View from the GOC: Halloween advice

With Halloween quickly approaching and people scrambling to sort out their costumes, we want to remind registrants of the importance of informing patients about how to protect their eyes this Halloween.

By law, contact lenses should only be sold by a doctor or registered optician. However, it is not uncommon for patients to buy zero-powered lenses illegally from shops or market stalls or online sellers, without realising the risks involved.

For this reason, Halloween is a good opportunity for registrants to ask their patients if they plan on using spooky lenses, and if so, to advise them to only buy them from a registered optician or doctor. As a professional, you will be able to ensure that the lenses fit properly and are not damaging to the eyes, and will also provide advice on how to wear and care for them safely.