Clarification issued this week by the General Optical Council surrounding the sale and supply of optical appliances is a fantastic start in tightening up the rules surrounding the sale of contact lenses and specs on the internet.
The GOC has had to take a lot of stick from the profession and the industry over its role in policing and prosecuting those who have sought to supply optical appliances at, or beyond, the fringe of the law.
What the missive from Harley Street makes clear is that armed with unequivocal advice from its QC on the law surrounding supply it is poised to prosecute those who transgress.
At a briefing to explain the clarification, chairman Rosie Varley and registrar Peter Coe were mindful of their remit to protect the public while also ensuring the public has freedom to buy spectacles and contact lenses.
Optician left the meeting with the distinct impression that the public will hear a lot more from the GOC about buying and wearing eyewear, what is safe and legal and what to avoid.
For many in the profession there are still frustrations with the law surrounding issues such as 'brand switching' and the legal supervised sale of plano contact lenses in the absence of an eye examination or fitting.
Optician also left the meeting with the impression that the GOC has its own frustrations about the law and about getting those messages across to the public. Some of that frustration must lie at the door of the profession. There is nothing more powerful than face to face contact with patients and that is what the practitioner has. There is also no reason why the written prescription shouldn't carry all of the warnings, riders and protective information patients need to avoid falling foul of internet sellers intent on circumventing the law.