A TRUE STORY BEHIND HERO HEALTH
Time is precious.
Your eyesight is priceless.
In early September 2026, the vision in my left eye suddenly became cloudy because of a cataract. At first, I waited, hoping it might improve naturally. It did not.
I visited a private hospital because I hoped the problem could be treated immediately. Surgery was possible, but the estimated cost was approximately USD 2,500 for one eye.
I therefore used my Gold Card medical welfare at one of Thailand’s leading government hospital centres. I woke at 5:00 a.m., arrived at 6:00 a.m. to join the queue, followed the hospital procedures and finally saw the doctor at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Because I had completely lost useful vision in my left eye, I was given an urgent surgery appointment. Even then, the earliest available date was 22 November 2026—nearly three months later.
After living with vision in only one eye, my emotional wellbeing began to suffer. I realised that waiting several months was simply too long.
I searched for a more affordable private-hospital option and eventually found one. I attended an ophthalmologist consultation on Friday, 25 September and asked whether surgery could be performed that same day.
Fortunately, it was possible.
My cataract surgery was completed that afternoon. I returned home safely and received a follow-up appointment for the following Friday. The vision through my new intraocular lens became remarkably clear—even clearer than the vision in my right eye.
This experience led me to create HERO Health.
I realised that other patients—especially international patients unfamiliar with Thailand—might not know where to go, whom to contact or how to arrange everything quickly and affordably.
HERO Health was created to coordinate hospital appointments, local transportation, bilingual personal assistance and follow-up care, so other patients do not have to face the journey alone.
Vatistam (Thomas) PRUANGVIRIYA
Founder, HERO Health
