Preamble
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Optometric Association (SAOA) are concerned by the increasing trend of various retailers who market prescription spectacles and contact lenses without proper eye examinations by authorised and registered practitioners. This illegal practice poses a serious threat to public health.
Public Health Risks
Spectacles and contact lenses require a precise prescription and fitting following a comprehensive eye examination by a registered optometrist. The examination is essential for evaluating vision, detecting eye diseases, and identifying other health issues. Individuals with vision problems should consult with an optometrist for proper spectacles, contact lenses, or vision therapy.
Vision problems and reading difficulties are common, especially with age. Although ready-made spectacles may appear convenient, they can potentially harm one’s vision. A thorough eye examination is necessary to obtain the correct prescription. Furthermore, purchasing cosmetic or colour contact lenses from untrained, unqualified, and unregistered sources poses significant risks. These risks include severe eye infections and permanent loss of vision. Proper assessment by an optometrist is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing serious conditions.
Legal and Professional Standards
Issuing prescription spectacles and contact lenses without proper examination by an authorised practitioner violates the Health Professions Act. Only registered optometrists and dispensing opticians, regulated by the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (PBODO) are licensed to prescribe and dispense corrective lenses.
The HPCSA’s mandate is to protect public health by ensuring that all healthcare services, including optometry and dispensing opticianry, meet the highest standards of safety and quality. Selling corrective lenses without proper authorisation undermines professional standards and jeopardises public health by compromising the quality of eye care services.
Warning to Unauthorized Outlets
Selling prescription spectacles and contact lenses by non-registered persons in accordance with existing legislation is illegal. The HPCSA Inspectorate Office and SAOA are collaborating with law enforcement and other regulatory bodies to take legal action against offenders. Unauthorized illegal medical practices carry severe consequences, and we are committed to protecting the public by taking all necessary steps against these unlawful activities.
Appeal to the Public
The public is urged to obtain spectacles and medical contact lenses only from registered optometrists and dispensing opticians to ensure accurate diagnoses and proper prescriptions. Purchasing spectacles or cosmetic contact lenses from online or in-store retailers without a thorough examination by a registered practitioner, is not advisable. Practitioners’ credentials can be verified through the HPCSA’s online register. Any suspected illegal activity should be reported immediately to the HPCSA
.Conclusion
The HPCSA and SAOA are dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of the South African public. We urge all citizens to prioritize their eye health by seeking care from registered practitioners and avoiding unauthorized illegal eyewear retailers. Together, we can uphold eye care standards and protect the integrity of the profession.
