Cataract Surgery in Udon

[samster]

Replacement lens fitted.

Initial consultation was December and booked in for surgery 20/1/24 (I couldn't do it before).

I returned the next morning for removal of dressing and assessment when she also booked me in for the 2nd eye 3 weeks later.

Another visit a week (or 2 weeks, cant remember) later for check up.

2nd eye the same so, 3 visits per eye

You have eyedrops to put in daily and you are given a supply of eye patches to wear overnight but, otherwise, you're left to your own devices with the caveat that you're not to exercise or cook.

[jackspratt]

Thanks samster.

When you say you went back the next morning for removal of dressing and assessment, where was that, as I assume it was a Sunday?

Assuming I need to get both eyes done, it sounds like 5 trips would be needed:

1. diagnosis and appointment
2. surgery (then stay overnight) and next day assessment
3. 1 or 2 week later check-up and second appointment
4. surgery etc as per 2
5. check-up

Was there a recommended period after surgery when you shouldn't drive?

Cheers

[petl]

Many thanks for this help and information. Will post again after the event.

[samster]

Thanks samster.

When you say you went back the next morning for removal of dressing and assessment, where was that, as I assume it was a Sunday?

Assuming I need to get both eyes done, it sounds like 5 trips would be needed:

1. diagnosis and appointment
2. surgery (then stay overnight) and next day assessment
3. 1 or 2 week later check-up and second appointment
4. surgery etc as per 2
5. check-up

Was there a recommended period after surgery when you shouldn't drive?

Cheers

Yes, I returned the next morning for removal of dressing etc. I live close to Srinagarind so, spent the night after surgery at home.

You're correct in saying 5 visits if you are staying over after surgery.

No need to stay over in hospital. If you were coming down from Udon, I would suggest staying in a hotel. The op really isnt a big deal with zero pain. I was in and out in a couple of hours and was quite comfortable watching the Saturday night footie at home afterwards.

Just to dot the I's (no pun intended), I had a further consultation about 6 weeks after the 2nd surgery as my family has an issue with glaucoma and I wanted further tests for this. I have another appointment in September.

At the 6 week test, they also reviewed how the operation went as I had a full eye test again. Not sure whether this is required if you don't want further investigation.

[jackspratt]

Yesterday I decided on a different approach, and did more research on what was available in Udon.

I came up with a clinic on the ring road named Chaksusathan Udon https://www.google.com/maps/place/CHAKS ... ?entry=ttu which looked modern and clean, and has good reviews - although I suspect some of those are planted because of the similarity in the wording.

So I decided to call in today, as I already had a dental appointment in UT, and was pleasantly surprised.

Meet and greet at the door, sat down in a comfy lounge, and someone asks why you are there, and takes basic details. Within a few minutes, off for a couple of standard optometrist type eye tests, and then back to the lounge.

A couple of minutes later, bustled into another office to sit down with the doctor, who on a different machine takes another good look at my eyes, and then discusses the results with you on his computer monitor, and shows a model of a bisected eyeball.

He then explained that a further test, involving eye drops and enlarged pupils, would be required to confirm there was no damage at the back of the eye, after which cataract surgery could be performed.

Costs as follows:

- today's examination and consultation, THB400

- further eye test 3,800

- surgery with single focus (long distance) lens 26,000 (one eye only)

- or with dual focus (long and medium distance) 45,000

- meds 660

So thanks again, samster, for your detailed information, and hopefully it will be useful in the future. The Udon option is far easier for me, so I am going with that.

ps I'll also take the credit card option, with 3% surcharge, to lessen my remitted income for Thai tax purposes.

[samster]

Happy to help. I was petrified before the procedure and, wish I'd listened to friends who said it was a walk in the park. It really is!

Your consultation costs are higher but the lens prices are, I think similar.

To be honest, I wish I'd quizzed my doctor pre op more about the different types of lenses. She was adamant that I couldn't have near vision after the surgery as my eyes were too damaged.

I'd read that Toric lenses were what I should have and, she agreed so we went down that route. It's too late to second guess now but, not being able to read menus, prices in shops etc is a ballsache when I could just about manage it before by squinting.

Good luck

[Klaussi]

We had already visited an ophthalmologist in Germany in 2023, who diagnosed cataracts (cataracts) on my wife's eyes.
Since her vision has deteriorated significantly in the last few weeks, we searched intensively

a) by visiting ophthalmologists and private hospitals as well
b) via the Internet

in the Udon Thani area for a suitable and designated specialist clinic for this procedure. The choice ultimately fell - after a careful, comprehensive and excellently documented initial examination of my wife's eyes - on the CHAKSUSATHAN EYE CLINIC in Udon Thani, run by Dr. Pipat Anuchatakul.

My wife then underwent cataract surgery on her left eye last week. The procedure, which was carried out on an outpatient basis, only took about 20 minutes, and the preparation in the clinic for the procedure took about 2.5 hours.
We were discharged after about an hour. Beforehand, the clinic staff gave us comprehensive and well-documented information on how to behave after the operation, particularly on how to protect the operated eye from infections. It was important to be instructed to use anti-infection drops every 2 hours during the day and to stick an eye shield over the eye at night.

The first check-up took place the day after the operation and the second one a week later. It was a complete success, the eyesight in the eye returned completely. The last check-up will take place in three weeks.

We would like to thank Dr. Pipat Anuchatakul and his staff for their always conscientious, attentive and polite care in an excellent facility.

We would be happy to come back (my eyes also have cataracts) and can highly recommend this excellent eye clinic!

The costs incurred:
1.) Detailed initial examination and documentation of both eyes 4,700 THB
2.) Carrying out the operation (including inserted monofocal lens, eye drops, eye shield etc. for aftercare) 27,000 THB