Forum offers CL advice

Guidelines for internet sellers and users of contact lenses have been published by the European Contact Lens Forum.

The updates followed up the ECLF's 2011 seminar on contact lens distribution channels. It explained there was an increasing need for information and guidance as the importance of these new channels, namely the internet, for contact lenses and lens care products was increasing continuously.

The Best Practice document gave guidance to sellers on good client service, pointing out the need for professional care when wearing contact lenses. It said buyers should be asked at each transaction for a current, valid, contact lens specification. Internet sellers should: 'Point the customer to their contact lens specialist when asked for alternative products, unless using a list that shows the Private Label and the original brand name, as you cannot substitute without replicating the actual specification'.