PLANO, NOVELTY AND COLOURED CONTACT LENSES

BOARD POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR CONSUMERS

As a result of a change to the definition of "optical appliance" in the Optical Dispensers Act 1963, plano, novelty and coloured contact lenses may only be supplied to members of the public in New South Wales by licensed optical dispensers and registered optometrists.

Whilst this Board does not encourage the supply of contact lenses without a prescription, the change in the legislation ensures that the supply of plano lenses remains within the purview of registered health professionals, helps to ensure that lenses are properly fitted and that consumers receive proper attention and advice when purchasing them. However, optometrists need to be mindful that they should exercise their discretion and not dispense plano lenses to any person who is under-age or appears to have a contra-indication.

The Optometrists Registration Board and the Optical Dispensing Licensing Board have developed two pamphlets on this subject, supplies of which were sent to all registered optometrists and licensed optical dispensers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory during December 2006.

The first pamphlet contains the Boards’ joint policy on the supply of plano lenses. It is essential that optometrists who intend selling these lenses without a prescription are fully aware of their obligations under this policy and of the possible consequences of their sale. In particular, optometrists must ensure that consumers are provided with the written health warnings set out in the second pamphlet, the two-page "Information Sheet", which also contains guidelines on the care and maintenance of lenses and advice about wearing them.

Finally, optometrists and optical dispensers are reminded that ancillary staff employed at their practices are not authorised to sell plano contact lenses.

Please follow the links to download copies of the pamphlets.