US association lobbies for recall

Following patient safety lobbying earlier this year, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has pressed the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a product recall of 1-800 Contacts’ online vision test.

The FDA posted a recall notice for Visibly’s (previously Opternative) online eye test on August 8 due to the test’s failure to meet safety and efficacy standards.

Prior to the recall notice being issued the AOA had lobbied the FDA for three years, motivated by potentially serious health risks to the public.

Citing the striking similarities between Visibly and 1-800 Contacts’ products, the AOA has sent a letter to the FDA setting out its concerns and requesting that the online eye test be banned.