Eye test in BKK to renew AU driver’s licence

[Nemises]

My Australian (NSW) driver’s licence expires before I can get back there. They will let me renew it online - providing I get an eye test done here. 

Has anyone done or does anyone know where in BKK I can do said test?

 

I’ve been to the Bangkok Vision Centre (Suk Rd next to Emquartier) but they don’t have all of the necessary testing equipment to meet NSW’s requirements. 

 

 

 

 

[NanLaew]

I can't imagine a Thai optometrist not having all the NSW needs. Opticians maybe.

 

Looking at Bangkok Vision Centre's FB, they claim to be an optometrist so I'm surprised they don't do all that's needed. Maybe you need to seek out a standalone optometrist rather than one that works for an opticians. If a shop's main business is selling designer frames, they may not be up for a doing a more comprehensive eye examination.

[Nemises]

8 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I can't imagine a Thai optometrist not having all the NSW needs. Opticians maybe.

 

Looking at Bangkok Vision Centre's FB, they claim to be an optometrist so I'm surprised they don't do all that's needed. 

Attached confirms Bangkok Vision Centre (BVC) does not and cannot do the RF test needed by NSW. 

BVC’s proprietors name is shown at the bottom of the report.

 

 

[theoldgit]

Maybe contact this company, they're highly recomended, they speak very good English and will no doubt be able to advise if they're compliant.

 

https://www.siamoptic.com/eng/

 

https://www.facebook.com/siamoptical/?ref=bookmarks

[NanLaew]

Bangkok Hospital specifically mentions the Visual Field test.

 

"Services include comprehensive vision tests to evaluate eyesight; refractive eye surgery to eliminate the need for corrective lenses; visual field testing and intraocular pressure measurement to detect glaucoma; and advanced treatments for a range of conditions including diabetic eye diseases, glaucoma and cataracts."

 

Best to email or call and confirm.

 

2 Soi Soonvijai 7,
New Petchburi Rd., Huaykwang,
Bangkok 10310 Thailand

+662 310 3000 or 1719

[email protected]

 

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/center-clinic/eye-and-ent/bangkok-eye-center?info=overview

[Nemises]

You bewdy! Thanks NL and The OG. ❤️ 

[BananaGuy]

I'm a little bit interested in this ... perhaps you could post details of what it is is the local people can't help with.

 

The walk-in RTA eye test is simply reading a chart at x metres with each and both eyes in turn.

 

As far as i know, the online application eye-test details are similarly easy ... they simply ask a doctor/optician to certify you can read an eyechart.

 

Does the RTA send you something special if you are renewing from outside Oz?

 

 

[biggles45]

I have Glaucoma in one eye and have had the Field Vision Test in oz many times at an eye specialist, cost was $150+. I would be surprised if an optician had the specialized equpment needed. Opticians in oz have the pressure test capability often done with an eye test, not sure about in BKK tho

[kokopelli]

Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok has all the specialized equipment for an eye test. Here is their website:

 

https://www.rutnin.com/en/home/index.php

[Nemises]

3 hours ago, BananaGuy said:

I'm a little bit interested in this ... perhaps you could post details of what it is is the local people can't help with.

 

The walk-in RTA eye test is simply reading a chart at x metres with each and both eyes in turn.

 

As far as i know, the online application eye-test details are similarly easy ... they simply ask a doctor/optician to certify you can read an eyechart.

 

Does the RTA send you something special if you are renewing from outside Oz?

 

 

Yes, they will send you the report that the optometrist needs to complete (attached). 
 

Due to proximity I went to the aforementioned Siam Optic and they had all the necessary equipment (that BKK Vision Center didn’t) to complete the report. Pretty sure all other mentioned hospital eye clinics will also have the required equipment. 
 

Not sure why all the extra testing is required on this report compared to the very basic “read a chart from a distance, then do it with each eye covered” tests at their service centres…
 

Thanks again to those who assisted. 

 

[berrec]

<deleted>, I wish I had known about this eye test information early this year; my NSW licence which I have held for decades expired in March of this year.

 

Heading back to Aus when I can (post COVID) from the LOS for a family visit I will now have to go through the whole NSW re-licencing fasaco testing. 

 

Just recently renewed my Thai licence for the next 5  years so at least I can hire a car back in Aus. 

[StevieAus]

I cannot help you with locations but I live in Chiang Mai Province and went to see my local eye doctor who checks my eyes each year.

I read the normal eye chart both wearing and not wearing the glasses I use for driving.

He typed the results on his letterhead

For NSW you need to email to [email protected].

au

Make sure you add your name and driving licence no

I received no confirmation from them but about 2 weeks later rang 61 13 2213 and was told it had been approved

[natway09]

Any good hospital or Rutnin in Asoke 

[Nemises]

38 minutes ago, berrec said:

<deleted>, I wish I had known about this eye test information early this year; my NSW licence which I have held for decades expired in March of this year.

 

Some good news for you!
 

You’re able to renew it online for up to 6 months after it expired ????

 

 

 

 

 

[BananaGuy]

On 6/30/2021 at 7:16 PM, berrec said:

<deleted>, I wish I had known about this eye test information early this year; my NSW licence which I have held for decades expired in March of this year.

 

Heading back to Aus when I can (post COVID) from the LOS for a family visit I will now have to go through the whole NSW re-licencing fasaco testing. 

 

Just recently renewed my Thai licence for the next 5  years so at least I can hire a car back in Aus. 

You'll probably find they'll still renew your old one ... RTA has got a lot friendlier since they re-badged as 'Service NSW'.

 

My advice, don't volunteer that you're non-resident ... just front up and say it's expired ... go in person to your old address Service NSW office if possible ... only fly in the ointment maybe if they insist on mailing it to your old address in Oz.

[BananaGuy]

On 6/30/2021 at 3:33 PM, Nemises said:

Yes, they will send you the report that the optometrist needs to complete (attached). 
 

Due to proximity I went to the aforementioned Siam Optic and they had all the necessary equipment (that BKK Vision Center didn’t) to complete the report. Pretty sure all other mentioned hospital eye clinics will also have the required equipment. 
 

Not sure why all the extra testing is required on this report compared to the very basic “read a chart from a distance, then do it with each eye covered” tests at their service centres…
 

Thanks again to those who assisted. 

 

Thanks for that ... looks like the standard thing they send out to residents when a simple walk-in renewal is not applicable.

 

I walk-in to renew a car license and get the 'read a chart' thing

I get a bus license renewal and get one of those forms

I renew out-of-state and get one of those forms.

 

 

Still a bit surprised it was so difficult to find a Thai optician to complete it.

[BananaGuy]

On 6/30/2021 at 7:16 PM, berrec said:

<deleted>, I wish I had known about this eye test information early this year; my NSW licence which I have held for decades expired in March of this year.

 

Heading back to Aus when I can (post COVID) from the LOS for a family visit I will now have to go through the whole NSW re-licencing fasaco testing. 

 

Just recently renewed my Thai licence for the next 5  years so at least I can hire a car back in Aus. 

Actually, it's better than you or i thought ... the 6 month limit is online only ...

 

Show up in person you got up to 5 years expired license without re-sitting test ... they choose to call the new one 'reissued' is all.

 

So you should be OK unless the queue to get into Oz doesn't blow out to 4.5 years. Morrison gets back in that's possible.

 

From the Whirlpool.net.au site (worth looking there for any Oz-related stuff ... it's huge) ...

 

A quick search of the RTA site would have answered that question for you:

Early renewal of licences
The RTA can process an application for early renewal of a licence up to six months before the expiry date of the licence.

Renewal of licences within five years after the expiry date
If a customer applies to renew a licence within six months after the expiry date of the previous licence, the licence is backdated, provided the previous licence had not been cancelled or that the customer had not been disqualified from driving since the issue of the previous licence.

Licences that are expired for more than six months but less than five years cannot be renewed, but may be reissued. This is because the tenure period is broken. A fresh licence is issued commencing from the date of application.

[Liverpool Lou]

19 hours ago, BananaGuy said:

Still a bit surprised it was so difficult to find a Thai optician to complete it.

He only tried one!

[big dendrobenaes]

try the eye clinic near Ekamai BTS......

[Seeall]

I dont know about NSW but SA for me was like this:

 

Can let it expire up to 5 years then go visit them, in my case my hansome photo needed updating after 10 years so I went, they confirmed it would have been an issue beyond the 5 years.

Obviously I could not have used it.. but I live here...

I guess it could be the same for eye tests... how old are you?

[lujanit]

Dr. Paradon at St. Louis Hospital (Surasak, on the Bang Wa BTS line) is an ophthalmologist who has all sorts of equipment.  Last I used him 1600 baht for a comprehensive consultation.  Speaks excellent English.

[mark5335]

On 6/30/2021 at 12:33 PM, Nemises said:

Yes, they will send you the report that the optometrist needs to complete (attached). 
 

Due to proximity I went to the aforementioned Siam Optic and they had all the necessary equipment (that BKK Vision Center didn’t) to complete the report. Pretty sure all other mentioned hospital eye clinics will also have the required equipment. 
 

Not sure why all the extra testing is required on this report compared to the very basic “read a chart from a distance, then do it with each eye covered” tests at their service centres…
 

Thanks again to those who assisted. 

 

Hi, I need to submit my eyesight test to Service NSW within the next month. However, despite conducting numerous online searches I have been unable to locate and download the Eyesight Report form. I also emailed Service NSW and whilst they answered some of my queries they ignored others including my request for the form.

 

Therefore, would you kindly share a link of where you received the form, thanks.

[mark5335]

On 9/17/2021 at 12:01 PM, mark5335 said:

Hi, I need to submit my eyesight test to Service NSW within the next month. However, despite conducting numerous online searches I have been unable to locate and download the Eyesight Report form. I also emailed Service NSW and whilst they answered some of my queries they ignored others including my request for the form.

 

Therefore, would you kindly share a link of where you received the form, thanks.

Can ignore my above post, as I now have received a copy of the correct eyesight test form from Service NSW.

[walailak]

On 9/20/2021 at 11:27 AM, mark5335 said:

Can ignore my above post, as I now have received a copy of the correct eyesight test form from Service NSW.

Good Morning do you hsve that copy of the correct eyesight test? 

 

I've been on the phone to service nsw twice this morning regrading wife's and mine nsw licence. 

I was told, since we are able to renew it online, just do it and then they will send you a letter asking for the eye test to submitted within 8weeks. 

I asked the operator if it's OK to do the test here the same day we renew the license. She said yes you can just email it bsck to them. 

It's just an eye test able to read the chart thsts all. 

 

Not sure if they will send a specific form to fill in by an optometrist since they simply ask a doctor/optician to certify you can read an eyechart.

 

The worst case can happen is if don't approved the simple letter to certify that you can read a chart, is for them to suspend the licence until you get back to Sydney and do that test at the service nsw centre. 

 

All that just because both of us just turn 45 ????

[mark5335]

The eye test is far more rigorous that then one usually done at the Service NSW counter. Attached is the form they sent me 2 months ago. My ophthalmologist in BKK took the test quite seriously and reviewed all the instructional notes behind the one-pager form, and it took about 40 minutes in total to complete including waiting for various machines to become available. The unexpected item was the 'binocular vision field test' for which the hospital charged as a separate item 800 baht for using the special equipment. After emailing the signed/completed form back to Service NSW it took them about 5 business days to revert with their decision to accept the test.

Eyesight Report (1).pdf

[walailak]

Hello forum, 

Just an update. 

We were able to find a local optisian here in North of Bangkok, and he made an eyesight report in English certifying that my wife can read an eyechart as advised from Service NSW call centre, 

We just email it today to service nsw and will wait for few days before ringing thrn to see if it's acceptable /approved.

 

This is for my wife nsw gold driving licence expired 25 November 2021 (mine expires in March). 

 

If tjey accepted it then I will go ahead and renew her licence online through service nsw app. 

 

Few for the service!! Free!! (Only cause my sister in law is a regular.) 

But they will not charge much for it, I heard less than 400 baht roughly!! 

 

We tried so many places with not much success, and the ones they do it where asking for 2-3,000 Baht at least. 

 

Hope this helps others.

 

If anyone wants the local optisian number/details please send private msg. 

????????

[walailak]

Good afternoon everyone, 

Just a quick update... 

 

Just got off the phone to Service NSW, my wife's eyesight report was accepted and we were told to go ahead and renew her nsw gold licence asap,

which I am about to do. 

Good for another 5 years ????????????????

Hopefully this will help others