So my mother in-law (Thai) is having declining/blurry eyesight. I think maybe cataract. She is a bit hesitant going to see a doctor. I told my wife that I don't mind to help since I know that surgery can be quite expensive. 

Any recommendations on hospitals where in case it is cataract she can have surgery done at a decent price. We are in the Nonthaburi / Bangkok area

 

Mek 

Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok.

A visit to a private eye clinic in her district won't cost a fortune.

Then she knows the diagnosis.

Could always be something different.

Even my optician was optimistic to tell me that I don't have cataract.

Easy diagnosis.

 

Cataract operation is either expensive at private hospitals (50k up) or endless wait at public hospital.

Private hospitals tend to raise cost with expensive lens types and even wanting to add laser treatment (no glasses needed). Can end at 150k for one eye (experience of a friend).

 

Does she have diabetes?

11 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

A visit to a private eye clinic in her district won't cost a fortune.

Then she knows the diagnosis.

Could always be something different.

Even my optician was optimistic to tell me that I don't have cataract.

Easy diagnosis.

 

Cataract operation is either expensive at private hospitals (50k up) or endless wait at public hospital.

Private hospitals tend to raise cost with expensive lens types and even wanting to add laser treatment (no glasses needed). Can end at 150k for one eye (experience of a friend).

 

Does she have diabetes?

Yes I think she has diabetes........

6 hours ago, mek said:

Yes I think she has diabetes........

One of the factors for declining eyesight.

She can get care for free at the government hospital where she is registered under the universal coverage (AKA "30 baht" or "gold card" scheme.). All Thais know this so I don't think cost is the issue. 

 

If you prefer to pay for private care, Rutnin is best choice. But she would still have to agree to see a doctor...and you could  end up paying quite a lot fof care she could have gotten for free.

 

If her issue has to do with the long waits at government hospital, most have an after hours quasi private channel for consultation  which is faster and has the added advantage of seeing senior doctor rather than doctors in training.  Depending on the hospital  maybe 250 - 500 baht more. Treatment  meds etc still free. 

So our son ended up booking his grandma a time at Bangkok eye hospital, and the diagnosis was cataract, but apparently only on one eye. Here she has been quoted 59.000 baht for lens replacement per eye which in my ears sounds way too cheap. But what do I know! Does it sound right or is there something that we should be aware of? Otherwise I think its just go ahead and get it done so she can get on with her life. 

No, it's not cheap, but the price varies widely depending on the type of lens used for replacement. 2 years ago, I had both eyes done with EDOF lenses at a very modern private eye clinic in Udon Thani, and the cost was just 75,000 THB. Very good results too.