[Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007]Sales of Contact Lens Online Strictly Prohibited

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Parliament: Eye infections from cosmetic contact lenses
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090324-130740.html
>> ASIAONE / HEALTH / NEWS / STORY
Parliament: Eye infections from cosmetic contact lenses
Tue, Mar 24, 2009
AsiaOne
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 23 MARCH 2009

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Lim Wee Kiak
MP for Sembawang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many cases of eye infection caused by the use of coloured contact lenses were treated at government clinics/hospitals over the past 3 years; (b) whether there is any control on the sale of cosmetic contact lenses; (c) what the Ministry is doing to prevent the sale of cosmetic contact lenses that are also sold on the Internet; and (d) how many people have been booked for selling these lenses or practising optometry without a proper licence over the past 3 years.

Answer

1. Eye infections caused by coloured contact lenses are not that common. Over the past 3 years, there were about 6 cases a year of eye infections seen at our public hospitals, due to the use of cosmetic contact lenses, of which coloured contact lenses form a sub-set. This is probably because the usage of such lenses is low.

2. We control the sale of contact lenses to protect consumer interest, as ill-fitted contacts can cause complications including conjunctivitis, allergic reactions, corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers, which may lead to deterioration of vision. Under the Optometrists and Opticians Act, only registered optometrists and contact lens practice (CLP) opticians can prescribe, dispense or sell contact lenses.

3. In addition, importers and distributors of contact lenses, including those who operate online, are required under the Health Products (Medical Devices) Regulations to maintain distribution and complaint records. If they are aware of any adverse events associated with the use of the contact lenses that they had imported or supplied in Singapore, they are required by law to inform the Health Sciences Authority.

4. We do not allow companies to sell contact lenses on-line directly to consumers. Companies can supply contact lenses only to qualified persons.

5. Over the past 3 years, there have been 3 cases of successful prosecution on those practising optometry or selling contact lenses illegally. The Ministry is currently investigating several cases relating to the sale of contact lenses on the Internet.

6. We maintain close surveillance of the situation and will take relevant enforcement and public health action when needed. The enforcement against Internet sale of contact lenses is particularly challenging as the owners of the websites are often elusive.

7. Consumers have an important role to play to safeguard their own vision: Do not buy contact lenses from unlicensed vendors over the internet or elsewhere. Those who wish to use contact lenses should undergo proper eye examination and contact lens fitting by qualified optometrists or CLP opticians. We will carry out regular public education efforts on this subject.





Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_vers...ICIANS ACT 2007 &date=latest&method=part&sl=1

Unlawful engagement in optometry or opticianry
25. —(1) No person shall —

(a) carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry; or

(b) advertise or otherwise hold himself out to be qualified to carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry,

unless he is a qualified person in respect of the practice of optometry or opticianry in question, and he carries out that practice in accordance with the prescribed conditions.

(2) No person shall employ any person who is not a qualified person in respect of a practice of optometry or opticianry to carry out that practice of optometry or opticianry.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to any transitional or saving provisions as may be provided for by section 41 or by the regulations.

(4) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
 
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