COLOURED PLANO CONTACT LENSES

Restriction on sale of Plano or Novelty Contact Lenses

The Health Legislation Further Amendment Act 2004 commenced on the 1 January 2005 and amended the Optical Dispensers Act 1963. The changes restrict the sale of plano or novelty contact lenses to licensed optical dispensers and optometrists. The legislation also requires that purchasers of novelty contact lenses be provided with information in relation to the use and care of the lenses.

The Optical Dispensers Licensing Board and Optometrists Registration Board have jointly developed policy and guidelines for consumer information relating to the sale of novelty contact lenses.

It is essential that optical dispensers who may intend to sell these lenses without a prescription be fully aware of their obligations under this policy.

Sale of plano novelty and coloured contact lenses must be made by an optical dispenser or optometrist and not other ancillary staff employed in the business.

Applicants who do not hold any formal qualifications in optical dispensing will not be eligible to sit the test.

Remember, you are not obliged to sell the lenses if you feel that their sale would be inappropriate. You are required to exercise your discretion.