Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn chaired a planning meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall to prepare for the ‘Thai Red Cross Mobile Ophthalmic Surgery Clinic’, which will operate from May 17-22 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Also attending were Phuket Red Cross Society President Kusumal Pongsitthaworn and Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut, along with representatives from relevant government agencies.
The clinic will provide free eye examinations and surgeries for monks, nuns, religious figures of all faiths and underprivileged residents, with the aim of expanding access to specialist eye care services.
Officials at the meeting reviewed the operational plan for the programme, which brings a team of ophthalmologists equipped with mobile surgical units and modern medical equipment directly to local communities.
According to the schedule outlined, May 17 will be dedicated to site preparation and installation of medical systems. Outpatient examinations will begin at 6:30am on May 18, followed by pterygium surgeries in the afternoon.
From May 19 to May 21, doctors will carry out major procedures including cataract removal, glaucoma treatment, eyelid surgery and operations to treat lacrimal duct obstruction. Patients will be closely monitored following surgery.
Post-operative follow-up examinations will take place on May 22, with treatment records to be handed over to local health authorities to ensure continued care.
The meeting also focused on logistical preparations, including screening and registering patients in advance, arranging surgical and recovery areas, and deploying medical personnel and volunteers.
Officials discussed the need to ensure adequate supplies of equipment, medicines, food and drinking water, as well as coordinating transport and electrical systems at the site.
Governor Nirat instructed all agencies to accelerate public awareness efforts and conduct surveys to identify eligible patients, particularly among vulnerable groups, to ensure the services reach those most in need.
Authorities said the initiative is expected to significantly improve access to eye care and help enhance the quality of life for residents in Phuket and nearby provinces.