The Thai Red Cross Society’s Eye Clinic.
19/11/2024 - 19/11/2025
Eye
diseases are a common and significant health problem for the elderly, including
cataracts, pterygium, glaucoma, and other eye disorders. These conditions
require accurate diagnosis and treatment by Ophthalmologists. Without proper
care, they can ultimately lead to blindness.
On the
occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 40th birthday
on April 2, 1995, she graciously donated an Eye Clinic and Surgery Unit to the
Thai Red Cross Society. This unit, named "The Thai Red Cross Society’s Eye Clinic and Surgery Project
of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn," was
established to provide eye examinations, treatments, and surgeries,
particularly for underprivileged elderly people in remote areas. Based at the
Aranyaprathet 6th Red Cross Health Station in Saraburi Province, the unit has
been conducting monthly outreach programs. The scope of its services has
expanded to include other remote areas across the country, with 2-3 annual
visits to community hospitals.
Later,
the Rotary Club of Tongkah, Phuket, in collaboration with the Rotary
International Foundation, Rotary Club in the United States, and Rotary Centre
in Thailand, graciously presented a “Mobile Eye & Minor Surgery Clinic”
to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to support the operations
of the Eye Clinic & Surgery Unit. This mobile unit enables on-site
surgeries and provides eye care services to people in remote areas,
particularly at Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals. Additionally, a project
has been established to provide free eye examinations, treatments, and
surgeries for monks, nuns, and religious persons of all faiths across the
province, with 6 sessions performed annually.
Project Operations
The operations of Thai Red
Cross Society’s Eye Clinic and Surgery Project of Her Royal Highness Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is comprised of three
main projects:
1.
Thai Red Cross Society’s Eye Clinic & Surgery Project of Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn: This project
was initiated in 1995 at the Aranyaprathet 6th Red Cross Health Station in
Saraburi Province. The unit operates five days a week, from Monday to Friday,
on the third week of every month. Twelve sessions are conducted annually. To
reduce waiting times for patients, additional surgical days may be scheduled if
the waiting list exceeds three months.
o
Approximately
400-500 patients receive examinations per session.
o
Approximately
150-200 patients undergo surgeries per session.
2.
Thai Red Cross Society’s Eye Surgery Unit
Expansion Project of the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn: This project
extends services to district hospitals in remote areas lacking
Ophthalmologists, with two visits per year.
o
Approximately
500 patients receive examinations per session.
o
Approximately
300-500 patients undergo surgeries per session.
3.
Thai Red Cross Society’s Mobile Eye &
Minor Surgery Clinic Project of the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn:
This project provides services at Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals in
remote areas and offers eye examinations and treatments for monks, nuns, and
religious persons of all faiths. Patients are selected from across the
province, and six sessions are conducted annually.
o
Approximately
300 patients receive examinations per session.
o Approximately 150-200 patients undergo surgeries per session.
Summary of Patients Treated and Surgeries Performed Since 1995 - Present
556
323 day
