Bangladesh Optometry: Fake Degrees are a Threat to Real Degree Holders

Optometry - vision science

In the rapidly growing field of eye care, Optometry has emerged as a vital profession, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. As the demand for qualified eye care professionals increases, so does the responsibility to ensure the integrity and credibility of this profession. However, in recent times, a dangerous trend has begun to surface, individuals claiming to be Optometrists with fake, unverifiable, or self-declared degrees. This is not only a serious ethical issue but also a direct threat to public health and the reputation of legitimately qualified professionals.

Across social media platforms and unregulated online news portals, a few self-proclaimed “Optometrists” have been actively portraying themselves as experts in the field without possessing valid educational credentials. Some even go as far as claiming degrees from reputed institutions abroad, such as in India, Australia, or the USA, when, upon investigation, no such records exist. These false representations often come without registration from relevant professional councils or societies.

In one such recent case, an individual named Mr. Sahadat Hossen Delower claimed to be a graduate from India’s renowned Elite School of Optometry and a completed OD from Melbourne University, a practitioner trained abroad. When verified with the concerned institution, no academic record of the said person was found. Despite being confronted with evidence, he continued to mislead the public through Facebook and WhatsApp, claiming to have sent students abroad and received prestigious awards, without any factual basis.

These false claimants damage the image and trustworthiness of the entire Optometry community. Genuine professionals spend years attaining academic qualifications, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Ph.D. degrees, followed by practical training and internships. They register with national councils and adhere to a strict code of ethics. When unqualified individuals start practising without such credentials, it diminishes the value of real degrees and puts patients at risk.

Besides, these fake degree holders often exploit media channels to build false narratives and target senior professionals out of personal vendetta or competition. Such propaganda not only distracts from the real work being done in the field but also confuses the public regarding who is genuinely qualified to provide eye care.

In Bangladesh, as in most countries, practising as a health professional without a valid certification is illegal. Promoting oneself falsely as an Optometrist is a punishable offence under various laws, including the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Ordinance, the Consumer Protection Act, the Cybercrime and Defamation Laws

Practising optometry without proper registration and qualification is illegal under many health regulatory frameworks across the world. In Bangladesh, however, the regulation of the optometry profession is still in its developing stage. While the Bangladesh Optometry Society (BOS) and the Institute of Community Students and the Optometrist Forum, other emerging platforms are working towards establishing a standard for education and licensing, enforcement remains weak.

Fake degree holders often exploit this regulatory vacuum, using self-made online platforms, unofficial certificates, or foreign university logos to convince the public and even employers of their false credibility.

In the case of Mr. Delower, not only did he present unverified academic credentials, but he also falsely claimed to have placed multiple students in India, Australia and the USA and misused the names of reputed institutions in his promotional materials. Such fraud can potentially be classified under cybercrime, identity fraud, and impersonation under national and international laws.

Moreover, the use of unregistered news portals and fake media outlets to propagate such falsehoods only adds another layer of legal complexity. Many such platforms do not follow Press Council regulations and often operate without proper editorial oversight.

To protect the sanctity of the profession, regulatory bodies such as the Bangladesh Optometry Society (BOS), Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO), and World Council of Optometry (WCO) must play a more active role in identifying and reporting such fake practitioners. These organisations should: Maintain a verified registry of qualified professionals, promote public awareness about who is a certified Optometrist, take legal action against those misrepresenting the profession, Collaborate with law enforcement and cybercrime units to curb misinformation

This issue requires collective responsibility. Real Optometrists must come forward to expose such frauds with evidence and maintain ethical standards. Patients must be made aware of how to verify a practitioner’s qualifications. Universities and institutions must protect the misuse of their name and act legally against impersonators.

Also, concerned citizens should refrain from sharing or believing unverified claims made on social media. Always verify the degree, affiliation, and registration status of an eye care professional before seeking treatment or guidance.

The rise of fake Optometrists in Bangladesh is a serious concern that threatens both public health and the credibility of dedicated professionals. It is time to act decisively against those who misuse the profession for personal gain, mislead the public, and disrespect years of education, research, and clinical service.

Optometry is a science-based profession rooted in evidence, ethics, and education. Let us uphold its dignity by ensuring that only those with real, verifiable qualifications represent it. As professionals, we must safeguard our field from imposters, for the sake of our patients, our peers, and the future of eye care in Bangladesh.

Uttara, Dhaka