Regional guide

Eye health in Indonesia

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

How review works · Official biography & credentials

Where to start

For routine care through JKN, start with your registered first-level facility (FKTP), such as a puskesmas or clinic. A doctor can refer you to an eye specialist when needed. For an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department (IGD) without waiting for a routine referral.

Referrals, eligibility and costs

Check active JKN membership, referral requirements and hospital participation with BPJS Kesehatan. Confirm the treatment and lens arrangements with the hospital; this guide cannot promise coverage.

Keep your eye-care appointments

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can develop before vision changes are noticeable. Ask your eye-care team which examinations you need and when to return. Your age, medical history, family history and previous results affect this plan.

When to seek immediate help

Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain over vision, a serious eye injury or severe eye pain needs immediate assessment. New flashes or suddenly increasing floaters need urgent eye care. Do not wait for a routine screening appointment.

Related topics for this region

Lymphatic filariasisA mosquito-spread parasitic disease targeted by WHO; endemic in parts of Indonesia and tropical regions, with rare eye complications.TrachomaA leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, spread by contact and flies; preventable with hygiene and WHO programmes.Vitamin A deficiency and the eyeLack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide.Cysticercosis and the eyeTapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease.Diabetic retinopathyDiabetes damages retinal vessels, often before you notice; screening finds treatable change — sudden floaters or vision loss are emergencies.GlaucomaOptic nerve damage often linked to eye pressure; the common type is silent until side vision is lost — regular tests are essential.CataractsAge-related clouding of the lens that blurs and glares; surgery is the only cure when daily life is affected — sudden vision loss is not typical cataract.Mass drug administrationHow WHO community treatment programmes distribute medicines to prevent trachoma and river blindness — public health, not self-treatment.Global eye healthWhy WHO targets trachoma, river blindness and vitamin A deficiency — and how prevention saves sight worldwide.Routine eye examsHow often to have your eyes checked, what happens at an exam, and when to see an optician versus an ophthalmologist.

Find care where you live

Choose a regional guide for local services and practical information.

Your language does not determine where you receive care. Choose the country or region where you live; every guide is available in English, Spanish and Indonesian.

Indonesia

Check active JKN membership, referral requirements and hospital participation with BPJS Kesehatan. Confirm the treatment and lens arrangements with the hospital; this guide cannot promise coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does choosing a language change the healthcare system?

No. Language and country are separate choices. Read in the language you understand best, and use the guide for the country or region where you receive care.