Concerns have been expressed after Bausch+Lomb's decision to cease manufacturing, distribution and sales of Fluorets globally.
Practitioners have until May at the latest before current supplies of the fluorescein sodium ophthalmic strips run out, B+L confirmed last week. Possible alternative products were deemed more expensive by the British Contact Lens Association.
Representatives from optics have asked B+L to reconsider, but to no avail. 'The Optical Confederation is also very concerned about the impact this could have on running costs for optical practices and is actively seeking alternative sources of supply although this may not be easy,' a joint statement from the optical bodies said.
There has been confusion of late regarding the classification and use of fluorescein within practices (News 29.06.12), with both the General Optical Council and European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) seeking further clarification. B+L said the discontinuation of Fluorets, used by optometrists for fitting contact lenses and assessing ocular health, had been made for commercial reasons.
The company said: 'This decision was made after carefully considering a variety of factors including alternative diagnostic options, availability of raw materials and cost. It is not the result of any safety concern or product recall. No other B+L products are impacted, including fluorescein products, which remain available.'
B+L will continue to produce sodium fluorescein in Minim form, in both 1 per cent and 2 per cent solutions, with the College of Optometrists due to issue clinical advice on their use.
The GOC said it was in communication with stakeholders including the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to obtain information on the legality of practitioners using possible alternatives to Fluorets.
The BCLA said it was disappointed production had stopped as Fluorets was the only P medicine classified dry form of the stain, and an essential tool in eye care.
It said alternative dry forms of sodium fluorescein were available but did not hold a P licence in the UK. Those with a valid CE mark could still be used for contact lens-related diagnostic purposes but the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers was investigating which products fell into this category.
The BCLA said Minims fluorescein sodium produced the same effect as Fluorets, but added it was very difficult to instil a small enough dose of fluorescein from a Minim, resulting in excessive fluorescence and the masking of subtle staining. 'It is important to wait until some of this fluorescein has drained before examining the eye. In addition, they are expensive and there is significant wastage associated with too great a volume of fluorescein per Minim and of the packaging,' it added.