selling of contact lenses is illegal without prescription by qualified professionals. future violations will result in TS banning and automatic deletion of thread.
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Optical Regulator Wins Case Against Illegal Online Contact Lens Sales
Article Date: 04 Sep 2008 - 7:00 PDT
An Internet retailer was ordered to pay over £60,000 as the General Optical Council (GOC) successfully concluded a criminal prosecution for illegal sales of contact lenses.
Vision Direct pleaded guilty to six offences of selling contact lenses without a valid specification and without the supervision of a registered doctor or optician. Sale and supply of optical appliances are regulated under the Opticians Act.
Dian Taylor, acting chief executive of the GOC, said: "This is a significant result for the Council. The law is designed to protect consumers from eye health problems by ensuring that qualified professionals are involved in prescribing and selling contact lenses. We will continue to take action in the interest of public safety against companies who breach those rules."
"The GOC is currently investigating other alleged offences and will not hesitate to bring further prosecutions in the criminal courts should it be necessary. I would urge all other online retailers to ensure that their processes are compliant with the legislation."
All contact lenses should be fitted by a qualified optician or doctor, and lens wearers are advised to have regular check-ups.
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, and can potentially cause irritation and infection. Wearers could become intolerant, and not be able to use contact lenses in future. However, in the most serious cases, problems could result in vision loss and blindness.
Optical Regulator Wins Case Against Illegal Online Contact Lens Sales