Eye Health in the Priests and Novices
in Central Bangkok
Sombat Srisuwanporn MD*
Sukhontha Pattamasing na Ayutaya MD*, Sorot Wutthiphan MD*,
Suvit Ratanasirintrawut MD*, Nisa Sothornwit MD*,
Watanee Jenchitr MD*, Chalao Pongprayoon MD*
Affiliation :
* Department of Ophthalmology, Priest Hospital
Background : Early detection and proper management of eye diseases in priests and novices is cost effective,
and minimize serious ocular damage and permanent loss of vision. Therefore, the Department of Ophthalmology,
Priest Hospital set-up an eye examination project for the priests and novices who came for physical examina-
tion. The laboratory test was part of the Sustained and Holistic Healthcare Program for Priests and Novices
as Commemoration of His Majesty the King’s 60 Years of Accession to the Throne.
Objective : To evaluate eye health status and screening for refractive error in priests and novices and to
provide free spectacles and eye health education to fulfill the criteria of voluntary Buddhist eye health
workers.
Material and Method: Between February and June 2006, the Department of Ophthalmology, Priest Hospital
conducted eye examination for the priests and novices in 28 temples in central Bangkok. The priest and
novices with refractive error and abnormal eye examination received appointment for repeated refraction and
complete eye examination in Priest Hospital.
Results : Six hundred forty nine priests and novices had complete eye examination. Normal visual acuity
(Snellen VA 20/20) was found in 355 (54.69%) cases. The most common eye diseases were refractive error with
294 cases (45.30%), cataract with 41 cases (6.32%), glaucoma with 10 cases (1.54%) and vitreoretinal
diseases, which included diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and branch retinal venous
occlusion with eight cases (1.23%). Three novices had amblyopia (0.46%).
Conclusion : Most of the priests and novices in central Bangkok had good eye health. Half of the eye problems
were refractive errors. Since most of other eye diseases reported in priests were associated with aging and
systemic diseases as hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease, regular ophthalmic examination
should be provided in this risk group. Eye health education should be provided for sustainable eye health
development as voluntary eye health workers in Buddhism.
Keywords : Priest, Novices, Eye health, Eye screening, Eye health education, Central Bangkok, Voluntary eye
health worker in Buddhism
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