Clearly Contacts is trying to cash in on Halloween in Australia by promoting ‘FDA’ approved coloured prescription and plano contact lenses online, which appear not to have been approved by the Australian regulatory body the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA).
Last year Clearly Contacts was forced to withdraw contact lens sales when it was found to be importing and onselling contact lenses that were not approved by the TGA.
Clearly Contacts states on their website that the Halloween contact lenses are manufactured in Korea by Bescon. Bescon Tutti colour contact lenses have achieved TGA approval however there is no mention of TGA approval for these SFX lenses.
Clearly Contact Lenses offers an FAQ page, which has seemingly been written for American and Canadian customers, however upon proceeding to the order completion page, ‘Australia’ is the nominated country for delivery.
There is no requirement for proof of a prescription, although the FAQ page recommends one.
Dr. Emma Gillies, Professional Affairs Manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care said businesses that sell non-TGA approved contact lenses are a concern.
“It is deeply concerning that the public are able to purchase prescription lenses that are not TGA approved online. My greatest concern is that the young adults buying these lenses may never have worn lenses before and are consequently at increased risk of developing a sight threatening microbial keratitis through lack of knowledge about lens application and removal, appropriate lens care and compliance,” she said.
“When lenses are purchased online, there is no connectivity with their optometrist who can provide appropriate guidance on both suitability and compliance.”
Dr. Gillies said films such as Twilight have increased the popularity of these novelty lenses, but without appropriate advice on the risks associated with non-compliance, the potential to develop an adverse reaction is very high.
Non TGA approved contact lenses can not be imported into the country unless they are for personal use and a maximum of 15 months supply of any ‘medical device’ is allowed by any one person in any one year. The TGA warns individuals against buying contact lenses from overseas providers and warns that they do so at their own risk.
“Individuals wishing to import unapproved products for their personal use should be aware that in many cases the quality, safety and efficacy of the goods may be unknown and they must therefore be prepared to accept any risks associated with the use of such products. If an individual suffers adverse consequences from taking such medicines, information about the goods and redress may be difficult to obtain.”
Additionally, the TGA warns consumers to “make sure the site requires a valid prescription” – something Clearly Contacts does not require a user to do.
“To purchase or import prescription medicine in Australia, you must have a valid Australian-issued prescription. Prescriptions obtained following an ‘online consultation’, or questionnaire, are not acceptable. Sites that offer online prescriptions, or that will sell prescription medicines to you without any prescription, are not legitimate and should be avoided,” said the TGA.
