Newly honoured contact lens entrepreneur Ron Hamilton has insisted that the online sale of contact lenses has been restricted by regulators but will one day become more mainstream.
Hamilton collected a CBE for services to the contact lens industry this month after being included in the Queen's New Year's Honours list (News 13.01.12).
He said: 'My work of applying internet technology to sales/supply is not yet mainstream optics but, in time, the benefits of being able to manage a massive database of real-life wearer experiences will, I hope, convert the sceptics.
'I believe that the same technology, similarly applied to other healthcare products, will prove to be a major contributor to more affordable healthcare in the future. Where optics could have led, the regulatory process could, in my experience, only attempt to restrict. However, one day I might be asked to present a "paper" but I doubt it will be by the GOC.'
The founder of daily disposable contact lens manufacturer Daysoft was presented with his honour at an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland, on July 3.
'I felt especially honoured given that the Queen presented the award herself in this her Diamond Jubilee year. I was amazed at her immediate grasp of, not just what the award was for, but of her immediate asking about "disposable contact lenses" and her acknowledgement that "these must have helped many people".
'Of necessity our chat was brief but her attention to detail made me feel it was an entirely personal encounter and clearly recognised occasion and award.'