A group of practitioners is to claim that a lack of regulation in online spectacle supply is putting patient safety at risk and is taking its objections to the GOC.
They will voice their anxiety through a letter to the Council, and ask for a response. The letter, which emerged from the forum www.theOptom.com, states: 'Our concerns arise from the fact that qualified staff are being advertised as being in attendance on all these websites.
'However, we fail to see how the rules and regulations governing the sale and supply of spectacles are being adhered to by these parties.'
The letter claims there is 'compelling evidence' against companies who dispense spectacles remotely.
'We feel that at best the profession's image is becoming tarnished, and at worst, customers are being supplied with spectacles which could potentially cause great discomfort, impaired vision or lead to accident/injury.'
It reminds the GOC that professionals must adhere to strict guidelines, and urges it to investigate several instances of poor service to decide whether the internet companies and their professional staff are working to the same standards as those expected in the high street.
They claim:
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