Letters: August 1

Chris Kerr (Letters, July 18) calls for comments from the GOC and the College of Optometrists. I am happy to say that the positions he outlines are already supported by published material from both bodies.

Plano lenses can only be sold under the supervision of a registered optometrist, dispensing optician or medical practitioner. The College's guidelines make it clear that it is in the interest of public safety that this is only done following a fitting: 'While there is no legal requirement to fit a person with zero-powered contact lenses, it is in the best interests of the patient to do so. Therefore, before supplying any patient with zero-powered lenses who does not have a valid written specification, the patient should be fitted with appropriate lenses by an optometrist/contact lens optician and issued with a written specification where appropriate. Any optometrist/dispensing optician who is responsible for supervising the sale and supply of zero-powered lenses where the patient does not possess written specification should ensure that the supervisee refers the patient for fitting.'