Rgp (rigid Gas Permeable) Contact Lenses In Chiang Mai?

[HeyNow]

After my second week in Chiang Mai, I accidentally cracked one of my hard (RGP) contact lenses. I only brought one pair. I've been using my glasses now for several weeks, but I really miss the lenses. So I'm eager to get a replacement pair.

I've called a couple places, but they could only order the lenses. They didn't have the equipment to do the exam. One of them told me that I'd have to go to Ram (i.e. the hospital) to get the exam, and I'd rather not hassle with that if possible.

So here's my question: does anyone know of a place in Chiang Mai where I can get both the exam and the lenses? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

-HeyNow

[garyh]

Can you order a replacement from the original supplier and have it posted? Saves worring about tests etc.

[realthaideal]

The 'hassle' of Ram may only be about one hour and isn't that worth your time ? It's hard to find alot of specialists around here in CM, and you may find it's the easiest route. Also, alot of things at Ram, not really so expensive.

[HeyNow]

Can you order a replacement from the original supplier and have it posted? Saves worring about tests etc.

No, unfortunately not, because I don't have my original prescription. Moreover, the prescription I had back in the US was based on exam I had done two years ago, and as far as I know, optometrists won't give out prescription info that old.

Realthaideal, thanks for the info about how long it might take. My only reservation is that I've never dealt with Ram before (or made us of any health care provider here, for that matter) and my Thai is nil at this point. But you're right, 1 hour is not so bad. So barring any other suggestions, I may go that route.

[garyh]

I had surgery at Ram last year, there is sufficent English speaking people there. My experience with them was good and operation was succesfull.

[nitraveller]

I had surgery at Ram last year, there is sufficent English speaking people there. My experience with them was good and operation was succesfull.

I'm actually in the same predicament at the moment. I was putting mine back in today (in the subway of all places) and dam_n thing blew out of my hand in the wind and someone stood on it!

In china at the moment but will be in bangkok next week, anyone recommend somewhere in bangkok? I luckily brought last years set but my sight is a little off and I have another 4 months till Im back in the Uk.

Many thanks

[KayCee]

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I wondered in the intervening years whether anyone has seen contact lens solution (preferably Boston brand) for gas permeable hard lenses in Chiang Mai? We've checked quite a few pharmacies and optical places without success since we arrived. If not, we can have some sent to us from BKK, or failing that, from the US, but I thought it was worth asking to see if availability had suddenly changed.

[Praetor]

Is the conclusion from the thread that the only place to get Rigid Gas Permeable lenses in CM is through the Ram hospital? The exam, at least?

[KayCee]

That's how I read it on the lenses (which we have) and the exam (which we had updated right before moving here). It'd be good to know if that's still the case that Ram is the only place doing those prescriptions.

But if you just need the solution for daily use and cleaning, I hope that someone here sells it if Ram is prescribing them, though I didn't see any mention of that earlier to know for sure. Fingers crossed!

[jamescollister]

Just posted a similar question on general topics. Trying to find an optician who sells RGP lenses. Out here they tell me they no longer have them in Thailand. As for contact lens solution I just use the soft lens stuff, have for years and no problem. Jim

[HeyNow]

Just posted a similar question on general topics. Trying to find an optician who sells RGP lenses. Out here they tell me they no longer have them in Thailand. As for contact lens solution I just use the soft lens stuff, have for years and no problem. Jim

RGP lenses are definitely available in Thailand. Or at least they were a year and a half ago, when I got my last pair.

I got a referral from CM Ram Hospital for a specialist on Chang Phuak road. I didn't write down the exact address and I don't have a business card. But the doctor's name was Napaporn Tananuwat and as of late 2009, her number was 053-213-003. She speaks excellent English, but her staff are Thai-speaking only, so far as I could tell. Her clinic is a bit north of the bus station, on the left hand side of the street as you head up Chang Phuak from the moat.

As I recall, you have to make a deposit on any lenses you order, so bring some cash. I think I paid a 5,000 baht deposit then paid the balance upon receipt of the goods.

As for contact lens solution, Dr. Napaporn might have some. Once, when she had none, she directed me to a large optometry store directly across from Sriphat Hospital that was selling Boston Advance solutions. This is the type where you have a daily disinfectant/lubricating solution and a separate protein removal solution. Personally, I prefer the one-step "Simplus" solutions, but I haven't found those in CM yet.

Hope this helps!

[KayCee]

Thanks! We'll go check it out!

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Here's a bit of info and update re Boston solutions and RGP lenses in BKK, fyi...

[KayCee]

I was rude to not come back and report that though they were out of it the first time we went, a couple of weeks ago we did manage to get RGP contact lens wetting and cleaning solutions at the optical shop outside Sriphat hospital. We really appreciated the great advice to go try that shop.