Cosmetic Contact Lenses

24 Mar 2009

Question No:  936  

Question

Name of the Person: Dr Lim Wee Kiak

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 is the Ministry doing to prevent the sale of cosmetic contact lenses which 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.

Reply

Reply From MOH

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.