Spoke to people at Rutnin today by phone.
They quoted me the same price as Bumrungrad.
The eye doctor in Hua Hin gave me a price of about THB 5000 lower per eye.
Both hospitals accept BUPA patients and if you do the procedure right, BUPA will pick up a substantial part of the tab, which is the only reason why I'll likely have the op done in Bangkok.
BTW, I'm probably opting for bifocal lens implants - they cost twice as much, too!
Anyone have any 1st or 2nd hand experience of bifocal implants?
Cataracts
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Bamboo Grove
- Moderator
- Posts: 5546
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 12:59 pm
- Location: Macau, China
I just had my right eye cataract operation here in Finland this afternoon. Not sure what kind of implant they put in. Anyway the cost will be about 85 Euros per eye. Don´t know when the other eye will be done, that´s the problem with public welfare. Now, a little bit of double vision while reading but otherwise it´s all starting to clear up.
Back in Bamboo Grove
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
Good news BG, I was wondering why you were in the Northland. Did you ask them to give you blue lenses....you know the girls here flip over blue and green eyes.Bamboo Grove wrote:I just had my right eye cataract operation here in Finland this afternoon. Not sure what kind of implant they put in. Anyway the cost will be about 85 Euros per eye. Don´t know when the other eye will be done, that´s the problem with public welfare. Now, a little bit of double vision while reading but otherwise it´s all starting to clear up.
. All the best and good thoughts when they do the other eye. PeteGovernments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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Bamboo Grove
- Moderator
- Posts: 5546
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 12:59 pm
- Location: Macau, China
Thanks, Pete. Yes, my eyes are still blue.
Back in Bamboo Grove
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
Well as promised here is my blow by blow experience of a lens replacement I had on Thursday
Apologies if some of the post seems a little emotional but you will understand why when you've read the text
I have spelt out the FACTS concerning my visit and also some observations and possible heresay
BACKGROUND
I've been short sighted for as long as I know. Only used glasses for golf (when I could hit a long ball) and driving for safety. My downturn has been progressive and firstly took a steep downturn when working in Zimbabwe some 15 years ago. I put that down to the brightness of the sun and decided to wear glasses full time. Things stabilised until about 2 years ago here in Thailand. New stronger specs were required and all was well until about 9 months ago when I found difficulty in walking and looking at bright lights. I put the blame on walking down to my previous DVT attcks on my right leg.
Went to the Pairat clinic and he (don't know his name as I understand Dr. Pairat is a gynecologist!!) diagnosed Cataracts and said that I could either progressively upgrade my specs or go for an OP (refraction)
Hesitated when I heard a couple of tales of woe and took someones advice to get a second opinion. Went to the Bumrungrad and spent about 5 hours enduring 8 tests using very hi tec equipment. Diagnosis was a damaged lens and wear and tear but not strictly cataracts.
Hesitated yet again until someone told me about the Rutnin eye Hospital in Soi 21 off Sukhumvit.
Emailed them explaining my plight and within 24 hours got a reply and 4 PDF files with a load of info on. Got a final go for it! booster from a friend who had had treatment there and said they were fantastic and cheaper long term than others (there pricing is bundled to include aftercare and any corrective surgery needed for 12 months).
Made my decision and after few enquiries I made an appointment for Thursday knowing for the first visit I would need to be in BK for 3 days or travel to and from HH and BK for 3 days.
HERE ARE THE FACTS
I arrived just after noon and was registered and appointed a personal doctor (for life it seems). I proceeded to have in the region of 8 tests ranging from the simple 'can you see this letter' type of test to a variety of different 'chin on the block' tests which were all logged on the computer.After about 5 minutes I had my first meeting with my doctor a young lady of about 28 to 34ish. She said I either had a damaged or worn lens or cataract but said more tests were needed. Then out came the model eye and slide show on a big screen TV. Here's the cornea which seems ok, here's the lens which seems worn and here is the retina which we have yet to test. She pointed out that there was no point in proceeding without establishing the retina is in good shape and communicating with the brain.
A second set of test took place all liberally sprinkled with drops and more confusing hi tec equipment
Second visit to the Doctor to analse the results and discuss the options and methods. Basically she spelt out the following:
1) Retina is fine (Wow I do have a brain then)
2) Cornea is fine
3) Lenses are seriously worn in both eyes
4) Recommendation is surgery to remove the lenses and replace them
Then the questions flowed from both sides
Q Can you do both together A yes but as you live in HH we would prefer to do one and monitor it's progress and do the second in 2 weeks time
The both at the same time option is really for overseas visitors who can have progress monitored in their own country also if you get an infection you are going to have difficulty seeing at all for some time
Q How is it done A We prefer to cut, with laser the cornea and withdraw the damaged lens and insert a new lens manufactured here in the hospital. The computer knows the precise dimentions of both yours lenses and cornea
Q from doc what type of lens would you prefer A Well what have you got? A Long sighted, short sighted, bi-focal or superduper astronaut/pilot lenses, they vary in price significantly
So next day after paying the examination fees I went for the Op
THE OP
More drops, a complete antiseptic wash down to the waist, all jewelry off
and a 2 hour slumber in a reclining chair with countless drops.Then walked to the op room with a change of shoes through another set of doors another change of shoes to the op theatre
Laid out on the table and all hair face and neck masked. The Doctor turned up and said the team were about to commence and that I would not feel anything during the 10 minute op. More drops (anesthetic I guess) .Fell asleep to be woken by the Doctor saying all was well. See you tomorrow.
Walked out with a heavy bandage on the eye
Next day went back for a review. Bandage duly removed except the final covering. Wheeled into the Doctor who removed the final layer AND I COULD SEE (for miles and miles as Townsend sung). Almost broke down with joy as the Doctor shook my hand and gave me a hug. She examined the eye and proclaimed it a resounding success. Then sat down and discussed the after care and medication and do's and dont's
Returned the next day for a further check and the wife got strict guidance as to what to do with the piles of drugs and drops
inspection next week and then second eye a week later
COST BREAKDOWN
Initial inspection (8 tests and 2 visits to the doctor) 1575 baht
Op
In house and take away drugs and drops 12300 baht
Lens production 20250 baht
Op by doctor 20630 baht
Hospital charges 20 baht
Total 53200 baht
These costs exclude second eye treatment although that should be lower as mall the foundation tests included both eyes and medication may be less too
What it does include is a weekly check after the op, a monthly check after the op, a 3 monthly check after the op, a six monthly check after the op and an annual check after the op. Excluding any further medication although I was assured this would rapidly diminish as time went by. It also included any remedial surgery required in the 12 month period. Like an insurance premium really. Checks extendable beyond a year at a small cost
COMMENTS
1) If I've forgotten anything I'll follow up the post
2) Any problems I'll follow up the post
3) After second eye I'll follow up the post
I personally think your eyes are the most important organ in your body (no sniggering please!!)
I also think it is so easy to lapse into accepting one's eyesight is slowly declining and accept that there is no solution. With today's hi tec gear it seems everything is possible. The way it's looking I'm going to have the eyesight I had when I was mid 30's
THE KEY IS THE FIRST TESTS AND THE DOUBLE SESSION WITH YOUR DOCTOR ONLY THEN ARE YOU ABLE TO JOINTLY DECIDE ON THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION
All the doctors have been trained in The US, Canada, Germany and Australia
All the equipment comes from the US, Germany and Japan
The staff were excellent . All spoke good English and were always attentive and caring.
The attention to cleanliness was second to none
Customer make up over the 3 days was about 90% Upper Thais, 5% Farang and 5% Arabic
Enjoy and feed back if you want more info. Sure I've missed something
Cheers
Apologies if some of the post seems a little emotional but you will understand why when you've read the text
I have spelt out the FACTS concerning my visit and also some observations and possible heresay
BACKGROUND
I've been short sighted for as long as I know. Only used glasses for golf (when I could hit a long ball) and driving for safety. My downturn has been progressive and firstly took a steep downturn when working in Zimbabwe some 15 years ago. I put that down to the brightness of the sun and decided to wear glasses full time. Things stabilised until about 2 years ago here in Thailand. New stronger specs were required and all was well until about 9 months ago when I found difficulty in walking and looking at bright lights. I put the blame on walking down to my previous DVT attcks on my right leg.
Went to the Pairat clinic and he (don't know his name as I understand Dr. Pairat is a gynecologist!!) diagnosed Cataracts and said that I could either progressively upgrade my specs or go for an OP (refraction)
Hesitated when I heard a couple of tales of woe and took someones advice to get a second opinion. Went to the Bumrungrad and spent about 5 hours enduring 8 tests using very hi tec equipment. Diagnosis was a damaged lens and wear and tear but not strictly cataracts.
Hesitated yet again until someone told me about the Rutnin eye Hospital in Soi 21 off Sukhumvit.
Emailed them explaining my plight and within 24 hours got a reply and 4 PDF files with a load of info on. Got a final go for it! booster from a friend who had had treatment there and said they were fantastic and cheaper long term than others (there pricing is bundled to include aftercare and any corrective surgery needed for 12 months).
Made my decision and after few enquiries I made an appointment for Thursday knowing for the first visit I would need to be in BK for 3 days or travel to and from HH and BK for 3 days.
HERE ARE THE FACTS
I arrived just after noon and was registered and appointed a personal doctor (for life it seems). I proceeded to have in the region of 8 tests ranging from the simple 'can you see this letter' type of test to a variety of different 'chin on the block' tests which were all logged on the computer.After about 5 minutes I had my first meeting with my doctor a young lady of about 28 to 34ish. She said I either had a damaged or worn lens or cataract but said more tests were needed. Then out came the model eye and slide show on a big screen TV. Here's the cornea which seems ok, here's the lens which seems worn and here is the retina which we have yet to test. She pointed out that there was no point in proceeding without establishing the retina is in good shape and communicating with the brain.
A second set of test took place all liberally sprinkled with drops and more confusing hi tec equipment
Second visit to the Doctor to analse the results and discuss the options and methods. Basically she spelt out the following:
1) Retina is fine (Wow I do have a brain then)
2) Cornea is fine
3) Lenses are seriously worn in both eyes
4) Recommendation is surgery to remove the lenses and replace them
Then the questions flowed from both sides
Q Can you do both together A yes but as you live in HH we would prefer to do one and monitor it's progress and do the second in 2 weeks time
The both at the same time option is really for overseas visitors who can have progress monitored in their own country also if you get an infection you are going to have difficulty seeing at all for some time
Q How is it done A We prefer to cut, with laser the cornea and withdraw the damaged lens and insert a new lens manufactured here in the hospital. The computer knows the precise dimentions of both yours lenses and cornea
Q from doc what type of lens would you prefer A Well what have you got? A Long sighted, short sighted, bi-focal or superduper astronaut/pilot lenses, they vary in price significantly
So next day after paying the examination fees I went for the Op
THE OP
More drops, a complete antiseptic wash down to the waist, all jewelry off
and a 2 hour slumber in a reclining chair with countless drops.Then walked to the op room with a change of shoes through another set of doors another change of shoes to the op theatre
Laid out on the table and all hair face and neck masked. The Doctor turned up and said the team were about to commence and that I would not feel anything during the 10 minute op. More drops (anesthetic I guess) .Fell asleep to be woken by the Doctor saying all was well. See you tomorrow.
Walked out with a heavy bandage on the eye
Next day went back for a review. Bandage duly removed except the final covering. Wheeled into the Doctor who removed the final layer AND I COULD SEE (for miles and miles as Townsend sung). Almost broke down with joy as the Doctor shook my hand and gave me a hug. She examined the eye and proclaimed it a resounding success. Then sat down and discussed the after care and medication and do's and dont's
Returned the next day for a further check and the wife got strict guidance as to what to do with the piles of drugs and drops
inspection next week and then second eye a week later
COST BREAKDOWN
Initial inspection (8 tests and 2 visits to the doctor) 1575 baht
Op
In house and take away drugs and drops 12300 baht
Lens production 20250 baht
Op by doctor 20630 baht
Hospital charges 20 baht
Total 53200 baht
These costs exclude second eye treatment although that should be lower as mall the foundation tests included both eyes and medication may be less too
What it does include is a weekly check after the op, a monthly check after the op, a 3 monthly check after the op, a six monthly check after the op and an annual check after the op. Excluding any further medication although I was assured this would rapidly diminish as time went by. It also included any remedial surgery required in the 12 month period. Like an insurance premium really. Checks extendable beyond a year at a small cost
COMMENTS
1) If I've forgotten anything I'll follow up the post
2) Any problems I'll follow up the post
3) After second eye I'll follow up the post
I personally think your eyes are the most important organ in your body (no sniggering please!!)
I also think it is so easy to lapse into accepting one's eyesight is slowly declining and accept that there is no solution. With today's hi tec gear it seems everything is possible. The way it's looking I'm going to have the eyesight I had when I was mid 30's
THE KEY IS THE FIRST TESTS AND THE DOUBLE SESSION WITH YOUR DOCTOR ONLY THEN ARE YOU ABLE TO JOINTLY DECIDE ON THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION
All the doctors have been trained in The US, Canada, Germany and Australia
All the equipment comes from the US, Germany and Japan
The staff were excellent . All spoke good English and were always attentive and caring.
The attention to cleanliness was second to none
Customer make up over the 3 days was about 90% Upper Thais, 5% Farang and 5% Arabic
Enjoy and feed back if you want more info. Sure I've missed something
Cheers
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
That's is all great news, Richard. I know you're dancing a jig tonight! Congratulations, and Rutnin is now in my address book. Pete 
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Thanks Pete
Wish I could dance a jig. Got to wait a few weeks for that!!!
No heavy exertion, no motorbike rides, no sand in the eyes etc
Wish I could dance a jig. Got to wait a few weeks for that!!!
No heavy exertion, no motorbike rides, no sand in the eyes etc
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
Eye 2 now done (a week early) and now seeing perfectly
2 or 3 days to settle and then off the antibiotics and only a week visit, month visit,3 month visit, 6 month visit and annual visit to go. No cost except for medication but that will minimise as it's only drops
All in all I'm over the moon and should have had it done years ago especially when the exchange rate was in better form
2 or 3 days to settle and then off the antibiotics and only a week visit, month visit,3 month visit, 6 month visit and annual visit to go. No cost except for medication but that will minimise as it's only drops
All in all I'm over the moon and should have had it done years ago especially when the exchange rate was in better form
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
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margaretcarnes
- Rock Star
- Posts: 4172
- Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:28 am
- Location: The Rhubarb Triangle
Cataracts
Brilliant Richard! I hope HHTel 'sees' your info. The CAD for making the replacement lens is interesting. My dentist used the same last month to make a partial crown. Sooo easy and absolutely pain free - no impressions needed obviously - and finished in an hour. Costs an arm and a leg in the UK but would recommend it to anyone if it's available in LOS.
Take care
Take care
A sprout is for life - not just for Christmas.
Mr.Richard
I had read your posts 2 months ago and had to wait until you finished the operation.It's just to prevent myself from pessimistic assumption that I want that operation. Now,it's time to correct the confused information , negative bias and some misunderstanding:-
Cataract refers to any opacity of various degree of the crystalline lens, which is almost transparent.(Cataract Surgery ; Roger F.Steinert)
It's not "bullshit" to diagnose you had cataract because you had moderate opacity of the lens .There are several subtypes :- congenital , age-related , traumatic , medication-induced , etc. In your case,it's a wear & tear process.The point is ,it's not matter what subtype you had , the treatment is still the same.To stop this argument , just sincerely ask your eye doctor that did you have any degree of cataract or not.
The principle of management of cataract has 2 paths : surgical and non-surgical, depends on the several factors : severity , daily activities & visual need , occupation , accmopanied disease ,etc.
I gave you 2 choices because with glasses, your vision was good as 20/40 , If you choose the op, you have to accept the risk of internal eye bleeding from your underlying vascular disease and medication.
When I read this post I hope you should not try 4th or 5th opinion.
You choosed Rutnin hospital because 2 reasons
1. Rutnin is actually one of the best eye hospital
2. You had gradually learned and understood what's your problem
Mr.Richard , to build up one's reputation is not easy , to protect is more difficult, isn't it ?
I had read your posts 2 months ago and had to wait until you finished the operation.It's just to prevent myself from pessimistic assumption that I want that operation. Now,it's time to correct the confused information , negative bias and some misunderstanding:-
Cataract is an opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye or its capsule.(Dorland's Medical Dictionary)Richard wrote:Diagnosed here as having cataracts
Bumrungrad said 'bullshit ' you have a lens problem with your eyes ( after 8 hours of technical tests)
Know 2 people who have had the same experience
Laser treatment to replace the lenses will cost me 80K Baht
No more glasses
Cataract refers to any opacity of various degree of the crystalline lens, which is almost transparent.(Cataract Surgery ; Roger F.Steinert)
It's not "bullshit" to diagnose you had cataract because you had moderate opacity of the lens .There are several subtypes :- congenital , age-related , traumatic , medication-induced , etc. In your case,it's a wear & tear process.The point is ,it's not matter what subtype you had , the treatment is still the same.To stop this argument , just sincerely ask your eye doctor that did you have any degree of cataract or not.
There are 2 Dr. Pairat with the same name.I'm the ophthalmologist and the other is gynecologist.Richard wrote:Went to the Pairat clinic and he (don't know his name as I understand Dr. Pairat is a gynecologist!!) diagnosed Cataracts and said that I could either progressively upgrade my specs or go for an OP (refraction)
The principle of management of cataract has 2 paths : surgical and non-surgical, depends on the several factors : severity , daily activities & visual need , occupation , accmopanied disease ,etc.
I gave you 2 choices because with glasses, your vision was good as 20/40 , If you choose the op, you have to accept the risk of internal eye bleeding from your underlying vascular disease and medication.
I still wait for your hesitating tales and what did Bumrungrad hesitated you? It was sounded like Bumrungrad was very impressive for you from the other posts .Richard wrote:Hesitated when I heard a couple of tales of woe and took someones advice to get a second opinion. Went to the Bumrungrad and spent about 5 hours enduring 8 tests using very hi tec equipment. Diagnosis was a damaged lens and wear and tear but not strictly cataracts.
Hesitated yet again until someone told me about the Rutnin eye Hospital in Soi 21 off Sukhumvit
When I read this post I hope you should not try 4th or 5th opinion.
You choosed Rutnin hospital because 2 reasons
1. Rutnin is actually one of the best eye hospital
2. You had gradually learned and understood what's your problem
You must mis-interpreted this information, the fact is the hospital collected all precise data of the eyes from the several tests and carefully calculate the lens power then order the lens to implant , not manufactured in the hospital.Richard wrote: Q How is it done A We prefer to cut, with laser the cornea and withdraw the damaged lens and insert a new lens manufactured here in the hospital. The computer knows the precise dimentions of both yours lenses and cornea
Mr.Richard , to build up one's reputation is not easy , to protect is more difficult, isn't it ?
Re: Cataracts
Finally having my cataracts sorted, one eye at a time. Dr. Pairat will be performing the op on Sunday. I have found him very professional and very thorough with the pre-examination. He uses very high tech equipment which was quite confusing to me. After he'd done the frontal exams he then had to check whether my optic nerves were in good order. They were. It did transpire that I have small pupils which makes the op a little more complicated but he assures me that it won't be a problem. He has a long list of satisfied customers and I'm sure I'll be one more.
I'll report back next week with what I'm sure will be good news. Will you then, Richard, retract the libelous statements you made of him without any evidence or even facts. Jeez, you thought he was a gynecologist!! I think that deserves an apology.
Cost by the way is 38,000 baht per eye. No trips to BKK and back home in two or three hours.
I'll report back next week with what I'm sure will be good news. Will you then, Richard, retract the libelous statements you made of him without any evidence or even facts. Jeez, you thought he was a gynecologist!! I think that deserves an apology.
Cost by the way is 38,000 baht per eye. No trips to BKK and back home in two or three hours.