New regulation from May 1 in British Columbia makes it easier for residents to purchase spectacles and contact lenses over the internet.
The announcement from health services minister Kevin Falcon included removal of most of the restrictions that allow only opticians, optometrists or workers supervised by them to dispense glasses or CLs. Under the Health Professions Act they will be required to include the pupillary distance in a prescription or sight test assessment, as well as giving clients a copy of the Rx free of charge. Those ordering online will not have to give the seller a copy of their Rx.
This has prompted fears in the profession that someone could renew their glasses prescription for 50 years without having their eyes examined, according to The Victoria Times Colonist.
It reported that the clarification in the legislation came about as a result of a court case between Vancouver-based Coastal Contacts and the College of Opticians of BC.
Coastal Contacts president Roger Hardy argued that consumers are better served when optometrists are distanced from the marketing of eyewear.