We are increasing our efforts to target illegal contact lens sales.
We will be vigorously pursuing breaches of the Opticians Act, such as selling zero-powered or plano lenses without the supervision of a registered optician (or doctor).
Such prosecutions had been on hold while we waited for a European court case that may have rendered them unlawful. However, the case has now concluded and there is no legal barrier to us prosecuting these illegal sales.
We have received complaints that a number of traders are selling illegally. We are now sending cease and desist letters to them, and any trader who ignores this warning may be prosecuted under the Opticians Act.
We are also working to raise awareness of the issue among trading standards officers, and will exhibit at the Trading Standards Institute conference in June.
David Howell, Director of Regulatory Services, said: “Plano lenses sold without an optician’s involvement can seriously damage customers’ eyes, as well as being illegal. We will take action against any shop or individual who breaks the laws set out in the Opticians Act.”
To report illegal sales of plano lenses or any other breach of the Opticians Act, telephone 020 7580 3898 and select option 2.
We are increasing our efforts to target illegal contact lens sales.