Detached Retina

[willyumcr]

I went to BPH to have my eye checked. I was diagnosed with a detached Retina and advised immediate surgery was necessary. Cost was quoted at 222,000 baht with a one night stay at hospital. Any additional stay nights stay was 20,000 + for a ward accommodation. On the various forums and by friends I was told to check with Rutnin Eye Hospital in BKK. I was quoted 100,000 to 130,000 for same operation and 4,000 per night for a deluxe private room. I opted for Rutnin and was 100% satisfied. Very professional. The amazing thing was , no money was asked for or deposit until operation was completed and time to check out of hospital next day. The total cost was 113,000 which also included all the medicines to take home. Also might add my girl friend was encouraged to stay overnight in room with me at no extra charge. While a little extra for Mr.T taxi, overall a big savings. By the way Bumraguarde Hosp quoted 320,000 to 350,000.

[WaywardWind]

I went to Dr. Roy at Rutnin for my cataract surgery - multifocal lenses in both eyes, a month apart - based on recommendations I saw here on TV.

Absolutely satisfied and very happy with the incredibly improved vision. As you say, a bit more because of the transport, and a few nights in a Bangkok hotel, but well worth the peace of mind.

[sometime]

Did you suspect you had a problem, or was it just a general checkup?

[willyumcr]

Did you suspect you had a problem, or was it just a general checkup?

I had one in 2001, what happens is you get a blacked out spot in your vision in one eye, that is the retina peeling away from the inside of your eye, if you do not act quick it may carry on peeling and you go blind in that eye. Speed is the essence, do not ignore it cos there is no going back...

Exactly correct..I woke up with floaters and partial blackness,

[Manassas]

My wife had this. Do not delay, get the surgery at once. We did it at Chiang Mai Ram. Had outcome checked by surgeon in US and all was well. As I recall the total bill was around 100k.

[willyumcr]

Just a follow up on Rutnin Eye Hospital. While I was 100% satisfied with Dr. and hospital stay I can not say same about follow up care. I had two follow up appointments since operation. The first was an 11am appointment and didn't see doctor until 4:30pm. The second was an 11:15 appointment and didn't see Dr. until 3:45pm. I have no idea why they make appointments because it still goes by first come first served. All three times I was there was from 4-7 hour delays. The appointment schedule is run like a government hospital even tho this is a private hospital. I travel from Pattaya so you can imagine the traffic problems leaving Bangkok at 5pm. I would return to Rutnin for surgery or something major, but never for follow up or routine exams. The three times I was there (including original visit) I must have seen a couple hundred patients waiting at doors 5 and 6 and surprising you could count on one hand the number of faroung patients. Almost all were Arab, Malaysian, and Indian. No Caucasian. Maybe because faroung won't wait 5 hours late for an appointment. ?

[puck2]

@willyumcr

Think about how many people had a delayed appointment when YOU have had your urgent retina surgery. Everybody knows that a retina detachment needs an immediate surgery and appointments are not so urgent.

And you poor boy have to complain about delayed appointments after being "satisfied with doctor and hospital" ?

Are you sure you had to wait so long because you are a "Caucasian?

[Sheryl]

Now now, please keep it nice.

At any government hospital - and Rutnin is one - for non-emergent outpatient visits you need to arrive first thing in the morning, and should expect considerable waits.

[willyumcr]

@willyumcr

Think about how many people had a delayed appointment when YOU have had your urgent retina surgery. Everybody knows that a retina detachment needs an immediate surgery and appointments are not so urgent.

And you poor boy have to complain about delayed appointments after being "satisfied with doctor and hospital" ?

Are you sure you had to wait so long because you are a "Caucasian?

I waited two days for my urgent surgery. Check your facts before posting.

[willyumcr]

Now now, please keep it nice.

At any government hospital - and Rutnin is one - for non-emergent outpatient visits you need to arrive first thing in the morning, and should expect considerable waits.

Sheryl, I was not aware Rutnin Eye Hospital was a government hospital. I stand corrected.

[bkkbudddy]

Sheryl,

I disagree with your statement! I been a long time patient and advocate of Rutnin Eye Hospital for their outstanding eye care and reasonable price. As a patient, just make an appointment and be there at that particular time and you'll be seen by an ophthalmologist after vision test by and optometrist, blood pressure check and dilation of pupils. Therefore the total waiting time and treatment by your ophthalmologist will be approximately 2 hours max!

[steve187]

I had my detached retina operation in eent hospital in Bangkok, 80,000 baht, very happy with the service of the staff, and for follow ups. Bangkok hospital Rayong wanted 160,000, but had to be done at Pattaya, with a 4 day wait, eent.co.th did the next day.

[ClutchClark]

Did you suspect you had a problem, or was it just a general checkup?

I had one in 2001, what happens is you get a blacked out spot in your vision in one eye, that is the retina peeling away from the inside of your eye, if you do not act quick it may carry on peeling and you go blind in that eye. Speed is the essence, do not ignore it cos there is no going back...

Was there any pain ?

[ClutchClark]

Did you suspect you had a problem, or was it just a general checkup?

I had one in 2001, what happens is you get a blacked out spot in your vision in one eye, that is the retina peeling away from the inside of your eye, if you do not act quick it may carry on peeling and you go blind in that eye. Speed is the essence, do not ignore it cos there is no going back...

Was there any pain ?

None....

But the actual operation and drops they put in my eyes after was absolutely excruciating.. I have in my life had broken bones, wounds sewn up, nothing came close to that eye pain, but that was 15 years back, perhaps different now.

They messed around with the good eye too, not sure why, must admit I looked pretty scary with two blood red eyes and stitches in one eye ball, l still have a plastic 'clip' attached to the back of my eye but l cannot feel it..

Thanks!

I think now its all laser repair?

[willyumcr]

I just had the operation and no pain and also no pain from the drops.

[ClutchClark]

I just had the operation and no pain and also no pain from the drops.

Did your eye hurt before the operation?

I occasionally have a very sharp pain upon first opening my eye in the morning.

I also have a floating cloudiness that started at the same time.

No black dots.

[lopburi3]

Now now, please keep it nice.

At any government hospital - and Rutnin is one - for non-emergent outpatient visits you need to arrive first thing in the morning, and should expect considerable waits.

Not to my knowledge - you have appointments at this facility but pre-screening does seem to be done on a first come first served but have had bump when getting close to scheduled appointment time - it started as Rutin Eye Clinic some 50 years ago and I first visited more than 40 years ago. It was and is a private hospital AFAIK

Founded in 1964 by Professor Dr. Uthai Rutnin MD, FACS, Rutnin Eye Hospital was Thailand's first private hospital specalizing exclusively in Ophthalmology, the medical and surgical care of the eyes.

http://www.rutnin.com/eng/about.php

[willyumcr]

I just had the operation and no pain and also no pain from the drops.

Did your eye hurt before the operation?

I occasionally have a very sharp pain upon first opening my eye in the morning.

I also have a floating cloudiness that started at the same time.

No black dots.

No, no pain when first noticed. I would sure have it checked if I was you. I got a lot of information on the net as I didn't think it was a big deal when first got it. However I learned if not taken care of right away you could go blind very fast.

[willyumcr]

Now now, please keep it nice.

At any government hospital - and Rutnin is one - for non-emergent outpatient visits you need to arrive first thing in the morning, and should expect considerable waits.

Not to my knowledge - you have appointments at this facility but pre-screening does seem to be done on a first come first served but have had bump when getting close to scheduled appointment time - it started as Rutin Eye Clinic some 50 years ago and I first visited more than 40 years ago. It was and is a private hospital AFAIK

Founded in 1964 by Professor Dr. Uthai Rutnin MD, FACS, Rutnin Eye Hospital was Thailand's first private hospital specalizing exclusively in Ophthalmology, the medical and surgical care of the eyes.

http://www.rutnin.com/eng/about.php

This was my first impression when I went there that it was a private hospital. However after hearing from Sheryl and the long waits as I mentioned in previous post I thought it just might be a government hospital. In any event it is a good hospital but just so new people going there are aware, those times I mentioned, waiting from 4-6 hours past appointment time happened to me on the two follow up appointments after surgery. This could have to do with I was seeing a specialist (retina) ophthalmologist and not just in for routine eye check. However I do think waiting that long on more than one occasion is not really acceptable if not government hospital. I have one more appointment scheduled next week so will see how long that wait is. I might also add that the cost was not a major factor as I am covered under insurance, but I heard good things about the hospital so it is why I choose instead of Bangkok Pattaya Hospital which is sure a lot closer to where I live. Also the operation was scheduled in the evening after appointment hours, so no one was on hold as another poster suggested. I am sure you are very satisfied with them after 40 years and I also was satisfied as far as care and doctor, just not with out patient scheduling.

[ClutchClark]

I just had the operation and no pain and also no pain from the drops.

Did your eye hurt before the operation?

I occasionally have a very sharp pain upon first opening my eye in the morning.

I also have a floating cloudiness that started at the same time.

No black dots.

No, no pain when first noticed. I would sure have it checked if I was you. I got a lot of information on the net as I didn't think it was a big deal when first got it. However I learned if not taken care of right away you could go blind very fast.

Thanks Willy,

I head home soon but maybe I will have an eye exam before I leave.

[sandgroper2]

I just had the operation and no pain and also no pain from the drops.

Did your eye hurt before the operation?

I occasionally have a very sharp pain upon first opening my eye in the morning.

I also have a floating cloudiness that started at the same time.

No black dots.

Ive had 2 detached retinas, 2 different symptoms, first one, was like a window shade being lowered over my eye, slowly got worse, second time, other eye, blurry vision. BPH failed to detect the condition, Rutnin did, op complete success at Rutnin.

[dddave]

Over the last 10 years, I have experienced "floaters" and a bit of distorted vision several times.  I went to Rutnin the first time and after an extensive exam, was told by the Dr. that it was normal for a person my age.(Then 63).  He then tried to sell me "Lens Replacement surgery: B300,000 per eye....I declined.

I've had two or three minor episodes since but the floaters always seemed to disappear within days.  Should I be getting it checked each time?

[Pikiss]

I´ve had a detached retina on my left eye 10 years ago. It started with very slowly blurring vision in the upper corner of the eye. Didn’t think much of it for a couple of months until suddenly I started seeing flashes of lights which made me to see a doctor immediately. From starting to see the flashes it took me 3 days to get to the surgery, they were able to fix it almost completely. If the eye was a clock, I have a very blurred vision from 12 pm to 2 pm but otherwise it is as good as before the operation. They also lasered my other eye just in case because it also had a thinning retina. 

 

After the operation I experienced some of the worst headaches in my life, this lasted over a week. The doctor said it had something to do with brains adjusting to the operation. Also I was very light sensitive for a couple of weeks. And the operated eye looked nasty red for a couple of weeks.

 

About the floaters, according to my Doc they indeed come with the age and are harmless. Nevertheless, very annoying at times as I have one floating in my “good eye” constantly.

 

Diagnosing detached retina should be a straight forward procedure for a professional, the Doc checks the back of your dilated eyes with a magnifying tool.

[ericg1953]

I am at Rutnin every 4 months to have my glaucoma checked and recently a hole in my retina was discovered. Laser surgery was painless and done as scheduled and totall cost was 6700 baht including Dr fees. I thought very reasonable.  I've been a regular patient there for 10 years and it's always a good experience