History of the Ophthalmic Special Equipment Center
In the past, eye examinations primarily relied on basic ophthalmic instruments operated by nurses or ophthalmologists. However, with the rapid advancement of medical technology, sophisticated diagnostic equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for retinal imaging and Visual Field Testing instruments have become essential tools to support ophthalmologists in achieving more accurate and precise diagnoses.
As Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing) serves as a national-level Referral Center, the hospital recognized the importance of establishing specialized personnel dedicated to operating and managing these advanced ophthalmic technologies.
As the number of patients increased, the Ophthalmic Special Equipment Center expanded its operations and relocated to the Lert Pracharak Building, a modern facility that integrates comprehensive ophthalmic services. Originally established as a supporting unit, the center has evolved into a learning and training hub that develops specialized ophthalmic equipment personnel for hospitals nationwide, including both public and private healthcare institutions.
The center has also transformed traditional ophthalmic examinations into a Digital Big Data-driven approach, supporting data collection, analysis, and innovation. The development of the AI Fundus Project, which applies artificial intelligence technology for retinal disease screening, represents a significant milestone in advancing the center toward international standards and excellence in ophthalmic care.
