Mail Order/Internet Contact Lenses

In the UK, contact lenses can only be installed by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, qualified dispensing optician or doctor. Once installation is complete, your doctor will provide a contact lens specification

Under the new regulations introduced in June 2005, then you can buy contact lenses to your specification or that your professional equipped lenses, or other sources, provided that the sale is under the 'general direction' of a registered doctor.

The seller must have a date in the specification in order to provide you with lenses or, if that is not available, check with your doctor the statement. The specification must include an expiration date and the date on which are due for the next round of contact lens check-up. Any sale of contact lenses also must arrange for "aftercare" to be conducted.

Companies in the UK supplying lenses through mail order or Internet must comply with the new rules. Some supermarkets have also begun selling contact lenses through their stores in pharmacies, through websites and telephone lines end.

The expiry date of its specifications and the recommended interval between checks depend on such factors as the type of lens, how you use lenses of the person and their clinical characteristics. However, it is in their best interests to be scheduled for checkups at least every 12 months. The College also recommends that you will only receive a maximum of 6 months' supply, or the number of lenses you expect to need before the expiration date, at any given time.