Cracking down on unlicensed contact lens vendors

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Optical Council will issue warnings to online contact lenses vendors to curb the sale of unauthorised contact lenses.
Director-General of Health Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman said although the Optical Act 1991 did not cover online sales of contact lenses, the move would help improve the situation.
He said the Health Ministry and the council would be enforcing stricter measures.
He added that unauthorised contact lenses vendors at night markets and beauty salons, would be fined heavily.
Contact lenses from an optical store were not guaranteed to be authorised unless the optician had a "prescription and dispensation permit" issued by the council.
Dr Hasan said unlicensed contact lenses vendors could be charged under the Optical Act 1991 and the fine was no less than RM1,000 for the first offence.
For subsequent offences, the fine was RM2,000 as well as six months' jail.
Dr Hasan added that the ministry's Medical Device Control Division and the Private Medical Practice Control Unit (Ukaps) were currently identifying the unauthorised dealers.
"The ministry will be publishing pamphlets specifically for contact lenses users on the dangers of using unauthorised lenses.
"Contact lenses users need proper eye examination and constant supervision, at least in the first year," he said.
Dr Hasan added that the ministry was also working with the Malaysian Customs Department relating to the import and sales of contact lenses in Malaysia.