17 Mar 2022

Trading on contact lenses including ophthalmic frames by unauthorised personnel and advertising outlets is prohibited.

A press release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness has cautioned the public against buying contact lenses from places not designated to provide health services since they may not be backed by any clinical evaluation.

As such, the ministry advises that illegal vendors are not qualified to render eye care services.

The release further says, ‘all those who are found selling eye contact lenses without being duly registered are violating the law and liable for a fine of between P5 000 and P100 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.’

Contact lenses, states the release, just like any other medical devices are approved by Botswana Medicine Regulatory Authority (BoMRA), and therefore, their use should be preceded by a comprehensive eye examination that begins with contact lens case history, evaluation of functional vision and refractive status.

“Bio microscopic evaluation is also needed to assess the health of the eye surface, determine compatibility, lens type, wearing time, care and compliance, in the case of past contact lens users.

It is therefore mandatory that a qualified-registered eye care professional safeguards the eye health of a contact lens wearer,” says the media release.

In addition, it says eye care professionals are trained to perform comprehensive services such as eye examination, contact lens fitting and follow-up visits as a part of contact lens aftercare.

Therefore, the ministry warns the public on the risks associated with contact lens non-compliance and usage without the supervision of a professional.

The release states that misuse of contact lenses can cause serious sight-threatening complications such as corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers.

Furthermore, it says the supply of frames without professional guidance deviates from the best interest of the patient and their eye health. ENDS