ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY – The Ophthalmology Service of the Social Security Institute (IPS) has acquired a state-of-the-art Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device to tackle its chronic waiting list issue. With this new equipment, patients who previously had to wait up to three months for eye exams will now be able to receive them within 22 days.

One of the biggest complaints from IPS members has been the long waiting times for ophthalmological examinations. Despite the introduction of a WhatsApp-based appointment system at the end of January, waiting times remained at 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 Instrumet HD OCT 500', along with an anterior segment premier module. This equipment was officially received yesterday and 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 Tomograph, which is essential for the diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases, and it also features anterior segment and corneal modes."

The previous 18-year-old outdated equipment could only process 120 examinations per week, effectively leaving the service paralyzed.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

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

This cutting-edge equipment, valued at approximately $54,000 (approximately 75,000,000 Korean Won), was introduced to the IPS Central Hospital 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 appointments are available Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 3 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 appointment system, some patients have complained about not receiving responses. Dr. Carlos Duarte asked for understanding and patience, explaining, "A very large number of insured members are requesting these types of examinations, and this issue may arise due to the limited personnel managing the WhatsApp appointment system."

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

Laser Procedures: capsulotomy, YAG laser, iridotomy, laser panphotocoagulation.

Imaging Tests and Diagnostics: AGF-angiography, campimetry, ecobiometry, retinal and corneal topography, pachymetry, pressure curve, microscopy / lambda test / PAM, OCT-macula, OCT – glaucoma, gonioscopy, fundus examination.

Others: oculoplasty, orthoptic exercises, consultations related to retina, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology, and glaucoma, among others.

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