Vision for All: Metta Pracharak Hospital Joins WHO in Advancing Eye Health in Thailand

6 October 2025
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Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing), a medical facility under Thailand's Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, well-known for its high-quality ophthalmology services is taking a leading role in Thailand’s national effort to improve eye health, working in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) under the SPECS 2030 initiative. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing avoidable vision impairment and ensuring equitable access to eye care services across all age groups. 

Vision is fundamental to overall health, quality of life, education, productivity, and well-being. Yet, uncorrected refractive errors—such as nearsightedness and farsightedness—remain one of the most common causes of visual impairment globally. These conditions are largely preventable through timely detection and the provision of corrective spectacles. 

In response to the growing need for comprehensive eye care, WHO passed Resolution WHA73.4, urging countries to integrate people-centred eye care into their national health systems. A cornerstone of this resolution is the SPECS 2030 initiative, which sets a global target: a 40-percentage point increase in effective refractive error coverage (eREC) by 2030.

Thailand’s Commitment

Thailand has embraced this challenge, recognizing that refractive errors continue to affect preschool, school-aged children, working adults, and the elderly. Despite existing services, gaps remain in:

  • Coverage and accessibility 
  • Affordability of corrective devices 
  • Public awareness and education

Metta Pracharak Hospital’s Role

As a key player in Thailand’s health system, Metta Pracharak Hospital is actively contributing to the national strategy by:

  • Expanding eye care services across the life course 
  • Integrating vision screening into routine health check-ups 
  • Improving referral and treatment systems 
  • Ensuring Universal access to affordable corrective lenses 
  • Training all levels of health personnel in eye and refractive care

The hospital also supports targeted interventions such as:
  • Early childhood vision screening 
  • Workplace-based screening for adults 
  • Outreach programs for older populations

To ensure accountability and impact, the project emphasizes data collection, monitoring, and evaluation of eREC progress. These efforts are vital for measuring success and guiding future improvements.

Crucially, the initiative aims to embed eye health into Thailand’s National Strategic Health Plan, securing long-term sustainability, resource allocation, and policy-level support.

By aligning with WHO’s SPEC2030 goals, Metta Pracharak Hospital and its partners reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to universal health coverage in eye care. This collaboration not only addresses a pressing public health issue but also enhances the quality of life for millions of Thais—ensuring that no one is left behind due to preventable vision impairment.