Where to get an eye test, prescription glasses and contact lenses in Ubon Ratchathani — mall optical chains, Ubonrak Thonburi Hospital, Ratchathani Hospital and PRINC Hospital, and honest costs in baht and dollars — a practical guide for expats, digital nomads and DTV, LTR and retirement visa holders.
Ubon Ratchathani's eyewear scene runs through its two shopping centres and its cluster of private hospitals: mall optical chains at Central Ubon and Robinson near Sunee Tower cover routine glasses, contacts and free eye tests with a purchase, while Ubonrak Thonburi, Ratchathani and PRINC hospitals run ophthalmology departments for medical eye care. Below is where to go, what it costs in baht, and how to plan a visit.
Central Ubon and Robinson Ubon Ratchathani near Sunee Tower each host national optical chains — Better Vision, TOP Charoen and Isoptik are typical — with English-speaking staff, a free eye test with purchase and no appointment needed. This is the simplest option for most expats and long-stayers in the city.
A number of independent optical shops around Sunee Tower and the Warin market area serve local and long-stay foreign residents at prices comparable to or below the mall chains.
One of Ubon's established private hospitals runs an ophthalmology department with English-speaking staff — a common first call for anything beyond a routine prescription.
Both hospitals run eye care alongside their broader private medical services, giving foreign residents a choice of provider without leaving the province.
For a straightforward pair of glasses, any reputable mall chain or established independent will do a solid job. Look for modern testing equipment, a clear written price list and lenses from recognised brands; Ubon's expat and nomad Facebook groups are the fastest way to get a current recommendation.
Indicative shop prices — actual costs vary by frame, lens brand and prescription. USD figures are approximate (around ฿36 = $1); frames and lenses are usually priced separately, so confirm with a written quote before ordering.
| Item | THB | USD (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic eye test | Free - ฿300 | $0 - 8 | Usually free with a glasses purchase at mall chains |
| Complete single-vision glasses | ฿1,500 - 4,000 | $42 - 110 | Frame + standard lenses; often same-day |
| Progressive (varifocal) glasses | ฿4,000 - 12,000 | $110 - 335 | Depends heavily on lens brand and design |
| Lens upgrade (anti-reflective / blue-light) | ฿500 - 2,500 | $14 - 70 | Added to base lens price |
| High-index / thin lenses | ฿1,500 - 5,000 | $42 - 140 | For stronger prescriptions; per pair |
| Prescription sunglasses | ฿2,000 - 6,000 | $56 - 170 | Tinted or polarised prescription lenses |
| Monthly contact lenses (box) | ฿400 - 1,200 | $11 - 33 | Per box; daily disposables cost more |
| Full medical eye exam (hospital) | ฿1,000 - 3,000 | $28 - 85 | Ophthalmologist consult; more with imaging |
The optical chains inside Central Ubon and Robinson take walk-ins with English-speaking staff, and Ubonrak Thonburi, Ratchathani and PRINC hospitals all take phone or walk-in bookings for eye care. Message ahead in English or via LINE for independent shops.
Routine eyewear and eye tests are almost always paid out of pocket, and Ubon's prices are low enough that most long-stayers simply self-fund. If your retirement-visa or LTR insurance includes an optical allowance, keep your receipts and check which of the three hospitals your insurer's network covers.
If you already have a current prescription from home, bring it — shops will happily work from it. If not, ask for a printed copy of your eye-test results after any exam so you can re-order lenses or contacts later.
Simple single-vision glasses are often ready the same day or within 24-48 hours; progressive or specialist lenses take a few days. Contact lenses and solutions are widely stocked at both malls.
There is no rule tied to any visa category — retirement, LTR, DTV, marriage and Non-B visa holders all use the same shops and hospitals and pay the same way.
The easiest options are the optical chains inside Central Ubon and Robinson Ubon Ratchathani near Sunee Tower, which have English-speaking staff, a free eye test with purchase and no appointment needed. For medical eye examinations, Ubonrak Thonburi, Ratchathani and PRINC hospitals all run eye care alongside their broader private services.
A complete pair of single-vision glasses typically runs ฿1,500-4,000 (about USD 42-110), progressive/varifocal glasses ฿4,000-12,000 depending on the lens, and a basic eye test is usually free with a purchase. Frames and lenses are priced separately, so ask for a written quote before ordering.
Yes. The mall optical chains and Ubon's three private hospitals — Ubonrak Thonburi, Ratchathani and PRINC — have English-speaking staff for routine and medical eye care respectively, and eye tests are usually free with a glasses purchase.
No. There is no visa rule tied to eyewear or eye care. DTV, LTR, retirement, Non-B, Elite and tourist visitors all use the same optical shops and pay out of pocket, and Thai residency or a work permit is not required to get an eye test or order glasses.
Simple single-vision glasses are often ready the same day or within 24-48 hours; progressive, high-index or specialist lenses usually take a few days. If you are on a shorter stay, tell the shop your dates and most can prioritise the order. Contact lenses and solutions are widely stocked and available immediately.
Primary and official sources are cited above. Government rules, fees and procedures in Thailand change over time and vary by office; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before relying on them. BAANLYY never takes paid placement in editorial content.
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