Doctors set eye treatment standard

Doctors set eye treatment standard

Thailand set the first Guinness world record for providing mass treatment for people with eye diseases at Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi in Ayutthaya on Sunday.

Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard

Deputy Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew said the world's largest mass treatment of visual impairment, organised by the Ministry of Public Health, the Medical Council of Thailand and King Prajadhipok's Institute, drew 50 ophthalmologists and 450 patients, mostly the elderly suffering from the symptoms of cataracts.

The eye doctors provided standard treatments for the visually impaired patients in only one hour -- from 11am to noon – including performing surgeries.  

The organisers issued appointment documents for some patients who were not ready to receive on-site surgery so that they could be treated for free. 

The record-keeping group earlier estimated the doctors would be able to treat a maximum 140 patients. 

Guinness World Records sent an official adjudicator to verify the record, Dr Chonlanan said.

The event, the first of its kind, was organised to help treat needy people with eye problems. It was also used to practice a mass natural disaster drill by giving the medical profession an opportunity to prepare for special emergencies.  

The event drew a total of 5,000 patients seeking medical services from 300 medical specialists in 20 fields such as dermatology, cardiology and neurology. 

Sunday’s gathering, the world’s largest of medical volunteers providing free mobile medical services, comprised doctors from four main organisations: the Public Health Ministry, university medical faculties, police-military medical agencies and the private sector.

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