Best Place To Get Glasses In Bangkok?

[froggerman]

Howdy.... Im in my early 40s and developed a need for reading glasses a few years ago. I had never needed glasses before.

I had 2 pairs of glasses made in Bangkok initially, then later had a pair made in the US. I found the eye exam they gave me in the US to be far, far more thorough than what they did in Thailand and the physical quality of the glasses was much better, for a similar price. The eye exams in Bangkok took 1-2 minutes, what was done in the US took more like 12 minutes and involved a lot more checks and fine-tuning of the prescription than was done in thailand. The glasses from the US, again similar price, are much more physically sturdy, etc.

As I wont be back in the US for a while, I want to give Thailand another try but my experience with eye shops here (both respectable looking shops located within Central malls) doesn't give me confidence of the general expected level of quality here. Does anyone have a recommendation for a place that would be up to western standards, both in terms of quality of the eye exam, and the quality of the product?

I was thinking of Bumrungrad on general principles, and I see in another forum someone mentioned a dedicated eye hospital called "Rutnin", though that seems more for eye surgery and ophthalmology stuff rather than just glasses.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a place where they feel they got a good thorough proper eye exam and fitting for glasses and were sold a quality product?

Thanks a lot for any help, me and my strained eyes will be appreciative of any recommendations.

[froggerman]

Agree with you about the frames. I paid a lot for my frames in BKK both times, and they were trash. The glasses I got in the US for a similar price were just worlds better than BKK, I never realized I was getting poor quality as I never had glasses before and the first 2 pairs I got were in BKK. The eye exams in particular were horrible both times here. They were not remotely as thorough as in the US. I'm starting to get eyestrain again and I think I need new glasses. i could wait a few months to get back to the US but would prefer to get new glasses now in BKK if I can find a proper place. I paid top baht, got the most expensive of everything that was offered in BKK as eyesight is so important and still wound up with junk. Worst of all, the prescription was probably not optimal as the eye exams were so quick and dirty and the glasses in the US just worked so much better after the thorough exam they gave me.

[rak sa_ngop]

I visited St Louis Hospital on Sathorn road a few months ago. (Nearest BTS Surasak). Eye examinatiion using 2 different instruments and consultation with experienced eye doctor was 670 baht total. Gave me good piece of mind.

There is a small stall selling glasses set up outside the eye clinic, but when I asked for a quote for vari-focals (progressive) lens of the same thickness as the ones I currently have, he quoted 10,500 baht, which seems a bit high compared to MBK prices.

That's where I normally go and shop around, but be careful in making price comparisons because lens come in different thicknesses. The thicker (cheaper) ones do not give good sideways vision.

[lopburi3]

For actual glasses you might consider mail order from a place like http://www.zennioptical.com/

This is a leading provider for US sales and located in China so fast service to Thailand. I have used several time and happy with what I obtained (at a fraction of Thai costs).

Getting a good exam however is a hurdle but using a hospital does get the prescription without extreme pressure to use there optical service. The only issue is hospital doctors seem to consider actual eye testing below them so may not be willing to compare one lens to another as long as the optometrist specialist professional you have in US.

[lopburi3]

No. No customs duty was charged on any of the two or three orders I have made.

[froggerman]

Good tip on the zenni optical site. Thanks. I'm asking around if anyone knows where I can get a thorough exam.

[Rooo]

Go to any International hospital eye clinic, they will do exam & issue results for you.

Samitivej are quite good.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I had the same problem in BKK.. Had pre-existing, perfectly usable frames... But needed an update on my lenses.

Went around to a couple of shops, and finally ended up at one in the Korean mall near Sukhumvit Soi 10, partly because they were one of the few shops I could find that could repair frames (replace missing screws). Prices for the new lenses were OK, but the lense prescriptions ended up being totally off the mark. Thought the guy doing my exam there was an MD, but he wasn't as it turned out. Won't go back there again, unless I lose the screws from my frames again.

Ended up going to a place called Bangkok Refraction Hospital (it's really just a small eye doctor shop) located on the main Sukhumvit Road near Soi 20. From the street, the doctor's office is just a door and a darkened window with the office's name on the door, so you could easily walk by without noticing it unless you're looking carefully. The doctor there, Vitaya Kritalukkul, is a contact lense specialist but he also did the updated eyeglass prescriptions for me. The prices were reasonable, and I was satisfied with both the RGP contact lense and eyeglass prescriptions he provided.

I had Dr. Kritalukkul order and provide the new eyeglass lenses, since I had pre-existing frames here that I needed to fit the lenses to. But I took his contact lense prescription and ordered the contact lenses from Lens.com in the U.S., using the Thai doctor's prescription, because RGP lenses here in Thailand seem to be relatively rare and very overpriced.

This doctor seems to work out of the Sukhumvit office in the mornings, and then out of a Saphan Mai office (Bangkok Eye Institute) on Phahonyothin Rd. in the afternoons.

The doctor speaks excellent English, but it's hit and miss with his front office staff.

Edited February 8, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

I had the same problem in BKK.. Had pre-existing, perfectly usable frames... But needed an update on my lenses.

Went around to a couple of shops, and finally ended up at one in the Korean mall near Sukhumvit Soi 10, partly because they were one of the few shops I could find that could repair frames (replace missing screws). Prices for the new lenses were OK, but the lense prescriptions ended up being totally off the mark. Thought the guy doing my exam there was an MD, but he wasn't as it turned out. Won't go back there again, unless I lose the screws from my frames again.

Ended up going to a place called Bangkok Refraction Hospital (it's really just a small eye doctor shop) located on the main Sukhumvit Road near Soi 20. From the street, the doctor's office is just a door and a darkened window with the office's name on the door, so you could easily walk by without noticing it unless you're looking carefully. The doctor there, Vitaya Kritalukkul, is a contact lense specialist but he also did the updated eyeglass prescriptions for me. The prices were reasonable, and I was satisfied with both the RGP contact lense and eyeglass prescriptions he provided.

I had Dr. Kritalukkul order and provide the new eyeglass lenses, since I had pre-existing frames here that I needed to fit the lenses to. But I took his contact lense prescription and ordered the contact lenses from Lens.com in the U.S., using the Thai doctor's prescription, because RGP lenses here in Thailand seem to be relatively rare and very overpriced.

This doctor seems to work out of the Sukhumvit office in the mornings, and then out of a Saphan Mai office (Bangkok Eye Institute) on Phahonyothin Rd. in the afternoons.

The doctor speaks excellent English, but it's hit and miss with his front office staff.

Do they sell Boston RGP conditioning and cleaning solutions? The shop is convenient for me, so I don't have to head down to Siam Square to buy solutions.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Z, I asked about Boston solutions last time I was there, and they didn't have them. Rather, they had some kind of Asian brand I didn't recognize, and passed on.

As for Boston, there are a number of different places around BKK that do stock them, though trying to find them can be a pain.

--Paris Miki Optical on the second floor of Siam Center has always stocked them, though I haven't checked on their status since the recent closure and remodeling of SC.

--Rajdamri Optical Shop on the 2nd floor of Thaniya Plaza also has stocked them. Not sure if they will be moving back into their former shop in the nearby Silom Complex or not now that it likewise has reopened after remodeling.

Both places seem to only have the newer (and in many user's minds less preferred) Advanced versions of the solutions, whereas I prefer the Original versions. So I often end up shipping mine from online stores/retailers in the U.S.

If you or others have any other local sources for Boston here in BKK, please do post them here, like details of the Siam Square place you mentioned above.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

Boston solutions

Siam Eye Clinic at Siam Square - sold out, on order (in about 2 weeks)

Wellington Optical - sold out

RSU clinic - only sell with purchase of lenses or to returning customers

Rajdamri Optical - sold out

Paris Miki - sold out, will have it in stock next month

Allegedly the B&L distributor is having problems and it's been sold out since the start of January.

I can't believe I'm going to have to go down to Pattaya to get the solutions. In stock at Siam Drug, Central Festival, 2nd level next to Big C.

Edited February 8, 2013 by zaphodbeeblebrox

[katana]

For actual glasses you might consider mail order from a place like http://www.zennioptical.com/

This is a leading provider for US sales and located in China so fast service to Thailand. I have used several time and happy with what I obtained (at a fraction of Thai costs).

Getting a good exam however is a hurdle but using a hospital does get the prescription without extreme pressure to use there optical service. The only issue is hospital doctors seem to consider actual eye testing below them so may not be willing to compare one lens to another as long as the optometrist specialist professional you have in US.

Thanks. I'd seen them before but not used them, being a bit wary. Nice to get a recommendation.

[Thailand Bound]

I had a great thorough examination a a doctor at Mt. Elizabeth in Singapore 6 years ago and got the prescription filled at one of those walk in places in Isetan mall. Nothing special but those glasses lasted me a good 5 years, excelllent but as time does my eyes needed new glasses last year. I went to highly recommended guy in Jakarta andI never really fel these glasses were spot on and already these glasses are giving me problems and it is not my eyes it is definitely the glasses. I am goign through Singers in a couple of months and will see the same woman in Mt. E and let her give me another thorough exam.

Edited February 8, 2013 by Thailand Bound

[utalkin2me]

If i had to do anything in Thailand, i'd go to Rutnin.

[fredob43]

Having tried several opticians throughout Thailand for both myself and the wife I have never found any that were good at best all were pore to rubbish.

Not one tested for Glaucoma in fact didn't even know what it was, to save me going into it please look it up on internet.

Peripheral vision.

Cataract's.

Distance between your vision, that enable's them to set up the placement of the lens's in the frame's correctly.

All had little or no equipment for a decent eye test and most time's the peep's that did the examination didn't have a clue how to use even their basic 'to-wit frames that you can change the lens' set up they had.

Any optician in England will test for all and they suggest you have a full retest 'take's almost 3/4 of an hour' every two year's just to make sure your eye's are healthy.

Regarding cost's all bar none were very expensive almost twice what I would have to pay for the same thing in England, Example full test one pare of glass's + a spare pair same proscription 3.500bt try that over here.

To sum up your eye's are very important unlike teeth you don't get a new set or some plastic one's to compensate once buggered you've had it. Bad glass's WILL cause mega problem's to your eye's so be very careful.

Edited February 9, 2013 by fredob43

[lopburi3]

Actually optician is a technician and does not check medical conditions - that is another field. In the US most testing is done by optometrists (ophthalmic opticians) who are those with additional medical training and who normally do testing but seem to be lacking here. Then the Doctors are ophthalmologists, but here often also have to serve optometrist function.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Perhaps the problem here is you're expecting a competent level of eye care service from an optician, a technician position here in Thailand that probably has little meaningful training, education or certification in many cases.

The kind of things you're seeking might be better provided by an Ophthamologist, a medical doctor trained in eye care/diseases/treatment.

There are only 2.3 ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in the UK – fewer pro rata than in any other nation in the European Union (Source http://www.uems.net

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Some interesting background on this topic in a 2001 study:

Review of Optometry Status in Thailand: Supply and Demand

DANAI TONKERDMONKON, O.D. AND LUCY YEN, O.D.

ADVISOR: EDWARD MARSHALL, O.D., M.S., M.P.H

Traditionally in Thailand, eye care is not considered as a primary care through the medical community; however, glasses and contact lens prescriptions can only be legally obtained from a licensed ophthalmologist.

In reality, prescription glasses and contact lens are commonly obtained through refractionists that practice halfway optometry through apprenticeship without formal training or licensure.

Although, it was illegal to practice optometry without proper training but popular demands in eye care have forced these untrained refractionists into assuming the roles of pseudo-eye specialists.

In turn, such interaction with the patients brought risks to the patients’ eye health due to lack of in-depth knowledge in binocular functionality and diseases of the eyes.

Regardless of few enthusiastic voices from the refractionists’ community to further their knowledge base, external pressures stemmed from Thailand’s medical community, puts the refractionists at bay from becoming primary care providers.

As the result, optometry development in Thailand was painstakingly slow compared to her neighboring countries. Most

of the Southeast Asia countries such as Philippine, Malaysia or Hong Kong already have some forms of formal optometric education and training.

Since its creation in late 1970’s, Thai Optometric Association has been trying to get formal education in optometry but not to much avail. It was only recently when the efficacy of optometry in delivering primary eye care was proven around the world and the major budget pressures to train sufficient amounts of ophthalmologists, that the Thai government was forced to research other venues for meeting the eye care demands throughout the country.

.............

Today, ophthalmologists are by law, the only eye care professionals allowed to write prescriptions. However, due to the lack of ophthalmologists and high demand, refractionists are writing many of the needed prescriptions.

http://www.google.co....42080656,d.bmk

Also interesting, there's an Asia-Pacific Council of Optometry.

But none of its listed board members are from Thailand, nor are any of its affiliated optometric organization.

Edited February 9, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Here's a more recent recap for Thailand from a 2010 report on optometry in SE Asia:

Optometry within the Public Health Community

Optometry in Asia by Thai and Yap

Optometry in Thailand

A Doctor of Optometry program is offered at the Ramkhamhaeng University in Thailand with the assistance of Indiana University (USA).

According to the University, optometrists are defined as independent, primary healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions including:

 Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

 Binocular vision conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which can cause discomfort and difficulty reading.

 Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders.

 Systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Optometrists prescribe and/or provide spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids, and vision therapy.

However, the profession is not legislated and the majority of the personnel delivering vision correction are refractionists/opticians. The body representing their interests is the Thai Optometric Association.

http://www.google.co....42080656,d.bmk

Status of Optometry Education by Country

Number of Optometrists Required by Country

Edited February 9, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[StefanBBK]

I need some help looking far, but use glasses or contacts only when needed, i.e. driving, watching TV or cinema etc. I found that if I use glasses all the time, my eyes get lazy.

I tried expensive prescription glasses everywhere in Thailand, Europe and US. I do need a straight forward -1.75 on both eyes.

I found for me inexpensive ready made glasses are best suitable. They are between 50 and 200 baht. Since I take them off a lot, I tend to break them a lot, sitteng on them etc..

Anyway I know many people that go the same way with reading glasses. Most people have several pairs.

I do understand this is not an option everyone can use, but for some it works.

I would however suggest to have one good eye examination done in an international hospital, like Bangkok Hospital, Simitavej, etc. to make sure it is nothing serious.

I don't thonk you legally need a prescription to buy glasses or contacts. That is more an American notion.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I don't thonk you legally need a prescription to buy glasses or contacts. That is more an American notion.

See post #20 above...

Traditionally in Thailand, eye care is not considered as a primary care through the medical community; however, glasses and contact lens prescriptions can only be legally obtained from a licensed ophthalmologist.

In reality, prescription glasses and contact lens are commonly obtained through refractionists that practice halfway optometry through apprenticeship without formal training or licensure.

Edited February 9, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

There's what people call the 3 O's:

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or an osteopathic doctor (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

This would be the eye doctors found in hospitals.

An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine eyes for both vision and health problems, and correct refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists also provide low vision care and vision therapy.

These seemingly are relatively rare in Thailand, but may be found in some eyecare clinics/shops.

An optician is not an eye doctor. Opticians use prescriptions written by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to fit and sell eyeglasses, contact lenses and other eyewear.

This would be the common person doing eye testing and providing lenses at the myriad of eye shops around Thailand. From all indications, no mandated requirements for licensing or formal education.

Edited February 9, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[utalkin2me]

Having tried several opticians throughout Thailand for both myself and the wife I have never found any that were good at best all were pore to rubbish.

Not one tested for Glaucoma in fact didn't even know what it was, to save me going into it please look it up on internet.

Peripheral vision.

Cataract's.

Distance between your vision, that enable's them to set up the placement of the lens's in the frame's correctly.

All had little or no equipment for a decent eye test and most time's the peep's that did the examination didn't have a clue how to use even their basic 'to-wit frames that you can change the lens' set up they had.

Any optician in England will test for all and they suggest you have a full retest 'take's almost 3/4 of an hour' every two year's just to make sure your eye's are healthy.

Regarding cost's all bar none were very expensive almost twice what I would have to pay for the same thing in England, Example full test one pare of glass's + a spare pair same proscription 3.500bt try that over here.

To sum up your eye's are very important unlike teeth you don't get a new set or some plastic one's to compensate once buggered you've had it. Bad glass's WILL cause mega problem's to your eye's so be very careful.

I agree with you 100%.

For whatever reason, people try to paint a rosy picture of Thai doctors. I don't know if it is rationalizations, or the fact that they have miraculously found some good docs, without telling anybody else who they are. I wonder.

As Winston Churchill once said "“The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is.”

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The answer begins with the fact that "opticians" in Thailand -- those who do the eye exams and lens fitting/ordering at the various optical shops -- are NOT doctors... They aren't professionally trained nor licensed nor have they earned or possess any kind of medical degree, generally speaking.

Why would you expect steak if you go to a hamburger shop, metaphorically speaking.

Edited February 9, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[piyapas]

I would recommend you guys to go to Niche Nation which is on Thonglor17-19. They have lot of cool glasses and also have an eye check by optometrist on weekend. Their staffs speak English well too. This shop is very professional for me. Better try!