In focus: Is campaigning enough for compliance?

A voluntary code of practice for contact lens retailers has so far been the ‘one that got away’ for policy makers at the GOC.

Thwarted by a lack of evidence, other priorities and geographical barriers, it was decided to ‘park’ the illegal practice code, through which compliant contact lens vendors would have gained a stamp of approval.

Instead, the regulator has committed to improving public awareness of contact lens wear – through research, PR and most recently a campaign.

‘Love Your Lenses’ was launched in March to flag up the importance of safe contact lens wear, and rekindled the debate about illegal contact lens wear during its last quarterly council meeting.