GOC exercises contact lens powers

Tackling illegal contact lens sales took centre stage at the 195th General Optical Council meeting in London.

The meeting, at the GOC's Harley Street headquarters, revealed a significant number of referrals since a court ruling confirmed the GOC could continue to enforce laws on illegal contact lens sales.

The GOC reported 122 referrals of alleged illegal contact lens sales, with 45 cases closed and 77 under examination. As a result, it said 12 retailers had stopped selling zero-powered or plano lenses.

GOC chief executive and registrar Samantha Peters said: 'Since last year's EU court ruling, we have been able to vigorously pursue breaches of the Opticians Act.