The College of Optometrists

In the UK, contact lenses can only be fitted by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, qualified dispensing optician or medical practitioner. Once fitting is completed, your practitioner will issue you with a contact lens specification

 

Under new regulations introduced in June 2005, you may then buy contact lenses to your specification either from the practitioner who fitted your lenses, or from other sources provided the sale is under the ‘general direction’ of a registered practitioner.

 

The seller must have an in-date specification in order to supply you with lenses or, if this is not available, check the specification with your practitioner. The specification must include an expiry date and the date you are due for your next scheduled contact lens check-up. Anyone selling contact lenses must also make arrangements for ‘aftercare’ to take place.

 

Businesses in the UK supplying lenses via mail order or the internet must comply with the new regulations. Some supermarkets have also begun selling contact lenses through their in-store pharmacies, websites and via telephone order lines.

 

The expiry date of your specification and the recommended interval between check-ups will depend on factors such as the type of lens, how you wear the lenses and your individual clinical features. However, it is in your best interests for scheduled check-ups to be at least every 12 months. The College also recommends that you only receive a maximum of 6 months’ supply, or the number of lenses you expect to need before the expiry date, at any one time.