BCLA clamps down on plano lens 'grey area'

Purchasing novelty contact lenses online for this year’s Halloween without being fitted by a qualified practitioner poses a serious risk, stressed the British Contact Lens Association.

The BCLA has lobbied for compulsory supervision amid a ‘grey area’ that means plano lenses are considered to be cosmetic as opposed to medical devices, despite them physically being no different to powered contact lenses.

Dr Catharine Chisholm, immediate past president of the BCLA, said: ‘It is important that members of the public are aware that plano novelty contact lenses are used in the same way as non-cosmetic [prescription] lenses. Patients should be informed that if they want to attain optimum health, vision and comfort benefits, then these lenses should be fitted by a suitably qualified practitioner.