Major Eye Diseases in the Elderly of Buddharaksa Moral Community: Understanding, Care and State Welfare Access

This article examines the major eye diseases commonly found among the elderly, particularly in rural areas and moral communities, focusing on cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It analyzes age-related risk groups, diagnostic methods, treatment options and state welfare coverage under Thailand’s universal health care system, social security scheme and civil servant medical benefits. Findings indicate disparities in access to advanced ophthalmic technologies depending on hospital levels and geographic areas. Effective screening, referral systems and local government support (e.g., subdistrict administrative organizations and municipalities) are crucial to ensure proper elderly eye care. The article also proposes community-based interventions within the Buddharaksa Moral Community, such as annual vision screening campaigns and intergenerational learning forums, to empower the elderly as carriers of wisdom and sustain both health and moral values in society.