plan the procedure.

 

The more I read about it, the more I realize that if I want to stop wearing glasses, I need to have the scar removed. This means getting a new cataract surgery on my right eye. To have matching vision, I'd need to get both eyes done. If I'm aiming for both near and far vision, I should choose multifocal lenses. From what I understand, if I go to the specialty 'eye place,' it should cost around 250k, all in.

 

From reading the posts, it seems like St. Pete’s is a reliable choice, especially since 'eyes are what they do.' Sometimes, it's worth paying more at a dealership for your car, right? And honestly, my eyes are worth more than my Range Rover or BMW ever were. Not to show off, but that's good logic, right?

 

Edited January 27 by Jonpail

[Mike Lister]

2 minutes ago, Jonpail said:

"I have a tiny 1mm scar on my cataract from years ago, and my vision isn’t too great in either eye, which is why I've had glasses for the past ten years.

 

I went to RAM for an initial checkup, and they mentioned cataract surgery as an option. However, I would need to visit a different location with a specialty machine for a scan and then return for a complete analysis and to plan the procedure.

The more I read about it, the more I realize that if I want to stop wearing glasses, I need to have the scar removed. This means getting a new cataract surgery on my right eye. To have matching vision, I'd need to get both eyes done.

 

If I'm aiming for both near and far vision, I should choose multifocal lenses. From what I understand, if I go to the specialty 'eye place,' it should cost around 250k, all in.

 

From reading the posts, it seems like St. Pete’s is a reliable choice, especially since 'eyes are what they do.' Sometimes, it's worth paying more at a dealership for your car, right? And honestly, my eyes are worth more than my Range Rover or BMW ever were. Not to show off, but that's good logic, right?"

 

I would make different decisions to you but I cannot explain publicly why. Suffice to say, I think that basic cataract surgery at the university hospital, Sriphat, performed by an assistant professor, for 45,000 baht per eye, is excellent value and the lowest risk you can find.

[Jonpail]

14 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

I would make different decisions to you but I cannot explain publicly why. Suffice to say, I think that basic cataract surgery at the university hospital, Sriphat, performed by an assistant professor, for 45,000 baht per eye, is excellent value and the lowest risk you can find.

Very nicely put!! It just so happens that Sriphat is within walking distance; I might pop in :) My goal is to be absent glasses when I am done; I wear what once used to be referred to as bottle caps years ago; not really that bad.....

[Mike Lister]

2 minutes ago, Jonpail said:

Very nicely put!! It just so happens that Sriphat is within walking distance; I might pop in :) My goal is to be absent glasses when I am done; I wear what once used to be referred to as bottle caps years ago; not really that bad.....

Ah, I see. In my case, I actually want to wear glasses for several reasons, I just want rid of my cataracts I like the physical protection glasses offer, plus they are useful for blocking UV. If you're going for vision correction as well as cataract surgery, the price will be higher and according to Rutnin, this is where the procedure can become problematic in some patients. Be each to their own, I understand entirely your reasons for doing what you have said. I am certain you will be pleased with Sriphat. Their ophthalmologists are shown below, I can recommend, Dr's Kessara, Paradee and Preeyanuch .

 

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/service/detail/14

[connda]

FYI for those taking an alpha-blocker for prostate issues like Doxizosin.  You have to stop for two weeks prior to surgery or you risk complications. Alpha-blockers are also used for high blood pressure so consult your doctor pre-op about meds.

[connda]

On 1/10/2024 at 3:05 PM, Mike Lister said:

Rutnin of offering a package for cataract surgery, mono lens, 73K which is around 50k cheaper than normal so not a bad deal, if you live in Bangkok. But since I live in CM and Sripjhat is a teaching hospital that is part of Maharaj on the CMU campus

I went through pre-op for surgery at Maharaj.  Mono-focal lens with correction started at 30K.
Not sure of the price now.  At Maharaj you are trading discounted prices for time.  If you go in the morning you are usually out by lunch.

[connda]

On 1/27/2024 at 5:15 PM, Mike Lister said:

I would make different decisions to you but I cannot explain publicly why. Suffice to say, I think that basic cataract surgery at the university hospital, Sriphat, performed by an assistant professor, for 45,000 baht per eye, is excellent value and the lowest risk you can find.

Maharaj is essentially the same facilities and the same doctors (CMU Professors albeit with medical students in tow).  Cheaper prices.  At an inguinal hernia fixed in 2010.  18K THB.  Top-notch care.

[connda]

On 1/19/2024 at 8:20 AM, Mike Lister said:

Very much so, it's the only medical institution in the North where I've not had a bad experience. Plus, I had surgery there in November to remove my thyroid and I was wowed by the professionalism. I had a torn retina a couple of years ago and was advised by a small eye hospital to have a radical procedure that was not cheap. I became so concerned that I went to the Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok and saw Dr Roy who shook his head in disbelief and recommended I find a new Ophthalmologist. Sriphat gives me a choice of several Ophthalmologists, most Assistant or Associate Professors.  

Just curious.  What was your experience with St Peters.  If you don't want to publish criticism (consider the defamation laws) please just PM me.  Thanks!