LASIK - Surgical Tourism

Sin_Chase

Sin_Chase

Sin_Chase

Soldato
Joined
13 Jan 2004
Posts
21,276
Evening all.

Short story - I am in Thailand, Phuket for 4 months, got a serrrrious case of viral conjunctivitis which has seen me in and out of Phuket Inernational Hospital for treatment. Hopefully soon on the mend after some huge injections and new meds.

Silver lining being I saw a December promotional offer in the eye clinic. LASIK surgery for 49,000 Thai Baht, both eyes. This is a little over £1000....half what I would pay in Jersey for the same, if not a 3rd in some cases.

Now, I am here long enough for any and all immediate aftercare, it's exceptionally cheap compared to home, Phuket International Hospital is also excellent so I have no real worries about the 'quality' of care.

The question I am asking is has anyone else partaken in surgical tourism, did you have any complications as a result of having work done in another country, do you regret it?

I've been considering getting pewpewed in the eyes for years, and the coincidence has made me seriously consider taking the plunge, especially for a grand.

Compared to what I pay yearly for lenses I would be paying off 10-15% of the surgery cost every year.

Am I mad?
 
I got it done here in the UK, but my immediate concern is that you have no after care if something goes wrong a few months down the line.

Also is this the best time to have it done, after a serious eye infection?!
 
I wouldn't. The rate of complications after LASIK isn't high, but it isn't exactly low either, and you'll want some really good follow-up.
 
I haven't got any advice but for me personally my eye-sight is not worth taking any risk with, no matter how small. To me the prospect of little/no support should anything crop up later is too much of a risk.
 
I am here till March and any aftercare beyond that is accessible back home at other establishments also.

Regarding the infection, I would not have it done unless given the absolute all-clear by the MD. They may say do not bother at all, in which case no worries.

I will be chatting briefly with the hospital tomorrow about it to get a grip on what is feasible.
 
Rusty_Noob said:
OT: You training Muay-Thai again?
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Yup.

Kinda annoyed at not being able to train because of this infection though. It's another consideration for the surgery also, if they say I cannot do any training for months afterwards then it's a no go anyway. If healing is possible in a few weeks for non sparring training then that is acceptable.
 
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Xordium said:
Personally I think yes - you don't take a chance on your eyes to save £1000.
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Is he taking a risk?
Uk healthcare isn't the best in the world, not that laser eye surgery is done by nhs.
I would be weary but you seem happy with your other treatment.
Is there a forum specialising in such stuff and could find out about which machines are used, or stats for the clinic and other relevant stuff.
 
Xordium said:
Personally I think yes - you don't take a chance on your eyes to save £1000. Where are you training at?
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I don't think he's taking a chance really. The hospitable will do just a good a job if not better, than many of the high street places in the UK.

I say go for it. It'll be fine and it's ridiculously safe.
 
My friend had his done in Phuket about 8 years ago now, when he was working out there. He has never had any problems. I had mine done over here and I wouldn't travel somewhere specifically to get it done just in case something did go wrong, because of access to the aftercare. Since you're living there, you won't have that problem.

It's not the cost by the way, it's the convenience of not having to wear specs. It's difficult to justify it purely on financial grounds because it's not what it's about.
 
It's more like saving ~£2000 and the quality of the treatment/equipment is just as good as back home. I am currently at Rawai Muay Thai.

Will see what the MD says tomorrow!
 
Jonny69 said:
It's not the cost by the way, it's the convenience of not having to wear specs. It's difficult to justify it purely on financial grounds because it's not what it's about.
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Agreed.

Contacts are a PAIN when practising Muay Thai though. I lost a contact on the ring floor last week when I took a straight jab to the face...not particularly powerful one either. If I ever wish to compete it's a liability, and a huge disadvantage to fight without corrected vision.

I am not worried about the quality of care here, the hospital is 10291029x better than any UK/Jersey one I have been in. I literally had a team of staff members helping me register at the hospital and take me to the correct departments. I was in, registered, seen, treated, and out with meds within 90 minutes having never been before.

She took photos while she examined my current condition and put them up on a huge wallmounted flatscreen LCD and walked me though what she saw and what it meant. I had less comprehensive treatment in Jersey when a battery exploded in my face and burnt in my eyes.

The kit list is on the relevant websites. They use VISX STAR S4™ Excimer Laser (Which means nothing to me :D) and have wave-front guidance available if appropriate.

I do not mind contacts all that much..partly because I am a little 'naughty' with my wear habits. I always forget to take them out at night and long-wear them more than I should. Swimming is a pain also, I've lost a fair few contacts at the beach since starting to wear them years ago.

Will see what the MD says and give it some serious thought based on her feedback.
 
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