Eye Doctors in Pattaya

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has a dedicated ophthalmology department with modern equipment — consultations from 800–1,500 THB. Pattaya International Hospital offers comprehensive eye care with English-speaking doctors. Memorial Hospital (Pattaya) has an eye center with laser treatment capabilities. These major hospitals accept international insurance.

Standard eye exams cost 500–1,500 THB at hospitals, often less at optical shops. Exams include visual acuity, pressure (glaucoma screening), and retinal check. Bangkok Hospital offers comprehensive exams with digital imaging from 1,500–3,000 THB. Many optical shops (Top Charoen, Better Vision) offer free basic eye tests with a glasses purchase.

LASIK is available at major hospitals — Bangkok Hospital Pattaya performs LASIK from 30,000–60,000 THB per eye depending on technology (standard vs. femtosecond). Some patients travel to Bangkok's specialized eye hospitals (TRSC, Rutnin) for the latest wavefront-guided procedures from 40,000–80,000 THB per eye. Consultations determine candidacy.

Prescription glasses are remarkably affordable in Pattaya. Top Charoen Optical (multiple branches) offers frames from 1,500 THB with single-vision lenses included. Better Vision and other chains start from 1,200 THB. Premium frames (Ray-Ban, Oakley) with prescription lenses: 3,000–8,000 THB. Lenses are typically ready within 1–3 hours for standard prescriptions.

Daily disposable contacts (Acuvue, Bausch & Lomb) from 500–1,200 THB per box (30 lenses). Monthly lenses from 300–800 THB per pair. Cosmetic colored lenses from 200–500 THB per pair. Buy at optical shops, pharmacies (Boots, Watsons), or hospitals. A valid prescription is recommended but not always required for standard contacts.

Thailand's largest optical chain with several Pattaya branches — Central Festival, Royal Garden Plaza, and standalone shops. Comprehensive eye tests (free with purchase), wide frame selection from budget to designer, and fast lens cutting. Quality is reliable. Promotions frequently offer buy-one-get-one on frames. Open daily 10:00–21:00 in malls.

Smaller independent optical shops along Second Road and Soi Buakhao offer competitive prices — frames with lenses from 800–2,000 THB. Quality varies, so check lens coatings (anti-reflective, UV protection) are included. Some cater specifically to expats with European-style frames. Negotiating is common at independent shops.

Basic eye exam: 500–1,500 THB (free at some opticians). Single-vision glasses: 1,200–5,000 THB. Progressive/bifocal lenses: 3,000–12,000 THB. Sunglasses with prescription: 2,000–8,000 THB. Contact lens fitting: 500–1,000 THB. LASIK consultation: 1,000–2,000 THB. All prices are 50–70% cheaper than Western countries for comparable quality.

Hospital eye departments use internationally calibrated equipment and employ board-certified ophthalmologists. Major optical chains (Top Charoen) use Japanese and Korean lens-cutting machines — quality is excellent. For LASIK, only choose JCI-accredited hospitals. Check that lenses include anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protection coatings.

Bangkok Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital accept most international health insurance — present your card at registration. LASIK is typically not covered by insurance. Optical shops are cash or card payment only (no insurance). Keep receipts for potential reimbursement. Credit cards accepted at all hospitals and mall optical shops.

Hospital eye departments: book 1–3 days ahead, especially for specialist consultations. Walk-ins accepted but expect longer waits. Best times: weekday mornings (less crowded). LASIK consultations require appointment. Optical shops: walk-in anytime, glasses ready in 1–3 hours. Bring your current prescription or glasses for reference.

For eye emergencies (injury, sudden vision loss, severe pain), go directly to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya ER — open 24/7. Pattaya International Hospital also has emergency ophthalmology. Do not delay with eye emergencies. For less urgent issues (pink eye, irritation), pharmacies sell basic eye drops from 50–200 THB — pharmacists can advise.