Purchase Intraocular Lens for elderly in Maha Sarakham.

Restoring the Light of Sight

Many elderly individuals are currently facing a world of darkness as disease gradually robs them of the light of sight. As Thailand transitions into a fully aged society, the necessity of specialized healthcare for the elderly has become paramount.

In Maha Sarakham Province, a significant number of seniors suffer from cataracts—a condition that slowly diminishes vision. If left untreated, it can lead to total blindness. Many are forced to live in hardship, unable to care for themselves and becoming entirely dependent on relatives for daily activities. This suffering affects not only the patients but their entire families. As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes over time.

The "160 Eyes" Initiative

To address this, the Maha Sarakham Provincial Red Cross Chapter, in collaboration with Maha Sarakham Hospital and the province, has implemented the "Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation Campaign." This initiative aimed to restore sight to 160 eyes in celebration of the 160th anniversary of the founding of Maha Sarakham City.

Cataracts remain a leading cause of blindness, particularly in the elderly. Surgery to replace the damaged lens with an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is essential to restore vision and quality of life. From February to August 2025, this project successfully provided surgeries for a total of 628 patients.

Equipment Challenges and Technical Necessity

Through the implementation of this project, it was discovered that the hospital’s current IOL measuring device (biometer) is malfunctioning due to heavy use. Usage statistics for the device are as follows:

• 2022: 959 uses
• 2023: 1,157 uses
• 2024: 1,405 uses
• 2025 (10 months): 1,519 uses

Every cataract surgery requires precise data from this machine to calculate the exact power of the lens required for the patient’s eye. The deterioration of the equipment has led to reduced efficiency, making it unable to keep up with the steadily increasing number of patients. This results in diagnostic delays and potential inaccuracies in calculations, directly impacting treatment quality and patient safety.

The 2026 Procurement Project

Therefore, to ensure precise lens power calculations and provide appropriate care, as well as to reduce waiting times for urgent surgeries and prevent avoidable blindness, the Maha Sarakham Provincial Red Cross Chapter has established the "IOL Measuring Device Procurement Project" for Maha Sarakham Hospital for the 2026 fiscal year.

This initiative aims to provide cataract patients with the necessary technology for successful lens replacement surgery, ultimately granting them a better quality of life and the return of their vision.

Budget

Procurement of one (1) A-B Scan IOL Measuring Device (Biometer) at a unit price of 1,200,000 Baht.

Purchase Intraocular Lens for elderly in Maha Sarakham Province.

Expected Outcomes

1.       Maha Sarakham Hospital will be equipped with a high-precision IOL measuring device for cataract patients requiring lens replacement surgery, resulting in restored vision and an improved quality of life.

2.       Reduced waiting times for patients requiring urgent surgery and a significant decrease in the incidence of avoidable blindness caused by cataracts.