Halloween returned this week with a scary reminder that young patients are still being tricked into buying novelty contact lenses.
Unfortunately for the UK optical market, the prospect of ridding the market of illegally sold cosmetic lenses is some way off. Despite continued efforts by optical bodies, regulators and their high street foot soldiers, a simple internet or market stall search for coloured contact lenses still delivers quick results not asking fo verification. Some retailers are circumventing the law, others are just ignoring it.
It means members of the public can browse through vampire, white tiger and blood-stained contact lenses with little more regard for their safety than while buying a new Pennywise clown outfit.
The profession has long been calling for the GOC to take more action across all illegal contact lens sales and this time of year always brings the regulator’s duties to the fore.
As an AOP position statement last year, calling for greater control on illegal practice, noted: ‘As action is very rarely taken, the law provides little deterrent to those engaged in illegal practice. As a result, this undermines confidence in regulation and provides little protection to the public.’
Since then the GOC has strengthened its stance (see In Focus) with new campaigning and leaflets to warn some of the culprits involved – but it will know deep down that eventually sanctions must follow.
Indeed, it has reached a point where the illegal sales that damage the eye health of young patients could also hit the reputation of innovative, properly regulated cosmetic contact lens manufacturers and practices.
More action must be taken before this becomes an issue that haunts optics all year round.