GOC warns of risks of illegal lens sales

A new General Optical Council booklet warns that people could be putting their sight at risk by wearing illegally sold cosmetic contact lenses.

The GOC's director of regulatory service David Howell pointed out that cosmetic lenses were being sold illegally at hairdressers, pharmacies, market stalls and novelty shops and added that the GOC was taking action against unregistered retailers selling them illegally, using its power to prosecute under the Opticians Act.

The booklet, endorsed by the British Contact Lens Association, explains that consumers should only buy the lenses from a legal source, have them fitted by a professional and follow all advice how to wear and look after the lenses.