ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – The Social Welfare Institute (IPS) Ophthalmology service has acquired a state-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device to address its persistent long waiting times. With this new equipment, patients who previously had to wait up to three months for eye examinations will now be able to receive them within 22 days.

One of the biggest complaints from IPS members has been the lengthy waiting period for ophthalmological examinations. Despite the introduction of a WhatsApp-based reservation system in late January, waiting times still stretched to three months, causing significant inconvenience for patients. To improve this situation, the IPS Ophthalmology service announced the acquisition of the latest OCT device, named 'Cirrus Instrument HD OCT 500', along with an anterior segment premier module. The official handover ceremony for the device took place yesterday, and it will be fully operational at IPS starting today.

Dr. Carlos Duarte, Head of Ophthalmology at the Central Hospital, explained, "This device is an Optical Coherence Tomographer, which is essential for the diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases, and it also has anterior segment and corneal modes."

The previous 18-year-old device could only process 120 examinations per week, effectively leaving the service in a state of paralysis. Dr. Duarte stated, "The previous equipment was slow and almost broken, causing delays of about three months, and could only examine an average of 120 patients per week. With the introduction of the new device, this examination capacity will double." IPS expects to significantly reduce examination waiting times from 90 days to 22 days as a result.

The new OCT device will be used to diagnose retinal and optic nerve diseases, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, optic atrophy, and optic disc edema. It will also be utilized for anterior chamber angle evaluation in glaucoma patients and for diagnosing corneal diseases. In private hospitals, this examination costs approximately 1,000,000 Guaranies (about 180,000 Korean Won).

This cutting-edge equipment, valued at approximately $54,000 (about 75 million Korean Won), was introduced to the IPS Central Hospital's Ophthalmology service through a cooperation agreement between IPS and María Auxiliadora University.

How to Make an Appointment 

Appointments for ophthalmological examinations can be made by sending a WhatsApp message to (0962) 354-837 or by visiting the IPS Central Hospital Ophthalmology Service office in person. WhatsApp reservations are available from Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This phone number is exclusively for booking ophthalmological examinations at the Central Hospital; other types of inquiries or phone calls are not accepted.

Regarding the WhatsApp reservation system, some patients have complained about not receiving responses. Dr. Carlos Duarte asked for understanding and patience, explaining, "A truly large number of insured members are requesting this type of examination, and this can be a problem due to the limited staff managing the WhatsApp reservation system."

Currently, over 20 types of ophthalmological examinations can be booked via WhatsApp. The main list of examinations includes:

Laser Procedures: Capsulotomy, Yag Laser, Iridectomy, Laser Panfotocoagulation

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests: AGF-Angiography, Campimetry, Ecobiometry, Retinal and Corneal Topography, Pachymetry, Pressure Curve, Microscopy / Lambda Test / PAM, OCT-Macula, OCT – Glaucoma, Gonioscopy, Funduscopy

Others: Oculoplasty, Orthoptic Exercises, Consultations related to Retina and Cornea, Neuro-Ophthalmology, and Glaucoma.

The introduction of this latest OCT device is expected to significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the IPS Ophthalmology service and drastically reduce patient waiting times, contributing to the provision of faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatments.