The President of the Optometry Association of Thailand has appealed to the Parliamentary Health Committee to address delays in professional legislation, which impede the development of the profession and fail to accommodate graduates with advanced degrees from overseas.
On 18 June 2026, Sakolthee Pattiyakul, Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, received a complaint letter from the President of the Optometry Association of Thailand, urging action to resolve delays in professional legislation, halt the issue of unlicensed practitioners impersonating professionals, and prevent negative impacts on optometrists and the public.
Sakolthee Pattiyakul, Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, received a complaint from Dr. Danai Tankerdmongkol, President of the Optometry Association of Thailand, regarding the adverse effects caused by delays in government agencies' operations, which have resulted in unfair treatment of optometrists nationwide.
The complaint letter highlighted that although Thailand has had educational programs in optometry since 2002, producing many graduates, government agencies such as the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, lack clear legislation supporting the optometry profession. This absence of direct professional committees and progress in advancing the profession's status has prevented the establishment of academic and official positions, forcing graduates to work in roles unrelated to their field. This results in disparities in compensation across public and private sectors, hindering professional development and failing to support graduates with advanced degrees from abroad. Moreover, the slow process of renewing medical practice licenses has affected the work and oversight by local health officials.
These issues also impact the public as service recipients, who face decreased confidence and safety due to the lack of regulatory laws. This gap allows outsiders to impersonate optometrists and deceive the public, with no clear way to verify whether providers hold valid licenses. Consequently, victims lack protection of their rights when harmed. The Association requests relevant authorities to urgently consider and promote optometry professional legislation to develop the profession, prevent misconduct, and protect the rights and interests of service users.