BBC contact lens investigation highlights dangers of online purchasing

Potential perils of purchasing contact lenses online were exposed in BBC Fake Britain investigation broadcast last Wednesday (August 14).

Anti-Counterfeit specialist TM Eye managing director David McKelvey received a tip off about potentially fake contact lenses being sold by an online retailer. McKelvey purchased some of the lenses sold on the site and sent them away for analysis, which later showed that the solution in the blister packaging was non-sterile.

The information led to authorities raiding the property where the unnamed website was based. Vast quantities of Freshlook branded contact lenses were seized, much of which appeared to be branded with CIBA Vision logos and CE marking.