Assogruppi says no to online sale of contact lenses

Following the reply to a complaint by Federottica regarding the sale of contact lenses on line, the Ministry of Health responded to a similar complaint made by Assogruppi Ottica: the sale of contact lenses on line is strictly forbidden.

The ministerial decree of February 3, 2003 already established that the sale of contact lenses, including those used purely for aesthetic purposes, is restricted to opticians and that, therefore, it must be carried out by the latter “directly” or under their “direct control”.

Despite this, in recent years the online sale of contact lenses has increased and it is for this reason that the opticians’ and optometrists’ associations have asked the Ministry to take an official stance on the subject.

“My clients” declared Assogruppi Ottica attorney, “maintain that the limitations imposed by the discipline must be observed, mainly because they protect the consumer. There can be no doubt that contact lenses, which are defined as medical devices in legislative decree No. 46 of 1997, are products that pose a risk for the health and safety of patients. Consequently, the presence of an optician is essential when choosing the most appropriate lenses for the eyes and for giving precise instructions for the correct and safe use of the lenses”.