Cataract Surgery-standards and medicament pricing

[moogradod]

It seems that I will be developping cataracts that need eventually be treated in Thailand due to my retirement plans.

Did anybody undergo eye cataract surgerey in Thailand ? I suspect the standard for that is high in LoS but is this true ?

Any good specialized clinic around ?

How much do I need to budget for that ?

Thanks a lot for any hint.

[lopburi3]

You seem to be talking in the future so no way to know price but now runs from about 30K to 90 K per eye depending on where done and lens used. Yes it is done everywhere and at highly regarded specialist facilities.

[Jessi]

You seem to be talking in the future so no way to know price but now runs from about 30K to 90 K per eye depending on where done and lens used. Yes it is done everywhere and at highly regarded specialist facilities.

Please tell me where it can be done for 30,000B?

[lopburi3]

Believe most government hospitals offer it for less than that as know nurse at Vejthani did for her mother as was cheaper than at Vejthani which was only 35k for single vision lens last year when my wife had done.

[moogradod]

Thanks a lot. That was most helpful.

[Sheryl]

Many TV members have had cataract surgery here. See these threads:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/561773-how-much-does-a-catarct-operation-cost/page-2?hl=%2Bcataract#entry7281998

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/721725-cataract-surgery/?p=7746940&hl=%2Bcataract

[Issangeorge]

I have had both eyes done at Kalasin Government Hospital 4 years apart. The first one was around ฿18,000 four years ago. The second just under ฿16,000 bought in March. I'm not sure why the price went down this time. Perhaps technology has made it cheaper. For this operation, I would never go to a private hospital, but then I'm a cheap Georgie.

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[moogradod]

Isaangeorge - was the operation fully satisfactory then ? I am not a doctor but I interpret from many posts that this cataract opertion is a simple standard that almost any institution may do with practically the same results. If this is the case - then why spend 95KB if it can be done with 18KB ?

In the links Sheryl has provided (thanks for that) a Rutnin Eye Clinic is mentioned. Maybe a specialized clinic has more experience and given that you pay any surplus for the reduced risk. Certainly there is some risk as with any operation.

Guess I need to learn more about this surgery and its associated risks in order to make the right decision if I needed to. I will simply ask my eye doctor. Thanks for all the advice. I then know where to look if it needs to be done in LoS.

[Sheryl]

One reason many people pay more to have it (and other things) done in a private hospital is that accessing care in a public one is a time-consuming affair. Lots of initial red tape, long waits, etc. Several visits may be required before you can even get on the wait list for the surgery, and very hard to navigate the initial one without a Thai speaker along. Lines, hours in the waiting room...you get the picture. If you have more time than money this is fine, but if you are someone for whom time is money, paying 3 times as much at a private hospital where you can make a direct appointment with the specialist and there is virtually no wait, can actually be the more economical option.

Also, you cannot choose your doctor and the surgery will often be done by a resident still in training. That said, the residents are supervised, and quality is usually fine.

[Issangeorge]

My first operation I went to an ophthalmologist recommended to me in Kalasin he asked me when I would like it done, I picked a time convenient to me and had it done, basically no waiting. The doctor spoke perfect English and language was not a problem. Perhaps because I went to a private clinic that is why the fee was ฿3,000 more. The second one I went to my district hospital and used my (insurance for foreigners card), this hospital did not do cataract operations, so they sent me to the provincial hospital in Kalasin, I went there on my own the next week on one of the two days they see cataract patients. I was then scheduled for the operation about two weeks later. All very professional and I would guess they do about 48 operations a week. There was a mixup in the billing, that's how I know it was just under ฿16,000. The mixup was corrected and my insurance covered it, and it cost me ฿30. I would recommend Kalasin Hospital to anyone for this operation. The only complaint I have they admit you the day before and release you the morning the day after, so it is three days in the hospital, but a huge savings over the private hospitals. Oh both operations were very successful.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited June 10, 2014 by Issangeorge

[lopburi3]

Actually there normally is no hospital stay at private hospitals AFAIK - so the cost difference is even higher. It is an outpatient procedure taking only a few minutes (after eyes become dilated - which can take an hour or two but you are mobile during that period).

[CBR250]

Difference in price is not just the result of the choice of hospital, can also be attributed to your choice of a replacement lens. New generation lenses that adjust within the eye (multi-focal) cost far more than the simple mono-focal lens. Despite the benefit of better near vision from multi-focal lenses, there are higher rates of problems with haloes around lights at night and contrast sensitivity. There is also potential for more problems with the initial fitting of the multi-focal lens.

In the current state of the game, my choice (were a lens replacement necessary for cataracts) would be to go with a mono-focal lens that allows good distance vision, and wear reading glasses for near vision. As technical advances in this field occur quite rapidly, it may be that a few years from now multi-focal lenses will be much cheaper and have overcome their limitations.

[Tocher]

I had lens replacement surgery (a by product of catarct surgery) due to a detached retina at Rutnin Hospital in Bangkok. The hospital is near Soi Cowboy.

The consultation (with Dr. Rutnin), treatment, accomodation and outcome were excellent, and I have no hesitation in recommending a consultation with them.

Cost, a bit steep at 100,000 Bt but in my case BUPA picked up the tab, so happy days.

[phantomfiddler]

Be extremely careful. There are various hospitals here that promise the world but deliver blindness. Two places you can be sure to get excellent service are Rutnin Eye Hospital on Soi Asoke in Bangkok and I am sure Bamrungrad would be excellent also. Of the two, Rutnin would probably be the least expensive (I paid only 27,000 Bht per eye and results were nothing short of brilliant). I researched the subject quite fully, as one tends to do when one,s own eyesight is at risk, and I was informed by Bangkok,s best that the fixed focus lens (for distance viewing) is much better (sharper image) than the much more expensive and widely touted supersight variable lenses. You cannot go wrong with Rutnin Eye hospital, who do literally thousands of operation every month. Get an appointment to see Dr. Noparat !

Edited July 14, 2014 by phantomfiddler

[phantomfiddler]

Also .... Stick with Bangkok ! I have heard horror stories about operations performed in towns outside of the Metropolis !

[shows]

I had cataract surgery at The Big Named hospital in the Nana area in 2002. It was an experience I would not like to repeat. My mother had her cataracts done at almost the same time in Australia. She had full anaesthetic. I was given, on both occasions, a local. My face looked like I'd been in the ring with Ali for at least 60 seconds - I can't float like a butterfly. My mother had no outward signs at all. I will also say that when it came time for the operation on the second eye I questioned the nurse as to why she was putting the dilation drops in the eye that had already been done. 'Solly' was her only response!

Last year I saw an ophthalmologist in Australia to see if my eyes needed any attention. He asked me when the operation had been done. I told him 2002. He asked if I meant 1992.

No, I told him, 2002. He told me that the style of operation I had been given (I don't know the technicalities) ceased in Australia in 1995 and there was ocular fluid leaking from the operation which he said was not something to worry about. NOT WORRY ABOUT!!

Previous to choosing to have the operation at that hospital I had been to one off Silom where the ophthalmologist (let's say quack) after 2 examinations told me I didn't have cataracts! and the clinic in Asoke who told me, before I had seen a doctor, that they had a special price on this operation this week.

You can see why I am cynical about medical procedures here. I'm sure there are good doctors but with that experience and 2 others which have been unsuccessful I am loath to let any doctor near me for more than a cold (when they still prescribe antibiotics!).

The cost back then was around 45,000 baht for each eye. That was at least 10,000 more than I had been quoted. As I was insured I let the insurance cover that bit of misinformation and question it if they thought fit.

Just take care with whom you choose (you only have 2 eyes) and get the cost in writing if you are paying yourself. And question any extras because they will be there.

[larsjohnsson]

I have done it on both my eyes. I went home to my home country Sweden and did it. Mainly because it doesn't cost anything to do it. Even if I belive they do the operation good here in Thailand. I don't like that they sometimes operate both eyes at the same day here. In my country that's a big No No

[BWPattaya]

I have done it on both my eyes. I went home to my home country Sweden and did it. Mainly because it doesn't cost anything to do it. Even if I belive they do the operation good here in Thailand. I don't like that they sometimes operate both eyes at the same day here. In my country that's a big No No

I have never heard of both eyes being done at the same time. It should never be done. Always do one eye and wait until everything is OK before doing the second.

Another poster mentioned his mother having a general anaesthetic for a cataract operation. That is very unusual.

[chrissables]

Be VERY careful in choosing who does this op.

I had a terrible time and in the end the Rutnin Clinic did a great job of repairing the bad work of another hospital. Blind now in one eye!

This photo was taken less than an hour after i was told nothing was wrong.

[donmuang37]

I have cataracts developing in both eyes at age 77. I'm still OK, but will, of course, need surgery in the future - assuming I'm still on the top side of the grass! I will have it done at Siriraj Hospital, which is the hospital favored by H. M. the King. My eye doctor there is a department head and university professor. She is also the personal eye doctor of one of the Princesses. She is excellent - one of the best in Thailand. If you are interested in her name, feel free to PM me.

Good luck

P.S. Overall medical standards of care are world class in Thailand if you go to the right places. I recently had a torn rotator cuff surgically repaired at Thammasat Hospital. Both Siriraj and Thammasat are top rated government hospitals. The top private hospitals are usually much more expensive, yet many of the doctors are moonlighting from government hospitals. Two final points: Some gov't hospitals look run down in appearance, but the better ones have the best modern equipment. Also, at government hospitals, the administration is unbelievably bad and waits can be long - but the medical treatment is good and if you are saving 50,000 baht... well, it depends on your patience and how fat your wallet is. Cheers

[sanuk711]

moogradod, why would you settle for just having your lens replaced, with ordinary lenses .... (which is just what cataract surgery is--cataracts grow on the lenses ) when you can have "super sight" ..no not quite x-ray vision, just pick the sort of eye sight you would like, The lenses are flown in from Texas (I just went for what is called normal) That was five years ago, now I am nearly 70 with 20x16 vision, it has a life time guarantee , & they do not like to do unless the person is over 50.

Is it more expensive , Sure is, but what other purchase would you make that will have a lifelong impact like that. Here is a Youtube link to it

[Acharn]

<snip>

The second one I went to my district hospital and used my (insurance for foreigners card), ...

<snip>

What is this "insurance for foreigners" card? I live in Nakhorn Sawan and have just shelled out 100K+ for both eyes. The doctor is an ophthalmologist, doesn't speak English, but is extremely popular here. He gets about 70 to 80 patients a day at his clinic. The first time he was doing about six operations at once. Second time only one other guy. I'm very happy with the results. Everything is clearer and colors brighter than for years now. Could have been cheaper, but I chose the adaptive lens. Also, was done at a private hospital, which gave a discounted price of 17,500 baht each time. I was surprised he insisted on an overnight hospital stay, which I don't think is usual. Or maybe it is in Thailand.

Reason I ask about the insurance card, I'm retired Army and stuck with Tricare for Life, which sucks. I have to pay cash up front, then get everything translated at 500 baht a page and send in the claim. If they approve it I get 75% back. I'm told they're very bad about approving. I'd really like to find an alternative, but at 77 years old I'm doubtful there's anything I could afford. No, I'm not going back to the states, even for Medicare, which I understand is very good.

[oldsailor35]

I had my right eye done at Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok 2 years ago. It did cost more than some here, but after looking around i discovered that "Cheapest is not best" mine cost 42.000 Bht. But my surgeon was a Harvard trained Thai surgeon, not a Thai med school surgeon. I walked in one day made the appointment and walked out with my eye patch by 4 pm the next day. Yes Bumrungrad is a little more expensive but my i was thinking, when it comes to eyes don't look for cheap surgery. This is probably one of the top 5 hospitals in Thailand (Bangkok). Patients come from worldwide. I definately recommend it. Just google and have a look.

[oldsailor35]

Where do you live ?

[oldsailor35]

You seem to be talking in the future so no way to know price but now runs from about 30K to 90 K per eye depending on where done and lens used. Yes it is done everywhere and at highly regarded specialist facilities.

Please tell me where it can be done for 30,000B?

At that price, i would'nt even consider it. There are plenty of cheapies around.

[oldsailor35]

Be VERY careful in choosing who does this op.

I had a terrible time and in the end the Rutnin Clinic did a great job of repairing the bad work of another hospital. Blind now in one eye!

This photo was taken less than an hour after i was told nothing was wrong.

023.jpg

OMG! mate, that looks bloody shocking. This is why i would only go to the best for eye surgery. Only last year here there was a case where 4 people were blinded at the same hospital. Another reason to have only one done at a time.

Hope all is now well, you poor bugger, i feel for you.

[cchina184]

Had an eye done at Tongren in Beijing about 2 years ago, about 12000 baht equivalent. 1st rate facility.

[gchurch259]

Well here is my "two cents worth". I had my Lenses replaced at Bumrungrad by a very good Surgeon, I am a retired USAF member and Tricare For Life paid 75%. I had no problems and would recommend the Eye Clinic there. I would also recommend Dr Manchima Makornwattana, she is very good and has perfect English.

I would suggest a visit and evaluation by her. I have Gluacoma which she is treating as well

[oldsailor35]

One reason many people pay more to have it (and other things) done in a private hospital is that accessing care in a public one is a time-consuming affair. Lots of initial red tape, long waits, etc. Several visits may be required before you can even get on the wait list for the surgery, and very hard to navigate the initial one without a Thai speaker along. Lines, hours in the waiting room...you get the picture. If you have more time than money this is fine, but if you are someone for whom time is money, paying 3 times as much at a private hospital where you can make a direct appointment with the specialist and there is virtually no wait, can actually be the more economical option.

Also, you cannot choose your doctor and the surgery will often be done by a resident still in training. That said, the residents are supervised, and quality is usually fine.

Don't know where you got this info from Sheryl. I went to Bumrungrad at 10 am. by 2 pm i had seen the surgeon of my choice, had the initial examination and was told to come back at 12 pm next day. by 4 pm i was walking out with an eyepatch. On waking up the next morning, without thinking i violently rubbed my eyes ( an old habit) i went back to Bumrungrad, told them what had happened. The surgeon checked me out and said that there was no damage, no extra cost.

[craigt3365]

One reason many people pay more to have it (and other things) done in a private hospital is that accessing care in a public one is a time-consuming affair. Lots of initial red tape, long waits, etc. Several visits may be required before you can even get on the wait list for the surgery, and very hard to navigate the initial one without a Thai speaker along. Lines, hours in the waiting room...you get the picture. If you have more time than money this is fine, but if you are someone for whom time is money, paying 3 times as much at a private hospital where you can make a direct appointment with the specialist and there is virtually no wait, can actually be the more economical option.

Also, you cannot choose your doctor and the surgery will often be done by a resident still in training. That said, the residents are supervised, and quality is usually fine.

Don't know where you got this info from Sheryl. I went to Bumrungrad at 10 am. by 2 pm i had seen the surgeon of my choice, had the initial examination and was told to come back at 12 pm next day. by 4 pm i was walking out with an eyepatch. On waking up the next morning, without thinking i violently rubbed my eyes ( an old habit) i went back to Bumrungrad, told them what had happened. The surgeon checked me out and said that there was no damage, no extra cost.

I believe you missed the point. Sheryl is saying the same as you. Private hospitals, i.e. Bumrungrad, are much easier to deal with. But more expensive. Thus, some are willing to pay more rather than deal with a government hospital.